BAGUIO, PHILIPPINES – The Department of Tourism (DOT) commends the City Government of Baguio, Baguio Arts and Crafts Collective, Inc., UP Baguio, DOT-CAR and the city government for the successful launch of Ibagiw 2020. The third edition of the month-long creative festival kicked off with a grand opening on November 6, 2020 at the Baguio Convention Center and was also livestreamed on Facebook.
“DOT supports events like Ibagiw because it helps revive tourism and supports economic recovery. More importantly, it brings back jobs and gives hope to the artisans and craftsmen who help make Baguio’s culture unique. The success of Ibagiw is the success of the city’s lifeblood: its creatives,” says Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.
This year’s theme is “Breathe Inspiration, Breathe in Baguio.” It aims to showcase the city’s vibrant and diverse artistic and cultural heritage, in line with Baguio’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts and Folk Arts. The festival is open to the public until November 30.
Ibagiw 2020 puts the city’s heritage and artistic gems in the spotlight with creative and nature crawls every Saturday and Sunday. Attendees can explore and rediscover destinations in the city, such as Museo Kordilyera, the Botanical Garden, Ili-Likha Artists’ Wateringhole, Tam-awan Village, BenCab Museum, and more.
Other exciting events include an artisanal market, crafternoons, a contemporary art exhibition featuring local artists, Art in the Park, the launch of children’s books featuring the artistry of Cordillera weaving, and Anido Artist/Artisans Day. Ibagiw also gives locals the chance to express their creativity in gardening, woodcarving, and other crafts competitions.
Visitors from all over the country are welcome to join the festivities but are encouraged to follow stringent health and safety measures. Travelers are required to register on the VISITA app, where they must upload their RT-PCR test results, itinerary, travel authority, and accommodation details. Upon arrival in Baguio, they are obliged to go to the triage center, present their online registration on the VISITA app or hdf.baguio.gov.ph, and the mentioned requirements.
“We invite everyone to experience a different side of Baguio in the new normal. Ibagiw’s commitment to highlighting the city’s heritage fulfills DOT’s vision to strengthen and push cultural tourism,” adds Puyat.
The Ibagiw 2020 Creative City Festival is held in multiple venues all over the city. For the complete schedule, visit the Baguio Creative City Facebook page and the festival website: ibagiw.baguioartsandcrafts.org
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