04/06/2026
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SOLANO, NUEVA VIZCAYA โ In a landmark move toward strengthening the creative economy and preserving cultural identity, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Solano has enacted Ordinance No. 2026-10-12, institutionalizing a MITHI-aligned Creative Industries and Cultural Development Program, making it the first local government unit in Region 2 to enact a MITHI Ordinance.
The ordinance formally embeds creative industries, arts, culture, and heritage preservation into the municipalityโs local development agenda.
Anchored on the Department of Trade and Industryโs (DTI) MITHI (Malikhaing Industriya, Tangkilikin, Hubugin at Itaguyod) framework, the ordinance recognizes the vital role of creativity and culture as drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, tourism, and inclusive economic growth.
The landmark measure was authored by Councilor Thomas Dave C. Santos and Councilor Roland M. Carub, J.D., and enacted through the collective efforts of the 12th Sangguniang Bayan of Solano under the leadership of Vice Mayor Eduardo DL. Tiongson, Presiding Officer. The ordinance was subsequently approved by Municipal Mayor Atty. Philip A. Dacayo, underscoring the local governmentโs strong commitment to institutionalizing creative industries and cultural development as pillars of sustainable progress.
Among its key features is the declaration of February of every year as โMITHI Solano Month,โ in line with the observance of National Arts Month. The annual celebration will serve as a platform for showcasing local artistic excellence, indigenous traditions, cultural performances, culinary creativity, literature, filmmaking, digital arts, and creative entrepreneurship.
The ordinance likewise creates the Solano Culture, Arts, and Creative Industries Council (SCACIC), which shall serve as the municipalityโs primary policy-making, coordinating, and advisory body for culture, arts, heritage preservation, and creative industries development. The council will bring together representatives from the local government, education sector, Indigenous Peoples, creative entrepreneurs, youth, media, civil society organizations, and key national government agencies, including the Department of Trade and Industry.
Further strengthening its long-term impact, the ordinance mandates the establishment of a Creative Registry of Solano, an official database of local artists, cultural workers, indigenous knowledge holders, and creative enterprises. This initiative is expected to guide policy formulation, program development, and targeted support mechanisms for stakeholders in the creative ecosystem.
The enactment of the ordinance underscores Solanoโs commitment to leveraging culture and creativity as engines of local development. It aims to create opportunities for local artists, cultural workers, and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting the growth of MSMEs, tourism, and community-based enterprises.
By institutionalizing programs that celebrate indigenous knowledge systems, local artistry, and innovation, Solano positions itself as a model municipality for creative industries development in Region 2, setting a benchmark for other local government units to adopt similar measures.
As the first municipality in Region 2 to institutionalize a MITHI-aligned ordinance, Solano reaffirms that culture and creativity are not only expressions of identity but also powerful catalysts for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
