Cebu needs to ‘marry’ traditional and innovative creative concepts

CEBU, Philippines —  The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-7) vowed to help push Cebu at the forefront as brick-and-mortar concepts collide with innovative creative skills.

DTI-7 assistant regional director Nannette Arbon made this pronouncement in time with Cebu’s celebration of “Cebu Design Week” slated on September 8-15, 2019 with the main events happening at the IC3 Pavilion Convention Center.

Coming from traditional brick and mortar design or creative platform, Arbon said it is now high time for Cebu to “marry” both, in order to maximize the already rich creativity and world-class stature.

“Years ago we were in traditional brick and mortar space. But, three years ago we went into start-up space and digital space and trying the marry the two together,” said Arbon explaining that to collide this two different platforms is not an overnight job, but it needs proactive adaption among players.

She mentioned availability of Fabrication Laboratories (FabLab) in Cebu including other provinces in Central Visayas as one of the many facilities available to translate one’s creative idea into an innovation that may catch the attention of the world.

In Cebu, there are five FabLab facilities or maker spaces, one located at the University of the Philippine Cebu, at CTU-Tuburan, CTU-Argao, CTU-Danao and one in Bogo in partnership with local government units (LGUs).

Meanwhile, Industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue said with the Cebu Design Week celebration, the province is starting off its journey as a destination for innovation and creativity.

“It is important in propagating the creative culture of a place by being inspired by fellow artisans,” Cobonpue said, as he encouraged creatives to join this exciting launchpad to connect, create, cultivate.

The annual Cebu Design Week (CDW 2019) spearheaded by the Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation Inc. (CFIF), is a weeklong event, which serves as a platform that brings together the creative industries in Cebu and the neighboring regions for a week of collaboration, celebration, creation, entrepreneurship and education.