The Department of Trade and Industry Lanao del Norte turns over P3 million worth of equipment and gadgets to the city government of Iligan for the Digital Creative Innovation Hub in December 2024 to support local creatives through shared facilities and skills training. (Photo courtesy of City Information Office)
ILIGAN CITY (PIA) — The city government of Iligan will launch its Digital Creative Innovation Hub during the Northern Mindanao Regional Innovation Program and Exhibit 2025 scheduled from April 20 to 23 to boost its digital transformation and creative economy.
Abigail Jimlani, deputy head of the Center for Digital Iligan, Innovation and Sustainability (CDIIS), said the hub is part of the city’s push to become a smart and creative city.
Funded through a P3 million grant from the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Shared Service Facility program, the hub is designed to provide freelancers, digital entrepreneurs, and creative professionals with access to high-end equipment, including cameras, drones, video editing computers, and podcast tools.
An additional P3 million worth of advanced technology, such as mixed reality headsets and 3D printers, has also been approved for the hub.
Jimlani said the hub will serve as a co-working space where creatives can collaborate, train, and work on projects for a minimal fee.
“The government really has an initiative, kanang maka-provide og building or space sa freelancers, maka-offer og services, naa silay office nga ma-provide sa gusto i-train nga mga tao to meet clients’ demand,” she said.
(The government really has an initiative to provide a building or space for freelancers, where they can offer their services and have an office to train people who want to learn to meet the demands of clients.)
Iligan City is further advancing its “smart city” initiatives with a P2.5 million investment in digital systems, including real-time data dashboards for sectors like health, disaster management, and traffic. These tools will enable better decision-making and faster responses to local issues.
The “smart city” initiatives include improving mobility and transportation, particularly with the opening of two major malls expected to impact traffic. The city is consulting with the community to create a comprehensive traffic management plan, using real-time data and predictive analytics.
The city is also working on a bid for the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2025, particularly on crafts, folk arts, and performing arts, and is mapping the local creative community to support this effort.
Jimlani is calling on all creatives in the area, including media professionals, visual artists, tattoo artists, animators, and performers, to contribute by sharing their work online using the hashtag #CreativeIligan.
She underscored the importance of digital visibility, noting that UNESCO evaluators often rely on online platforms to assess the dynamism of a city’s creative scene.
Recently, the Iligan Startup Council was established through a city ordinance to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology. The council will connect startups, industry leaders, educational institutions, and local government, facilitating resources, mentorship, and collaboration. The aim is to generate jobs, attract investments, and promote tech-driven solutions that will boost the city’s economy and enhance the quality of life for its residents. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
