Dumaguete City, Quezon City join UNESCO Creative Cities Network

The Philippines' Dumaguete City and Quezon City are now part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).

The two cities are among the 58 new member cities of the UCCN that were announced by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in celebration of World Cities Day 2025. 

Dumaguete City was designated Creative City of Literature, while Quezon City was designated Creative City of Film, following its application to the UNESCO Creative City of Film Network in 2023.

In a statement, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said, "From the golden era of Sampaguita Pictures and the brilliance of icons like Lino Brocka, Dolphy, Nora Aunor and Fernando Poe Jr., to the new generation of creators bringing our stories to life today—this recognition honors each and every one of them."

She adds, "This is for the workers behind the screen and the QCitizens who deserve quality access to films. Today, we celebrate a big achievement in Philippine cinema but the work starts again tomorrow.” Mayor Belmonte stressed Quezon City’s initiatives continue to spotlight local film workers and show quality films to everyday QCitizens."

"UNESCO Creative Cities demonstrate that culture and creative industries can be concrete drivers of development. By welcoming 58 new cities, we are strengthening a Network where creativity supports local initiatives, attracts investment, and promotes social cohesion," said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. 

Other Philippine cities part of the UCCN are Baguio City (Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, 2017), Cebu City (Creative City of Design, 2019), and Iloilo City (Creative City of Gastronomy, 2023). 

The UCCN now includes 408 cities in more than 100 countries, all recognized for their strong creative sectors and for placing culture and creativity at the heart of their development strategies.

This year, Architecture was added to the network's seven existing fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Media Arts, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, and Music. 

Full list of UCCN's new member cities. 

—CDC, GMA Integrated News