Western Visayas Opens Fiesta Haraya Celebration

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officially opened the Western Visayas Regional Fiesta Haraya Celebration at the Iloilo Convention Center to highlight the rich heritage and creativity of the region.

Assistant Director Jo-Dann N. Darong of the Bureau of Competitive Development presented key aspects of the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA) and updates on the Malikhaing Pinoy Program (MPP) during the morning sessions.

He emphasized the pivotal role of creative industry stakeholders, underscoring how nurturing and supporting creative sectors can drive both economic growth and cultural development in the Philippines.

Assistant Director Darong also recognized the importance of creative cities in transforming local heritage into valuable creative assets.

He further stressed the significance of regional and local competitiveness, noting the essential role of local government units (LGUs) in strengthening local economies.

Meanwhile, DTI Region 6 Director Rachel Nufable praised the commitment of the 133 participating LGUs.

She highlighted how regional collaboration enhances competitiveness and supports sustainable development in Western Visayas.

The morning session featured the Western Visayas Creativity Forum, which included discussions on the PCIDA, a dialogue among 2023 Lunsod Lunsad project beneficiaries, and a showcase of Iloilo City’s path to becoming a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

In the afternoon, the event hosted the 2024 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index Awards, which honored outstanding LGUs excelling in government efficiency, economic dynamism, infrastructure, resiliency, and innovation.

The full-day celebration marked the start of a month-long series of Fiesta Haraya activities, concluding with a Regional Fashion Week.

Additional Fiesta Haraya events will be held in other regions nationwide throughout 2024.

Fiesta Haraya is part of DTI’s Malikhaing Pinoy Program (MPP), which aims to support regional creative industries through initiatives that promote local talent and encourage community involvement in the arts.