The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has cited the local government of this capital city for its “Dumaguete Konnect” project that prioritizes the development of the creative content industry.

DTI-Negros Oriental provincial director Nimfa Virtucio and Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo received on Tuesday the 2024 Lunsod Lunsad Award with a PHP1.2-million funding for projects that would bolster the creative industry, such as in the field of entertainment.

“We are collaborating with the city government for the provision of training, seminars, and other related activities from September to November this year to allow our creative content talents to be competitive at the national and international scenes,” Virtucio told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.

Under the project, around 160 participants from the private sector and 20 from the public sector will participate in various activities that are aligned with the Philippines Creative Industries Development Plan, she added.

The creative clusters covered include video and film, music, and graphic and arts design, among others, as well as 50 songwriters, 50 graphic and visual artists, 50 creative workers, and 10 creative firms.

Partners will also shell out counterpart funds totaling PHP300,000 for the three major events.

Virtucio said that over the previous years, the city has blossomed with several original artists including songwriters, musicians, and creative content creators.

There is a need to develop and hone the skills of these talents to increase their marketability, she said.

A song-writing competition, a workshop, and an exposure festival are lined up in the coming months as part of the “Dumaguete Konnect” project, she added.

Private partners include those from creative industry firms and several schools. (PNA)