BUTUAN CITY – Four cities in the Caraga Region have been granted funding and technical support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to transform their creative assets into hubs for local artists and creatives.
The cities of Surigao, Bislig, Bayugan, and Butuan have collectively received PHP5.6 million under DTI's "Lunsod Lunsad" project, said DTI-13 spokesperson Banawe Corvera-Curato in an interview Wednesday.
Bislig City, which received PHP2 million, launched its “Lunsod Lunsad: Pabibo sa Baywalk” on Sept. 9, featuring the Tinuy-an Sayaw Festival, art contests, and nightly events until Sept. 18, Corvera-Curato said.
Butuan City, which also received PHP2 million, will host a series of events from Sept. 13 to Nov. 13, including a trophy sculpture design competition and the Balangay Independent Film and Theater Festival.
Bayugan City (PHP935,000) and Surigao City (PHP699,000) will also hold their own creative activities, such as arts and crafts exhibits, poetry competitions, and cultural performances.
Surigao and Bislig have already formalized their agreements with DTI, while Butuan and Bayugan are still finalizing theirs.
The four cities are among 63 nationwide honored during the 2024 Lunsod Lunsad awarding ceremony in August. (PNA)
