Culture is more than celebration — it’s identity, belonging, and the heart of every thriving community. This truth came to life in Davao City as Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) co-organized the first-ever Davao City Culture, Arts, and Heritage Summit, held last September 26, 2025, at the Holy Cross of Davao College.
The landmark event brought together over 300 artist-leaders, creatives, and cultural workers from diverse fields — including film, music, design, literature, gastronomy, heritage conservation, and architecture — to build stronger collaboration and shape the future of Davao’s cultural landscape.
A Platform for Cultural Dialogue and Collaboration
Organized in partnership with the Davao City Office for Culture and the Arts (OCA), Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (CLAFI), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the summit became a vital space for discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing Davao’s creative and cultural sectors.
Alsons Dev President and CEO Miguel A. Dominguez delivered a keynote emphasizing the role of public-private partnerships in driving cultural development. Drawing from his experience as former Sarangani Governor (2004–2013), he highlighted how collaborations between local governments, private organizations, and artists can enrich communities.
“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,” Dominguez shared.
A Collective Vision for Davao’s Creative Future
Throughout the summit, participants engaged in open forums and breakout sessions that tackled pressing issues — from artist welfare and intellectual property rights to preserving local traditions in a rapidly modernizing world.
Notable voices at the event included:
Luz Ilagan, President of the Davao Historical Society, on the significance of the Kadayawan Festival.
Rob Tañedo, Creative Director of La Herencia, on regional creative collaboration.
Prof. Aya Ragragio, University of the Philippines Mindanao, on cultural appropriation and artist rights.
Government representatives such as Engr. Kat Salvador (DTI Creative Industries Development Office) and Marichu Tellano (NCCA Deputy Director) also stressed the importance of multi-sector collaboration to sustain a vibrant creative economy.
Notable attendees included Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre (representing Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte), Councilor Petite Principe, Oscar Casaysay (OCA), Ryan Vidanes (CLAFI), Gawad CCP Para sa Sining awardee Nestor Horfilla, Brother Noelvic Deloria (Holy Cross of Davao College President), Romeo Castañaga (DTI XI Regional Director), Rommel F. Momo (DEPDev), and Joey Ayala, Datu Bago Awardee and singer-songwriter.
“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 Oscar Casaysay of OCA.
Anchoring Development in Cultural Identity
The summit was held as part of Creative Industries Month, followed by the Creative Industry Exchange (CIEx) — a two-day celebration featuring a Creatives Fair, performances, and workshops.
For Alsons Dev, participation in this initiative reflects its broader mission: building livable, sustainable communities that celebrate cultural roots.
As Davao continues to grow as a modern city, Alsons Dev’s involvement in cultural programs ensures that progress remains grounded in identity, inclusivity, and creativity — a value that deeply resonates with Filipino families who see heritage as part of their home.
To learn more about Alsons Dev’s community initiatives, visit https://alsonsdev.com/
