Davao Artists Can Now Access Help from City’s Culture and Arts Office - People's Press PH

By Kemberly Resentes| Philippine People's Press 

Davao City, Philippines — Local artists in Davao now have a dedicated space to elevate their craft and voice their concerns with the establishment of the newly formed Office of Culture and Arts, a move hailed as a milestone by the city’s legislative council.

In a statement during the weekly public affairs program Aprubado sa Konseho on May 27, City Councilor Pilar Braga, Chair of the Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Arts and Culture, described the initiative as a “legacy for Davao artists.”

“This is our gift to the local creative community. We need to recognize their contributions and ensure they have proper support and representation,” Braga emphasized.

The office was created under City Ordinance No. 0332-23, which mandates the formation of a Culture and Arts Office under the direct supervision of the City Mayor’s Office. It is currently operating temporarily at the Davao City Investment Promotion Center (DCIPC) and is headed by Oscar Casaysay, former Executive Director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Casaysay, known for championing Filipino cultural preservation, said in a previous interview that one of the office’s long-term goals is to have Davao City recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City in Performing Arts a prestigious network that currently includes Baguio (Folk Arts), Cebu (Design), and Iloilo (Gastronomy).

The office will cater to a wide spectrum of creatives including painters, filmmakers, sculptors, musicians, dancers, and writers. It has been allocated an initial operating budget of ₱10 million, with annual funding to be sustained by the Mayor’s Office.

“Before, many artists didn’t know where to go or whom to approach with their concerns,” Braga added. “Now, they have a home.”

Davao’s creative sector has long called for more structured support from the local government. This move aligns with global efforts to empower cultural workers and nurture the arts as a pillar of sustainable development.

For inquiries or to access services, artists may visit the temporary office at DCIPC or contact the City Mayor’s Office directly.

Sources: Aprubado sa Konseho, May 27, 2025 episode, Davao City Council archives, Ordinance No. 0332-23 , Interview with Oscar Casaysay, NCCA (2024)