BY CARLA KRISTINE VIA & RHUELLA SALDUAR/UM Interns
THE FILM Development Council of the Philippines-Cinematheque Centre Davao, along with Museo Dabawenyo and the Davao City Office of the Culture and Arts, is marking the National Heritage Month 2026 this month with upcoming film screenings and an exhibit centered on the theme, “Roots and Horizons: Our Shared Heritage, Our Collective Future.”
Oscar Casaysay, head of the Davao City Office for Culture and the Arts, said there are pieces considered as important cultural properties in Davao City, and these are the works of national artist Leandro V. Locsin, like the Old Davao Airport and the Waterfront Insular Hotel.
According to Donna Sarong from Museo Dabawenyo, they have the multifaceted exhibit, “Calle San Pedro” on the 5th floor of National Museum of the Philippines Davao starting May 29 until the month of August. It featurs the story of the city’s primary artery using tribal photos, artifacts and artworks.
The exhibit will also be preceeded by a heritage lecture on the architecture of the Davao City Hall that has been standing for 100 years.
Jose Malabar of the FDCP Cinematheque Centre Davao also announced free film screening schedules on May 14, 15, 20, and 29, showcasing masterpieces from LVN Pictures and the late renowned actress Nora Aunor, including the timeless piece, “Himala” in black and white.
“We were only given the chance to screen this once by ABS-CBN and by PFA (Philippine Film Archive),” Malabar said on the “Himala” screening, inviting Davaoeños to visit Cinematheque and witness the world-renowned film as the theater earned the rare, one-time right to screen the film among Philippine theaters.
For the other film screening dates, showtimes are posted on FDCP Cinematheque Centre Davao’s official Facebook page.
The screening will also be accompanied by a forum on Philippine folk religion by UP Mindanao’s Andrea Malaya M. Ragragio and attendees from the Ateneo de Davao University and Institute of Davao Studies of the Holy Cross of Davao College.
The celebration in anchored on the heritage law: the Republic Act of 10066, also known as the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 wherein the nation protects tangible and intangible heritage, including cultural properties that have different categories such as the National Cultural Treasures, World Heritage Sites, National Historical Shrines, National Historical Monuments, and National Historical Landmarks.
