Isabela prepares for Philippine summit on climate change, sustainable tourism and creative industries

Ilagan, Isanela— Key government agencies, academic institutions and development partners convened on Oct. 27 for the first meeting of the Creative Industries, Innovation and Sustainability Policy International Institute (CRIISPII) to prepare for the first Philippine Summit on Localizing Climate Change and Nature-Based Solutions, Sustainable Tourism and Creative Industries Development.
The meeting was held in preparation for the summit to be hosted by the Provincial Government of Isabela under Gov. Rodolfo Albano III, with the participation of House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Secretary Joey Sarte Salceda, Local Climate Change Adaptation for Development (LCCAD), the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute and the Department of Trade and Industry Region 2.
CRIISPII is a specialized initiative established through a partnership among Isabela State University (ISU), the Provincial Government of Isabela and LCCAD in support of Republic Act No. 11904, or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act of 2022. It aims to translate academic research into practical innovations while strengthening the economic, cultural and environmental value of local arts, heritage and creative industries.
LCCAD Executive Director Clidoro Rangasa emphasized the institute’s role in connecting research with community needs and market opportunities. Its work also supports the Philippine Creative Industries Development Plan 2025–2034 and promotes alignment with international sustainability frameworks, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework, as well as the Philippine Development Plan, Nationally Determined Contribution and National Adaptation Plan.
Rangasa said CRIISPII’s key functions include policy advocacy and research, local creative ecosystem development, and capacity building for creative professionals. The institute also seeks to advance digital transformation, intellectual property protection and e-commerce, support micro, small and medium enterprises, nurture local talent, and strengthen cross-sector collaboration. Through its partnership with ISU, the initiative further aims to enhance the university’s role in sustainability, innovation governance and regional development.
The planned summit is expected to provide a platform for government institutions, universities, businesses and local communities to explore strategies that integrate climate resilience, nature-based solutions, sustainable tourism and creative industries into local development. The initiative underscores the importance of translating national policies and research into practical programs that generate economic opportunities while protecting cultural heritage and the environment.