Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) joined forces 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 co-present the inaugural Davao City Culture, Arts, and Heritage Summit. The landmark gathering was held on September 26, 2025, at the Holy Cross of Davao College.
Convening the Creative Heart of Davao
The summit brought together more than 300 artist-leaders, cultural workers, and creatives representing 16 diverse subsectors—from film, music, and visual arts to literature, gastronomy, and heritage conservation. This collective assembled to identify shared challenges, formulate strategic policy, and forge a stronger collaborative network dedicated to advancing Davao’s unique cultural identity.
A Collaborative Stage for Cultural Discourse
Serving as a dynamic platform for dialogue, the summit facilitated the exchange of diverse viewpoints, all highlighting the essential role that culture, arts, and heritage play in building sustainable, inclusive, and truly livable communities.
Alsons Dev was instrumental in framing the discussions. President and CEO Miguel A. Dominguez delivered a keynote address on the transformative power of public-private partnerships in cultural development, drawing from his experience as Governor of Sarangani from 2004 to 2013.
The discourse was grounded in research and on-the-ground realities. Davao Historical Society President Luz Ilagan offered a historical reflection on the profound significance of the Kadayawan Festival. La Herencia Creative Director Rob Tañedo addressed the unique challenges and opportunities for multidisciplinary creatives working outside the national capital, and University of the Philippines Mindanao Professor Aya Ragragio provided critical insights on navigating cultural appropriation, appreciation, and artists’ rights.
Government perspectives further enriched the dialogue. Engr. Kat Salvador, OIC Division Chief of the DTI Creative Industries Development Office, emphasized the necessity of multi-stakeholder collaboration and robust support from LGUs and NGAs to protect artists’ rights and welfare. NCCA Deputy Director Marichu Tellano outlined the Philippine Development Plan for Culture and the Arts, presenting a national vision for a vibrant and thriving creative sector.
Through open forums and focused breakout sessions, participants worked to translate dialogue into a concrete action agenda for the future of Davao’s culture, arts, and heritage landscape.
A Unified Show of Support
The event demonstrated widespread support for Davao’s cultural sector, with notable attendees including 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 Arts; 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 Datu Bago Awardee and singer-songwriter Joey Ayala.
“The Davao City Culture, Arts, and Heritage Summit marks a pivotal step in aligning the city’s vision with the creative community and private sector partners like Alsons Dev,” stated Casaysay. “The outcomes from this gathering will help embed culture and heritage at the core of Davao’s ongoing development.”
The summit anchored the two-day celebration of Creative Industries Month, which was followed by the Creative Industry Exchange (CIEx) on the second day, featuring a Creatives Fair, workshops, forums, and live performances.
Rooting Development in Cultural Identity
Alsons Dev’s central role in the summit reflects its core mission of shaping communities where progress is intrinsically linked to cultural identity. Dominguez reaffirmed this commitment, stating: “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. Alsons Dev remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that strengthen our culture, arts, and heritage as we collectively shape the city’s future.”
By helping to orchestrate this landmark event, Alsons Dev demonstrated its deep-seated commitment to harmonizing heritage with progress. The summit stands as a significant milestone in turning this vision into tangible action, reinforcing the company’s long-term dedication to fostering vibrant and inclusive communities.
To learn more about Alsons Dev and its initiatives, visit https://alsonsdev.com/.
About Alsons Dev
Alsons Dev is a premier real estate developer in Davao City with a legacy spanning over six decades, dedicated to creating high-quality residential and commercial properties that offer enduring and appreciating value.
The company established its reputation
