Park to host marker for Asean City of Culture

AFTER four years, Metropolitan Cebu Water District’s D’ Family Park in Talamban will host another historical event.

This time, it’s the installation of the marker of Cebu City’s distinction as the first City of Culture of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

The marker will be set up in the Asean Friendship Park inside the D’ Family Park at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 16.

Ambassadors to the Philippines of the Asean-member countries are expected to attend the event.

MCWD’s information officer Charmaine Rodriguez said this is another source of pride for Cebuanos and the marker will be another attraction in the D’ Family Park, which is a wholesome recreation site.

The Asean Friendship Park was established in 2007 when Cebu hosted the Asean Summit.

It symbolizes camaraderie among Asean-member countries.

The City of Culture marker will be installed opposite the Asean Friendship marker.

MCWD and the Cebu City government have worked hand in hand to prepare for the event.

The Asean Ministers Responsible for Culture and the Arts (AMCA) was tasked to promote mutual cooperation in the field of arts and culture among Asean-member countries.

Last year, the Philippines was chosen to be the first country to host the program, and in March this year, Cebu was picked from a list of possible culture cities for 2011 to 2012 because of its creative industries.

AMCA will declare Cebu City as an Asean City of Culture tomorrow, July 15, at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

The distinction gives Cebu City an opportunity to enhance its tourism marketing for the ASEAN region.

The Cebu City government has lined up activities from July this year until July next year showcasing Cebu’s arts and culture.