By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – The City Government of Davao welcomed on Saturday, March 15, two transformative projects that promises to reshape the city’s cultural and economic landscape, blending innovation with heritage.
Key figures from the Cebu Landmasters Inc., YHEST Realty and Development Corp., and De La Salle University (DLSU), with the city government, led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Davao Global Township Cultural Center and opening of its Central Park.
Davao City Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain Jr. highlighted the DGT Cultural Center’s pivotal role in fostering artistic expression while preserving the city’s rich history and diverse identity.
The DGT Cultural Center is said to house the DLSU–Villa Abrille Center for Professional Development — a hub designed to empower professionals and nurture local talent.
Complementing the cultural hub, the DGT Central Park promises to be a fresh, green haven for recreational activities, promoting a sustainable, health-conscious lifestyle for Davaoeños.
Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in a message delivered by Quitain, acknowledged the cultural center and central park’s contribution to the city’s evolving landscape, emphasizing the balance between urban growth and green spaces.
Duterte underscored the importance of inclusive and people-centered development, celebrating the city’s vibrant mix of 11 ethnolinguistic tribes, and describing the city as a beacon of strength, unity, and resilience. He stressed that preserving the cultural tapestry is a collective responsibility.
“We welcome the DGT Cultural Center and the DGT Central Park as new landmarks that will enrich our city’s recreational and cultural scene,” Duterte said, congratulating the people behind these ambitious projects.
Tourism Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina Frasco, through Department of Tourism–11 regional director Tanya Rabat–Tan, lauded the project’s alignment with the National Tourism Development Plan.
Frasco praised the cultural center and central park as symbols of Davao’s sustainable, innovative future, poised to elevate Mindanao’s cultural and tourism landscape.
“Infrastructure fuels tourism growth. The DGT Cultural Center and the DGT Central Park are more than structures — they are platforms for nurturing local art, talent, and community spirit,” Frasco said.
DLSU President Bernard S. Oca also shared his excitement for the university’s involvement, emphasizing that the DLSU–Villa Abrille Center for Professional Development represents a bold step in expanding beyond Manila. He described the initiative as a powerful testament to education, innovation, and community empowerment.
“I am thrilled to be surrounded by the color green — a symbol of hope, renewal, and good people. Davao is going green, and we are proud to be part of this movement,” Oca said.
He underscored the micro-campus’s mission to deliver future-ready programs aimed at professionals, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners across Mindanao.
Oca further acknowledged YHEST Realty and Development Corp. as a vital partner, emphasizing how the collaboration bridges education with industry needs — fostering leadership, excellence, and service.
Paying tribute to the Villa Abrille clan, whose pioneering spirit helped shape Davao’s growth, Oca described the cultural center as a living legacy — a space where people can learn, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to the city, region, and beyond.
During the event, the stakeholders envision the DGT Cultural Center and DGT Central Park as lasting symbols of culture, education, and progress — a testament to Davao’s unwavering spirit and bright future.
