City to grant 5 percent creative space discount to businesses

The City Council, during last Monday’s regular session, approved on first reading a proposed ordinance granting a 5 percent creative space business tax discount in their city.

Under the proposed ordinance authored by Councilor Leandro B. Yangot, Jr., an annual 5 percent business tax discount will be granted to establishments who officially have their establishments accredited with the city government.

The ordinance tasked the City Administrator for the accreditation of all creative spaces in the city.

The so-called creative spaces shall include museums, art galleries, growth nodes, creative spaces and art banks.

The ordinance stated that private entities with creative spaces would serve as added tourist attractions that would showcase the wonderful culture and creativity of the people of the city thus, it is but appropriate that these establishments with creative spaces shall be granted business tax incentives as a way of showing the city’s appreciation for their significant role in promoting creativity and culture of the city and the Cordillera.

Section 3 of Republic Act (RA) 7356 states that culture reflects and shapes values, beliefs, aspirations, and thereby defining people’s national identity.

Further, a Filipino national culture that mirrors and shapes Philippine economic, social and political life shall be involved, evolved, promoted and conserved.

The ordinance added that Baguio City as the Summer Capital of the Philippines and a favorite tourist destination of local and foreign visitors throughout the year, especially during summer and the Yuletide season for people to feel the cool weather and enjoy the spectacular tourist spots in the city, including galleries showcasing the art, history, and culture of the region.

Aside from the cool weather, beautiful parks, picturesque views, and hospitable people, Baguio City also presents a unique cultural heritage that is distinct from the rest of the country.

Earlier, the city has been declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a Creative City for Crafts and Folk Arts and the first city in the entire country to be vested with such distinct honor of being part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network whose advocacy centers on raising awareness and fostering the power of creativity for economic resiliency and sustainable development, thus, it is best to have duly identified and recognized areas in the city, particularly in the so-called 6 growth nodes, where city artists can display, market and store their wonderful masterpieces.

The said ordinance was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means for study and recommendation where the same will be passed on second and third readings. – Dexter A. See