Alsons Dev Champions Davao’s Creative Future at the First Culture, Arts, and Heritage Summit
Davao City took a major step in celebrating its rich cultural identity as Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) co-organized the first-ever Davao City Culture, Arts, and Heritage Summit on September 26, 2025, held at the Holy Cross of Davao College.
In partnership 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), the event marked a groundbreaking effort to bridge dialogue among artists, educators, policymakers, and private sector leaders working to strengthen Davao’s creative and cultural landscape.
A Space for Cultural Dialogue and Collaboration
The summit became a vibrant platform for collaboration and insight-sharing, emphasizing how culture, arts, and heritage fuel sustainable and inclusive development.
Among the thought leaders who shared their expertise were:
Luz Ilagan, President of the Davao Historical Society, who reflected on the cultural value of the Kadayawan Festival;
Rob Tañedo, Creative Director of La Herencia, who discussed the challenges and opportunities of regional creative work; and
Professor Aya Ragragio of UP Mindanao, who explored the themes of cultural appreciation, appropriation, and artists’ rights.
From the public sector, Engr. Kat Salvador of DTI’s Creative Industries Development Office highlighted the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to uplift artists’ welfare, while NCCA Deputy Director Marichu Tellano presented the Philippine Development Plan for Culture and the Arts, outlining a vision for a thriving national creative economy.
The event was also attended by prominent figures including Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre (representing Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte), Councilor Petite Principe, CLAFI Executive Director Ryan Vidanes, Gawad CCP Para sa Sining Awardee Nestor Horfilla, and singer-songwriter and Datu Bago Awardee Joey Ayala—signifying strong local and institutional support for cultural advancement.
“This summit marks an important alignment between the city, the creative community, and private organizations like Alsons Dev,” said Oscar Casaysay of the Davao City Office for Culture and the Arts. “The outcomes will ensure that culture and heritage remain at the heart of Davao’s development.”
A Celebration of Creativity and Collaboration
The summit also served as part of Davao’s Creative Industries Month, which continued with the Creative Industry Exchange (CIEx)—a two-day event featuring creatives fairs, workshops, forums, and performances celebrating local talent and entrepreneurship.
Through these events, Davao City reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing a sustainable creative ecosystem that honors tradition while embracing innovation.
Alsons Dev: Building Communities Rooted in Culture
For Alsons Dev, participating in the summit is an extension of its long-standing mission to build communities that balance progress with cultural integrity.
“We believe livable communities are built not only through infrastructure but also through the cultural foundations that make Davao unique,” said Alsons Dev Executive Vice President Miguel Dominguez. “We will continue to support initiatives that strengthen culture, arts, and heritage as we shape the city’s future together.”
By collaborating with institutions like OCA, CLAFI, and NCCA, Alsons Dev continues to demonstrate that development and heritage can thrive hand in hand, shaping Davao into a city where creativity, identity, and sustainability coexist.
A Legacy of Culture and Connection
Through its active involvement in the Culture, Arts, and Heritage Summit, Alsons Dev reinforced its vision of fostering vibrant, inclusive, and culturally grounded communities. The event not only highlighted the importance of collaboration among local sectors but also set the stage for future programs that celebrate Davao’s creative spirit.
Alsons Dev’s leadership in this cultural milestone shows that the private sector plays a vital role in preserving heritage while promoting sustainable growth. It’s a powerful reminder that progress rooted in culture leads to stronger, more connected communities.