ALSONS Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev), in partnership with the Davao City Office for Culture and the Arts (OCA), the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (CLAFI), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), co-organized the first Davao City Culture, Arts, and Heritage Summit on Sept. 26, 2025, at the Holy Cross of Davao College.
A platform for cultural dialogue and collaboration
The summit served as a platform for stakeholders to exchange diverse perspectives that underscored the vital role of culture, arts, and heritage in building inclusive, sustainable, and livable communities.
Discussions were anchored on research and sector realities. Davao Historical Society President Luz Ilagan reflected on the cultural significance of the Kadayawan Festival. La Herencia Creative Director Rob Tañedo tackled the challenges and opportunities in advancing multidisciplinary creative work in the regions, and University of the Philippines Mindanao Professor Aya Ragragio shared insights on cultural appropriation, appreciation, and artists’ rights.
Government voices also enriched the dialogue. DTI Creative Industries Development Office OIC Division Chief Engr. Kat Salvador underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and LGU–NGA support in protecting artists’ rights and welfare, while NCCA Deputy Director Marichu Tellano outlined the Philippine Development Plan for Culture and the Arts and a national vision for a thriving creative sector
Notable attendees included Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, representing Davao City Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte; Councilor Petite Principe; Oscar Casaysay of the Davao City Office of Culture and Artsl Ryan Vidanes, Executive Director of CLAFI; Gawad CCP Para sa Sining Awardee Nestor Horfilla; Brother Noelvic Deloria, President of Holy Cross of Davao College; Romeo Castañaga, DTI XI Regional Director; Rommel F. Momo, Vice President for Operations and Chairperson of the Committee on Culture, Heritage, and Arts of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev); and singer-songwriter and Datu Bago Awardee Joey Ayala– showing strong support for Davao’s cultural landscape.
“The Davao City Culture, Arts, and Heritage Summit is an important milestone in creating alignment between the city, the creative community, and private organizations like Alsons Dev,” said Casaysay. “These outcomes will help ensure that culture and heritage remain at the heart of Davao’s development.”
The summit was part of the two-day Creative Industries Month, followed by the Creative Industry Exchange (CIEx) featuring a Creatives Fair, forums, workshops, and performances on the second day.
Anchoring development in cultural identity
Alsons Dev’s role in the summit reflects its broader mission of helping shape communities where progress is rooted in cultural identity. Dominguez reaffirmed this commitment, noting: “We believe that livable communities are built through infrastructure and development projects while being enriched by the cultural foundations that give Davao its unique identity. Alsons Dev will continue to support initiatives that strengthen culture, arts, and heritage as we shape the city’s future together.”
Alsons Dev demonstrated its commitment to marrying heritage and progress. The event served as a milestone in translating this vision into action, reinforcing the company’s long-term dedication to fostering vibrant, inclusive communities.
