Philippines' Cebu City honoured as first "ASEAN City of Culture"

ASEAN's Ministers of Culture and the Arts have designated Cebu City the first ever ASEAN City of Culture.

Nestor Jardin of the Cultural Center of the Philippines said Cebu was picked for its strength in the creative industry. He cited as examples the Sinulog Festival, held every third week of January, the field of performing arts and furniture design as major contributing factors.

Cebu City officials will accept the year-long honor during cultural celebrations on 15-16 July.

The ASEAN City of Culture seeks to promote arts and culture to the world through its cities that reflect the region’s rich culture and heritage. The program also aims to celebrate the ASEAN arts and culture, promote the regions creative industries and cultivate long lasting friendship among member countries.