Building Vibrant Communities: Alsons Dev Co-Organizes Davao’s First Culture, Arts, and Heritage Summit

On September 26, 2025, Davao City marked a cultural milestone with its very first Culture, Arts, and Heritage Summit held at Holy Cross of Davao College. The event was co-organized by Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev), 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).

More than 300 creatives, artists, and cultural workers from 16 different sectors — including music, film, design, literature, gastronomy, architecture, and heritage conservation — gathered to share ideas, tackle challenges, and collaborate on shaping the future of Davao’s cultural identity.

A Space for Dialogue and Collaboration

The summit served as a platform for meaningful conversations about the role of culture in building inclusive and livable communities. Alsons Dev President and CEO Miguel A. Dominguez delivered a keynote on the importance of public-private partnerships in cultural development, drawing from his experience as Sarangani Governor.

Other speakers brought valuable insights to the table. Luz Ilagan of the Davao Historical Society reflected on the cultural significance of the Kadayawan Festival. Rob Tañedo of La Herencia discussed the realities of multidisciplinary creative work in the regions, while Professor Aya Ragragio from UP Mindanao tackled issues like cultural appropriation and artists’ rights.



Government representatives also contributed to the discussion. Engr. Kat Salvador from DTI emphasized the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to protect artists’ welfare, and NCCA Deputy Director Marichu Tellano shared the national vision for a thriving creative sector.

Shaping Davao’s Creative Future

The summit included breakout sessions and open forums where participants could voice concerns and help shape an action plan for the city’s cultural and creative future. Notable attendees included Councilors Al Ryan Alejandre and Petite Principe, Oscar Casaysay of OCA, CLAFI’s Ryan Vidanes, artist Nestor Horfilla, Brother Noelvic Deloria of Holy Cross, DTI XI’s Romeo Castañaga, DEPDev’s Rommel Momo, and singer-songwriter Joey Ayala — all showing strong support for Davao’s creative community.

Oscar Casaysay summed it up best: “This summit is a milestone in aligning the city, the creative sector, and private organizations like Alsons Dev. It ensures that culture and heritage stay at the heart of Davao’s development.”

The summit was part of the two-day Creative Industries Month celebration, followed by the Creative Industry Exchange (CIEx), which featured a Creatives Fair, workshops, forums, and performances.

Culture at the Core of Progress

Alsons Dev’s involvement in the summit reflects its commitment to building communities where progress is deeply rooted in cultural identity. As Dominguez shared, “Livable communities are built through infrastructure and development, but they’re enriched by the cultural foundations that make Davao unique.”

This event was more than just a gathering — it was a step forward in ensuring that Davao’s growth continues to honor its heritage, empower its creatives, and celebrate its identity.

To learn more about Alsons Dev and its initiatives, visit .

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