TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Tabuk is positioning itself as a creative city, having been selected as one of 48 cities in the Philippines for the 2024 Lunsod Lunsad, a flagship project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) mandated under Philippine Creative Industries Development Act or (RA 1104) that is focused on supporting local creative talents, promoting economic sustainability, and developing the cultural and creative landscapes of the country’s cities. Tabuk has been allocated a PhP2 million budget for the project.
The Philippine Creative Industries Development Plan’s objectives are encapsulated in the acronym “BEAMS” — Build creative ecosystems, Empower the creative workforce, Accelerate inclusive innovation, Mobilize financing support, and Seize market opportunities.
As part of the 2024 Lunsod Lunsad, with the theme “Boosting Competitive and Creative Cities,” Tabuk will launch its own project, Lunsod Lunsad ng Tabuk: Mangwa Creative Festival, from Sept. 30 to Oct. 30.
The festival will kick off with the Mangwa Creative Festival Opening Ceremony and Media Conference on Sept. 30. The event will engage the media to ensure widespread coverage and public interest, highlighting Tabuk City’s commitment to fostering creativity, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting the arts community.
The Mangwa Creative Bootcamp: Handicrafts and Souvenir Making Masterclass will be held from Oct. 1 to 4. The training will revive and innovate traditional skills, offering intensive, hands-on sessions to create high-quality handicrafts and souvenirs, exploring their potential as sustainable livelihoods.
To showcase local musical talent, the Mangwa Creative Challenge: TABUKantahan Songwriting Competition will run from Oct. 1 to 14 through online submission of entries. The competition celebrates local music, encourages creativity among aspiring songwriters, and provides a platform for artists to showcase their work.
Preserving the Gittot-Laktob weaving tradition is also a priority for Tabuk. A proposed video documentary will document the craft, highlighting the skills of local artisans and the cultural significance of Gittot-Laktob weaving. The documentary aims to raise awareness of its importance as a source of cultural pride and potential livelihood.
From Oct. 21 to 25, the Man-uto Tako Food Fair will showcase Tabuk’s traditional and contemporary culinary practices. The event will feature local chefs, farmers, and food artisans, promoting local produce, traditional dishes, and innovative culinary creations.
On Oct. 29, the Mangwa Fashion Show will showcase Tabuk’s various traditional textiles integrated into modern fashion, elevating local weaving practices while preserving their cultural significance. The show will celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship of Tabuk’s weavers.
The festival will conclude on Oct. 30 with the First Creative Industry Conference, bringing together creative professionals, policymakers, educators, and entrepreneurs to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities within the creative sector. By Rod Asurin
