Cobonpue eyes realization of Cebu as ‘Design Mecca’

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue aims to lead a movement that will accelerate Cebu's realization as the "Design Mecca," following his formal appointment as science and technology (S&T) ambassador in Central Visayas.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST-7) proclaimed Cobonpue as the S&T ambassador to help industries, especially in design-based sectors, to leverage on technology to aid the already well-known design capabilities of the region, specifically Cebu.

Cobonpue, who is also the co-vice chairman for Regional Development Council (RDC-7), believes that if the design capacity and high-level creativity of Cebuanos will be properly aided with technology, its potential can take the attention of the world.

He said that fusion of creativity and science and technology is what the Philippines, including Cebu, is missing.

Cobonpue mentioned China as one of the active adaptors of science and technology in enhancing its creativity and design.

The Philippines on the other hand, despite its excellence in creativity, is still using "mano-mano" or traditional way of doing things.

"We are already a declared Creative City. We already have the skills, we have to go further and utilize the technology," he said in an interview.

As ambassador, Cobonpue pledged to bridge the gap between science/technology and the creative community.

What is surprising he said is that the government has already prepared the tools that the industry can easily tap, and yet, adapting technology remains to be a huge problem for industry players. (FREEMAN)