MANILA - The Philippines' summer capital has been hailed as a "creative city" by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its distinguished crafts and folk art.

UNESCO on Tuesday announced that Baguio and 63 other cities from 44 countries have been added to the 180-strong Creative Cities Network, which aims to promote creative industries and integrate culture into sustainable urban development policies.

"They join a Network at the frontline of UNESCO’s efforts to foster innovation and creativity as key drivers for a more sustainable and inclusive urban development," UNESCO said in a statement.

Baguio is the first Philippine city to be part of the global network.

A popular tourist destination for its cool climate and breathtaking views, Baguio is home to several artisanal finds, handicraft, woven art, and indigenous wood carving, among others.

Part of the pursuit of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Creative Cities Network "provides a platform for cities to demonstrate culture’s role as an enabler for building sustainable cities," UNESCO said.

Cities included in the list are chosen for showing creativity in the following fields, according to UNESCO: crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, and music.