Calling all creators, culture enthusiasts, and anyone invested in the soul of Davao—the city’s vibrant arts landscape just witnessed a historic convergence. In a powerful alliance, Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) teamed up 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) to launch the inaugural Davao City Culture, Arts, and Heritage Summit.
Held on September 26, 2025, at the Holy Cross of Davao College, this landmark event sent a clear message: Davao’s creative spirit is ready for its next evolution.
The Who’s Who of Davao Creativity Unpacked
This wasn’t your average conference. The summit assembled over 300 of the city’s most influential artist-leaders, cultural workers, and innovators across 16 subsectors. Think film directors, musicians, visual artists, writers, chefs, and heritage advocates all in one room. Their mission? To tackle industry challenges head-on and build a stronger, more unified network to amplify Davao’s unique cultural identity on the national stage.
From Keynotes to Real Talk: The Dialogue Begins
The summit served as a dynamic launchpad for crucial conversations, framing culture and heritage as non-negotiable elements for a city that’s not just growing, but thriving.
Alsons Dev set the tone, with President and CEO Miguel A. Dominguez delivering a keynote that bridged worlds. He championed the power of public-private partnerships, linking his experience as former Governor of Sarangani to the urgent need for corporate support in the arts.
The discussions were refreshingly grounded. Luz Ilagan of the Davao Historical Society dove deep into the cultural DNA of the iconic Kadayawan Festival. Rob Tañedo of La Herencia tackled the real-world hurdles for multidisciplinary creatives outside Metro Manila, while UP Mindanao Professor Aya Ragragio provided a masterclass in the fine lines between cultural appropriation and appreciation.
The government also stepped up to the mic. DTI’s Engr. Kat Salvador pushed for stronger collaboration to protect artists’ rights, and the NCCA’s Marichu Tellano laid out a national game plan for a flourishing creative sector. The energy culminated in open forums and breakout sessions where talk turned into action, crafting a tangible agenda for Davao’s cultural future.
A-List Endorsement for the Arts
The crowd itself was a testament to the summit’s significance. The room buzzed with support from heavy-hitters like Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, representing Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte; Datu Bago awardee and music icon Joey Ayala; Gawad CCP awardee Nestor Horfilla; and executives from CLAFI, DTI, and Holy Cross of Davao College.
The takeaway was crystal clear, as summed up by Oscar Casaysay of the Davao OCA: “The Summit marks a pivotal step in aligning the city’s vision with the creative community and private sector partners… [ensuring] culture and heritage remain at the heart of Davao’s development.”
The summit was the cornerstone of a two-day Creative Industries Month blowout, followed by the Creative Industry Exchange (CIEx)—a full day of a Creatives Fair, workshops, and live performances.
The Bigger Picture: Culture as the New Infrastructure
For Alsons Dev, this was more than a sponsorship; it was a statement of principle. The company’s involvement reflects a core belief that true urban development is a blend of concrete and culture.
Dominguez put it perfectly: “We believe that building livable communities requires not only infrastructure and development projects but also the rich cultural foundations that give Davao its unique character.”
By helping to orchestrate this landmark event, Alsons Dev proved its commitment to ensuring Davao’s growth doesn’t come at the cost of its soul. This summit was a major milestone, transforming a vision of a culturally-rich, inclusive city from a concept into a collaborative mission.
Want to be part of shaping Davao’s future? Learn more about Alsons Dev’s community initiatives here: https://alsonsdev.com/
The Pop Blog general news and updates, mostly from press releases and conferences.