09/12/2025
๐๐๐ฏ๐๐จ ๐๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐๐ฐ๐๐ง๐ฒ๐จ ๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ก๐๐๐ซ๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ
The City Government of Davao places its artists at the very core of festivals and public activities, with programs designed to expand opportunities for Dabawenyos artists and strengthen the cityโs creative identity.
Oscar G. Casaysay, Head of the Office of the Culture, Arts, and Heritage, said over Madayaw on December 5, 2025, that they are determined to prioritize Dabawenyos artists during celebrations and provide the recognition that they deserve.
โGina pasigarbo gyud ang atong mga local talents kay unang-una dako kayo ang Davao city and daghan kayo ta ug mga talento. Niadto pa hantud karon (We are really proud of our local talents because first of all, Davao city is big and we have many talents until now),โ he said.
Casaysay explained that cultural mapping efforts are being strengthened, with artists invited to register with their office, which also aims to gather critical insights from cultural workers, artists, and practitioners about their aspirations for the city and the future of their sector.
He added that Mayor Sebastian Duterte emphasized the abundance of public spaces in Davao City and expressed his vision of turning these venues as stages for young and budding artists, giving them opportunities to perform and develop their craft.
According to Casaysay, the city is developing a comprehensive directory of artists to ensure they are included in all celebrations, paving the way for โfull-blastโ local artistโs performances by 2026.
Casaysay also clarified that the city has already begun integrating artists into major events. Singer-songwriter Joey Ayala returned to Davao for the Kadayawan Festival, performing alongside other local musicians. The Pasko Fiesta 2025 likewise became a showcase of Dabawenyo creativity, demonstrating that festivities are stronger when anchored on local artistry.
These initiatives form a part of Davaoโs bid to be recognized as UNESCO Creative city, a distinction that would place Davao among global centers of cultural innovation.
โWe would like to push also that Davao city is naga bid ta karon for the UNESCO Creative City (We would like to push also that Davao city is currently bidding for the UNESCO Creative City),โ he added.
He explained that what sets Davao local artists apart with other artists is that their performances is grounded in discipline, warmth and humility embodying the very essence of being a Dabawenyo.
โDavao artists are grounded. Nakabalo sila sa ilahang kultura, nakabalo sila sa ilahang kasaysayan. So with that, they are very proud og dili sila dali dali lang, naa gyud silay sariling identity. Naay tatak Davao. So maskin asa man sila muadto sa kalibutan, mailhan gyud nimo pag Davao artists na kanang iyahang connection sa audience, naa gyud. Because Dabawenyos are not only disciplined, but warm people and very grounded gyud sila sailahang culture and history (Davao artists are grounded. They know their culture, they know their history. So with that, they are very proud of who they are and they really have their own identity. There is a Davao brand. So, no matter where they go in the world, you can really recognize Davao artists because the connection with the audience is there. Dabawenyo artists are not only disciplined, but warm people and they are very grounded in their culture and history),โ he said. CIO
