QUEZON CITY — The Cultural and Tourism Development Office of Valenzuela City convened a significant meeting of the Culture and Arts Council in Tagalag Fishing Village in Barangay Tagalag. The meeting focused on discussing and approving the proposed 2025 Annual Cultural Development Plan, a cornerstone for the city’s cultural and tourism initiatives.
Held in compliance with Section 2.2.12 of DBM Local Budget Memorandum No. 90, s. 2024, the gathering emphasized the alignment of cultural programs with fiscal policies, highlighting Valenzuela City’s commitment to responsible governance.
The meeting brought together a diverse council composed of representatives from various sectors, including:
- Local Government Offices: City Committee on Arts, Culture, and Tourism; City Planning Office; City Budget Office; and Public Information Office.
- Educational Institutions: Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, TESDA, and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela.
- National Agencies: National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Philippine Information Agency.
- Business and Professional Sectors
Discussions revolved around the council members’ critical roles in ensuring the plan’s success and the importance of collaboration in meeting the standards of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), which Valenzuela City proudly upholds.
The approved cultural development plan will undergo further review by the Valenzuela City Local Finance Council to align the projects with the city’s 2025 Annual Investment Plan. It will also require the enactment of an Annual Appropriation Ordinance by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) to finalize the budget.
The Cultural and Tourism Development Office pledged to spearhead the implementation of the plan in partnership with the council and other stakeholders. The unanimous approval signals a united effort toward cultural enrichment and sustainable tourism development.
As the meeting concluded, the council reaffirmed its commitment to fostering pride in Valenzuela City’s cultural identity, setting an example for other local governments in promoting arts, culture, and heritage as drivers of progress.
The meeting was led and presided by the city’s Local Culture and Arts Council (LCAC) Action Officer Jonathan Balsamo, who also heads the Valenzuela City Cultural and Tourism Development Office. (AVS/NCR)
