DAVAO — The City of Tagum Cultural Center came alive on September 24, 2026, as the local creative community gathered for the opening of the 1st Tagum City Creative Month Celebration. The event marked a new chapter for artists, practitioners, and cultural workers.
A Celebration of Creative Talent
The program opened with a message from Hon. Agripino Coquilla Jr., SP Vice Chair on Tourism, Trade and Industry. He set the direction for a month dedicated to creativity, collaboration, and cultural development.
The celebration also highlighted Ma'am Alma L. Uy, President and Co-Chairperson of the Tourism Council. She presented Tagum City's expression of interest to bid for the 2029 UNESCO Creative Cities enlistment for Performing Arts, specifically Music.
Keynote speaker Paolo Federico A. Ramos, Deputy Executive Director of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council Secretariat, inspired the crowd. His presence underscored the broader opportunities within the creative economy and its role in shaping communities.
The cultural center buzzed with energy as creatives from various disciplines filled the venue. Visual artists, musicians, writers, designers, and performers mingled, forging connections that will strengthen the local creative ecosystem.
A Month of Art, Music, and Trade
The ceremonial opening of the 2026 Creative Trade Fair and Maanyag Creations followed. Guests also enjoyed the formal viewing of the Creative Arts Exhibit, which showcased works from local visual artists and craftspeople.
The Tagum City Performing Arts Exhibition 2026 highlighted the city's musical and theatrical talents. Performers took the stage despite the rain, demonstrating the resilience and passion of Tagum's creative community.
The trade fair features local products, artworks, and creations from homegrown entrepreneurs and artists. It offers a platform for creative practitioners to reach wider audiences and generate income while sharing their craft.
Eyes on UNESCO Creative Cities Bid
Tagum City's bid for the 2029 UNESCO Creative Cities Network under Performing Arts represents a major step forward. If successful, it would place the city alongside global creative hubs recognized for cultural excellence.
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network promotes cooperation among cities that invest in culture and creativity. Membership would open doors to international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and funding opportunities for local artists.
City officials believe the bid reflects Tagum's vibrant musical heritage and growing creative economy. The month-long celebration serves as a showcase of the city's readiness to compete on a global stage.
A Resilient and Creative Community
Even with the rain, the spirit of creativity shone through. The opening celebration continued, bringing people together to appreciate and support the talents that make Tagum truly creative.
The event is more than an opening; it marks the beginning of a month dedicated to putting Tagum's creative spirit in the spotlight. Various activities will follow, engaging different sectors of the community.
"We Are Creative Nation. We Are Creative Tagum." The slogan captures the city's ambition and pride. It serves as a rallying cry for artists and residents to embrace their role in nation-building through culture.
