The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Competitiveness and Innovation Group has granted the city government a PHP4.5 million grant to help develop its creative industry.

Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions (LEDIP) Office head Velma Jane Lao, in an interview on Wednesday, said the grant is for the two projects of the department — PHP1.5 million for the “Lunsod Lunsad: A Call For Creative Proposals towards Building Creative Cities” and PHP3 million for the “FiestaKucha: Philippine Regional Creative Festivals.”

Lunsod Lunsad encourages cities to submit programs, projects, and activities that support creative and innovative initiatives and promote socio-economic development through its local creative artists.

Lao said Mayor Jerry P. Treñas has chosen four domains to develop – visual, performing and digital arts, and gastronomy. The city has until Dec. 15 to conduct its mapping to identify these cultural assets.

“Once we have identified them, we will do a roadmap for the creative industry that they will pursue,” she said.

They will also avail of training under the Philippine Trade Training Center, an attached agency of the DTI.

“This is the best way to reach marginalized sectors with talent. The city, with the help of DTI, can help promote their craft,” she said.

Lao said that they are also coordinating with the DTI for the FiestaKucha, a platform for artists, performers, and creative individuals to showcase and celebrate their talent and skills.

Initially, they identified showcase and competitions of Ilonggo cuisines; “Kasadyahan sa Gab-I, which is a night showcasing vibrant culture, artistic experiences, and creative tourism in Western Visayas through performances and gastronomy; and “Istorya Ta,” series of topics that delve on creative industry topics. (PNA)