A LAWMAKER said the artists now have an avenue for promoting their talent and addressing concerns with the creation of the Office of Culture and Arts.
During Aprubado sa Konseho on Tuesday, May 27, Councilor Pilar Braga, committee of the education, science and technology, arts and culture chairperson, said, “This is our legacy for the Davao artists as we have to look at the artist sector and our support to them.”
The office, with an initial budget for the operations of P10 million, will cater to painters, filmmakers, sculptors, singers, and other creatives.
The temporary office of the Culture and Arts is at the Davao City Investment Promotion Center, which is headed by Oscar Casaysay, former executive director of the National Commission for Culture and Arts.
In an earlier interview, Casaysay said the office will push to include the city in UNESCO’s Creative Cities and Performing Arts.
The Philippines currently has three creative cities: Baguio for folk arts, Cebu for design, and Iloilo for gastronomy.
Braga said the office will receive an annual budget from the Mayor’s Office as it is a unit operating under it.
“Lahat ng mga concerns ng ating mga artists can now be addressed in a particular office kasi dati hindi nila alam kung saan pupunta,” Braga stressed.
The City Council passed City Ordinance No. 0332-23 mandating the creation of an office for Culture and the Arts under the City Mayor’s Office in November 2023.
