CDO Culture & Arts Council: Honoring Traditions, Fostering Creativity

EVERY August, the excitement for Cagayan de Oro’s city fiesta fills the air. Our streets come alive with vibrant parades, joyous laughter, and the infectious spirit of celebration. The city is adorned with colorful decorations, festive music echoes through the streets, the enticing aroma of local delicacies waft through the air, and the heartwarming sight of families and friends uniting in joyous festivities become a testament to our panaghigalaay.

In celebrating our city fiesta, we honor not only our beloved patron saint, St. Augustine, and the enduring friendships that define our community, but we also embrace a series of events that spotlight the talents of Kagay-anons and the vibrant culture of our city. From traditional performances to modern artistic expressions, every facet of our cultural identity will be on full display, showcasing the heart and soul of Cagayan de Oro.

A key advocate for the advancement of local talents and the creative industry in the city is Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez. Her dedication is reflected in the legislations she has championed, including the proposed Original Kagay-an Music (OKM) Ordinance, Tsada Oro Film Ordinance, and the Regional Culinary Trail of the Buy Local Initiatives of Cagayan de Oro City. She has also spearheaded activities like the Higaonon Arts and Music Workshop, Kanta ta Bai Songwriting Competition, Kaon ta Bai: Celebrating CdeO’s Culinary Legacy, and Sayaw ta Bai: CDO Dance Festival.

Photo credits: VM Bebot Rodriguez official Facebook page

Furthering her cause, Vice Mayor Bebot filed a proposed ordinance in April 2024 titled "A Proposed Ordinance Establishing the Cagayan de Oro Culture and Arts Council." This proposal aligns with the mandatory requirement of Republic Act No. 11904, the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, which mandates LGUs, in coordination with the DILG, to establish a Local Culture and Art Council.

Key highlights of the proposed ordinance include the active pursuit of our city’s inclusion in the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network, aiming to strengthen our global presence and foster cultural exchange for sustainable urban development. The proposal also encourages collaboration with sister cities and international partners for cultural exchanges and joint initiatives, the initiation of an annual Creative Month Festival to celebrate and promote our local creative industries, and the establishment of creative incubator spaces to nurture creative startups within the city.

The lady vice mayor recognizes that our city is brimming with talent, spanning generations and crossing all walks of life. A shining example of this is the Cagayan de Misamis Entablado Inc., which she proudly supported. This group of Kagay-anons recently showcased their artistic prowess on the international stage at the 41st Voiron Chartreuse World Cultures Festival in Campan, France—a testament to the artistic excellence of our people, ready to shine on both local and global stages.

Once the proposed legislation is enacted, our creative industry will gain more recognition and support far beyond our city streets, not just during the city fiesta but throughout the year, setting the stage for continued development and creative prominence.