The CHED Zonal Creativity Summit 2024 took place on October 17-18 at the University of Baguio. The event was part of the celebration of the Philippine Creative Industries Month (PCIM) and gathered CHED regional offices and higher education institutions (HEIs) from Northern Luzon, including Regions I, II, III, and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Among the participants was the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) which showcased its creativity and innovation thrusts, alongside those of other leading HEIs in the region.

The event was themed “Bayang Pinagpala, Lahing Manlilikha,” where various universities showcased products across eight creative industry domains, namely: audiovisual, digital active media, creative services, design, publishing and printed media, performing arts, visual arts, and traditional cultural expressions and cultural sites.

In the keynote speech of Hon. J. Prospero E. De Vera III, chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, focused his talk on “Surian, Dalubhasaan, Pamantasan: Philippine HEIs as Creative Hubs,” emphasizing how Filipinos are innately creative.

In a call to action, he urged all higher education institutions (HEIs) to collaborate in fostering a creative environment that can elevate creativity on a global scale.

“We must bring together HEIs into a community of practice because creativity spans all fields in the education sector,” Prospero stated. He emphasized the critical need for institutions to unite in their efforts, for their collective action can drive innovation and enhance educational experiences across diverse disciplines.

The summit featured the creativity and contributions of HEIs to the Philippine creative industries through exhibits. UNP, known for its strong programs in arts and culture, played a pivotal role in the event. The University presented several projects and performances through an AVP that highlighted the artistic talents of its students and faculty. UNP’s participation stressed its commitment to nurturing creative minds and its contributions to the regional and national creative economy.

A series of insightful talks were conducted during the summit, aimed at equipping participants with essential skills and knowledge to enhance their contributions to the creative industries. These discussions covered a wide range of topics, including creative innovation, cultural preservation, and strategies for leveraging creativity in socioeconomic development.

The sessions equipped attendees with practical tools to help higher education institutions (HEIs) formulate strategies for fostering creativity within their organizations. Through these workshops, participants were able to share their plans and showcase their strengths across various creative industry sectors, fostering collaboration and innovation. The discussions also empowered attendees to take on leadership roles, driving growth and development within the Philippine creative sector.

The event concluded with the announcement of the Best Booth Exhibit award, which was won by the University of the Cordilleras. Their booth impressed with real-time product demonstrations and live showcases of talents and creative skills, setting a high standard for innovation and artistic expression at the summit.

Article by Ade John T. Gestole. Photo by Jedaiah Asuncion.