Quezon City Signs Creative Alliance with Baguio City at Montañosa Film Festival

from left - Creative Baguio City Council (CBCC) co-chair Marie Venus Tan, Quezon City Tourism Department Head Giana Aira Barata, QCinema Artistic Director Ed Lejano, Mayor Joy Belmonte, Mayor Benjamin Magalong, UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM) Secretary-General Dr. Ivan Anthony Henares, and Baguio City Councilor Vladimir Cayabas.

 

In a show of collaboration across creative fields, the Quezon City government sealed a partnership with Baguio City at the Montañosa Film Festival, strengthening ties within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

The alliance between two UNESCO Creative Cities, Quezon City for Film and Baguio City for Crafts and Folk Arts, was formalized during the UNESCO Creative Cities Alliance Dinner and Filmmakers Fellowship held at The John Hay Hotels. 

The signing was led by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, together with Creative Baguio City Council (CBCC) co-chair Marie Venus Tan, Quezon City Tourism Department Head Giana Aira Barata, QCinema Artistic Director Ed Lejano, UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM) Secretary-General Dr. Ivan Anthony Henares, Baguio City Councilor Vladimir Cayabas, and National Artist Kidlat Tahimik.

Under the agreement, both cities will promote creative exchange through artist and filmmaker mobility, joint projects, and training programs, while encouraging the integration of traditional crafts and folk arts into film production. The partnership also includes participation in festivals and cultural events, as well as joint exhibitions and screenings. Both cities committed to capacity building, knowledge sharing, and co-promotion of initiatives through international platforms such as the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

“As Creative Cities, we are called to insist that creativity is a lifeline. By supporting our artisans and industry professionals, we are strengthening our collective ability to make sense of who we are. The challenges are bigger than any one city can solve. But across varying art forms and disciplines—from the indigenous traditions of the Cordillera to the screens of Quezon City—we have so much to learn from each other. And in building this alliance, we will surely be in a better position to find the answers,” said Mayor Belmonte.

To reinforce this direction, Mayor Belmonte also announced the transformation of the Quezon City Film Commission into the Quezon City Screen Commission, marking a significant step toward supporting all forms of screen-based storytelling and creating an enabling environment where creators can thrive.

 

She also formally introduced QCinema International Film Festival Artistic Director Ed Lejano as the new head of the commission.

Quezon City was designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Film in 2025, with its recognition anchored in a robust and evolving film ecosystem, from major studios and production houses to post-production facilities, academic institutions, and a dynamic community of filmmakers and creatives. 

The city is home to the QCinema International Film Festival, one of Southeast Asia’s leading film festivals known for championing bold, diverse, and globally competitive storytelling.

Through initiatives such as grants, labs, and international collaborations, Quezon City continues to nurture emerging voices while strengthening its global presence in film.

Aside from its Creative City of Film designation, Quezon City is also part of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities and is among the 13 pilot cities in UNESCO’s Media and Information Literacy initiative.