Another “feather in the cap” for multi-awarded Steven Patrick C. Fernandez, Founder-Artistic Director, with the iLEAD plum recognizing his and IPAG’s contributions to Iligan City, on the ocassion of the 76th Iligan Day celebrations

Iligan Creatives have reconfigured the setting, remolded the environment, and strengthened the ecosystem. We’ve overcome restrictions, isolation, and exclusivity – conditions that negate the organic nature of how art should operate.

Today, the Arts-and-Culture in Iligan is perhaps the most dynamic among our cities.

In the 1970s, when the Arts were kept in isolation, inclusive, distant, and Iligan had no program, the 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃 (𝐈𝐏𝐀𝐆) “excavated” a tremendous trove of cultural wealth.

In 50 years and in the “backwoods,” Iligan and its collaborating institutions have reared the country’s most-travelled and -awarded performing company, drawing inspiration from the expressions of an inclusive “tri-peoples” culture. Being nominated among the top Philippine cities for the 2027 UNESCO Creative Cities award is already a victory.

Any award (difficult to achieve recognition in one’s home base) does not reveal success; true success is measured by how much of the community’s life has been enhanced by the work and advocacy leaders immerse themselves in.

Real award is when our creatives live a more-than-decent lifestyle.

𝐢𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃 (𝐈𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭), established by the Siao administration, honors outstanding citizens who have significantly contributed to the city’s development goals. For Tourism, Art, Culture and the Creative Industry, Mayor Frederick Siao declares, “Mission Target Acquired!”