IPOPHL helps make Dumaguete’s bid for ‘UNESCO City of Literature’ a success story
November 15, 2024
As Dumaguete City makes strides to become a UNESCO City for Literature, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippine (IPOPHL) is actively supporting the effort by educating the city’s writers on copyright protection to help them secure their creative legacy.
As part of its initiative, IPOPHL’s Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights held a two-day conference in Dumaguete from November 13-14, 2024, centered on the theme “Creative Rights: Dumaguete’s Path to a Literary Legacy.” The event gathered leaders in intellectual property (IP), authors and cultural advocates who shared insights in cultivating an environment where writers can write, thrive and know their rights are respected and protected.
IPOPHL Deputy Director General Ann Claire C. Cabochan said the event does not only reflect on the city’s rich history as a haven for writers, poets and artists, but will also form the city’s strong literary identity that values and safeguards the contributions of its creators.
“This city’s literary heritage is a treasure, and today we gather to understand how creative rights can help protect, empower and amplify this legacy for generations to come,” Cabochan said at the event held at the Coast Wise Hotel in Dumaguete City.
Dumaguete, known as the ‘City of Gentle People,’ has long been a space for literary voices. It is known for hosting the famous Silliman University National Writers Workshop, which has produced a roster of celebrated writers such as National Artist for Literature Dr. Edith L. Tiempo and, overall, enriched the Philippine literary landscape.
Dumaguete has been given one of the Philippine endorsements for the 2025 UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in Literature—the other being Quezon City for Film.
Established in 2004, the UCCN aims to promote cooperation with and among cities that harness creativity for sustainable urban development. To date, the Philippines has three cities recognized under this prestigious network: Iloilo City for Gastronomy, Cebu City for Design and Baguio City for Crafts and Folk Art.
“As we embark on this journey of helping Dumaguete City achieve the standing as a UNESCO Creative City for Literature, I encourage everyone to think about the legacy we are building – not just for Dumaguete’s authors, but for all who cherish the impact of literature on culture and community,” Cabochan added.
At the conference, renowned novelist and Palanca Hall of Famer Jose Y. Dalisay, Jr. brought the audience to his outlook of the future challenges and opportunities that await today’s novelists.
Book Development Association of the Philippines President Andrea Pasion-Flores walked writers through the business journey, from writing the manuscript to bringing it to market.
Youth Advocates Through Theatre Arts Founder and Director Dessa Quesada-Palm talked about writing for theater while novelist Geraldine Solon showed the possibilities in writing for a global audience.
F. Jordan Carnice, receiver of the Nick Joaquin Literary Award Poet of the Year in 2023, shared practical tips to create impactful poetry while also showing writers how they can carve their paths amid shifting global poetry trends.
Meanwhile, Buglas Writers Guild President Ian Rosales Casocot inspired audiences to turn their writing passion into a profession. He also underscored the city’s journey towards becoming a UNESCO creative city and what it would mean to its literary legacy.
Aside from the conference on copyright, IPOPHL also held seminars during the visit, highlighting IP as a business tool for local government units, GoNegosyo centers, business counselors and MSMEs. # # # (Janina Lim, Information Officer III)