CEBU, Philippines — Cebu gears up and firms up its position as the Design Capital of Asia as it prepares for next year’s ‘Design Week’ event. 

Spearheaded by the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation Inc. (CFIF), consultant Ruby Salutan said next year’s ‘Design Week’ will further define Cebu’s edge in design, at least across identified areas of the creative economy, which includes furniture, animation, visual arts, fashion accessories, music, fashion, theater, architecture, interior design, among others.

“We have to make Cebu as interesting place to visit. We are going beyond our mandate of just furniture,” said Salutan in an interview.

The furniture sector commits to lead the promotion of Cebu’s ace—design. This is what makes the furniture exports alive amid the stiff competition.

Last year the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported that in the Philippines, the creative industry contributed over P600 billion and employed 14.4 percent of the labor force.

Starting from now, CFIF will lead the identification of creative minds in Cebu. “We will work and organize players from ground up.”

In Central Visayas, the 2017-2022 Regional Development Plan also seeks to support the creative sector micro, small and medium enterprises through DTI and the local business chambers.

CFIF is working closely with and European Chamber of Chamber in the Philippines (ECCP). Next year’s ‘Design Week’ is slated in July.

ECCP-Business Council Cebu chairman Butch Carungay said that the sustainability of Cebu's reputation as a creative hub in Asia is important as the "CebuOfAsia" positioning will not only promote the rich creative landmine in Cebu, but also as a tourism destination.

DTI’s Trade and Investments Promotions Group (TIPG) has identified Cebu as among the Philippine cities that could be in the Creative Cities Network (CCN) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Article was originally posted on October 18, 2018 on The Philippine Star online