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The Davao city government welcomed the latest infrastructure development on Saturday afternoon, March 15, that will reshape the city’s cultural and economic environment.
CEBU Landmasters Inc., YHEST Realty and Development, and De La Salle University (DLSU) lead the groundbreaking of the Davao Global Township (DGT) Cultural Center, the future site of the DLSU–Villa Abrille Center for Professional Development, and the opening of the DGT Central Park on Saturday, March 15. (Ivy Tejano)
Leaders from Cebu Landmasters Inc., YHEST Realty and Development Corp., and De La Salle University led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Davao Global Township Cultural Center and the opening of the DGT Central Park.
Davao City Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain Jr. said the DGT Cultural Center – the future home of the DLSU-Villa Abrille Center for Professional Development – would support artistic expression and help preserve the city's history and identity.
The DGT Central Park adds another green space for recreational activities promoting a more sustainable lifestyle for Davaoeños, Quitain said, as he acknowledged Davao City’s rich cultural heritage and the significance of the center and the park.
Mayor Sebastian Duterte here, in a message read by Quitain, said that these milestones highlight the significance of furthering exemplary, innovative urban advancement here, and the importance of creating people-centered and inclusive spaces for everyone.
Mayor Duterte said Davao City is home to 11 ethnolinguistic tribes. He said Davao City has a diverse cultural heritage and a community that speaks a language of strength, harmony, and resilience, and preserving culture is everyone’s responsibility.
“We recognize and recommend the establishment of the DGT Cultural Center and welcome the DGT Central Park in addition to our existing parks in the city and a venue for recreational use,” Mayor Duterte said as he congratulated people behind these developments.
Tourism Secretary Maria Esperanza Christina Frasco, in a message read by Department of Tourism-11 Regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan, echoed Mayor Duterte, commending the project’s alignment with the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP).
“Infrastructure development is key to enhancing tourism. The DGT Cultural Center and the DGT Central Park represent an innovative, sustainable future for Davao City and all of Mindanao. This hub will nurture local talent, art, and community,” Frasco said.
DLSU President Bernard S. Oca said the university is honored to be part of this transformative project through the establishment of the DLSU-Villa Abrille Center for professional development at the DLSU Villa Abrille Micro Campus soon to be located within the DGT.
Oca said the cultural center stands as their testament to their shared commitment to education, innovation, and community empowerment. He added that this initiative is a significant milestone for DLSU, expanding their reach beyond Manila and bringing world-class opportunities to DGT.
“I’m happy to be surrounded by the color green. It is not a political statement but it is the color of hope, new beginnings, and if you watched green bones, it is the color of good people. Davao is going green,” Oca said.
He added that through this continuing education campus, they aim to provide high-quality future ready programs designed to empower professionals, entrepreneurs, and life-long learners not only in Davao City but in Mindanao.
“Our partnership with the Yhest Realty and Development Corp. underscores the transformative impact of collaboration bridging education with industry needs, fostering leadership, and nurturing a community that values both excellence and service,” Oca said.
The DLSU president expressed enthusiasm for the university’s expansion and said that this project pays tribute to the enduring legacy of the Villa Abrille clan whose pioneering spirit has played a vital role in shaping Davao’s development.
Oca said that as they lay the foundation of the cultural center, they envision a space where individuals can learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully not just to Davao City but to the entire region and nation, as well.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the DGT Cultural Center and the DGT Central Park will become a beacon of culture, learning, and progress for Davao City and beyond.
