Mindanao’s first central business district is set to rise in Davao City. The completion of the first phase is targeted for 2026. It is the first development in the Visayas and Mindanao that has a dedicated cultural and civic center.
Located at the former Matina Golf Course near the city center, the 23-ha Davao Global Township (DGT) is a joint venture of Viz-Min’s largest developer, the publicly-listed Cebu Landmasters Inc., and the YHEST Realty Corporation.
Calma conceives a mid-rise school building adjacent to the Davao Civic Center.
While many community developments have become concrete jungles of residential and commercial towers with sparse token green spaces, DGT offers other components for the inhabitants’ well-being, such as a cultural and civic center, a one-hectare park, pockets of greenery, wide sidewalks, and bike lanes. Its sustainable master plan won the Best Township in Asia Award from the Property Guru Asia Property Awards 2021.
The circular elevator in the lobby follows the curvaceous architecture. The ceiling consists of overlapping sheaths of steel in the roof. Acoustic panels in the ceiling serve as sound buffer.
Asked why the cultural/civic center is one of key elements in the development, Frederick Yuson, president of YHEST Realty Development, explains that his family, the Villa Abriles, has a tradition of philanthropy. “It’s our way of giving back.”
He tapped architect Eduardo Calma to design the center, which will be built alongside the vertical campus of the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde (CSB). At this writing, Yuson is still finalizing talks with De La Salle.
In most developments, the cultural component is usually an afterthought. On the other hand, DGT is envisioned as a wholistic community, with the cultural/civic facility as anchor and as a gathering place for a cross section of the population. The 6,000-sqm center will be a destination for exhibits, film screenings, artistic endeavors, and special events. It will be also the initial venue for the CSB until it moves to its vertical campus, which will be designed also by Calma. The architect designed the CSB School of Design and Arts in Manila at the turn of the millennium.
A perspective of the fluted design of the ground floor, with another lobby on the second level.
Conveying a sense of place at DGT, the center is inspired by the Queen of the Philippine Orchids, the waling-waling, which is endemic in Davao.
Veering away from the conventional box shape, the design follows the curvilinear petals of the vanda orchid. “I’m more interested in showing how the waling-waling petals overlap, other than the literal representation,” says Calma. “The civic center will be enclosed by these overlapping petals.”
Veering away from the conventional box shape, the design follows the curvilinear petals of the ‘waling-waling’
To control the heat flow, insulated metal panels on the façade will be constructed to lower energy consumption costs. The interior walls will be covered with acoustic panels that will absorb residual sound and promote a better working environment. Concrete columns and flooring will provide a modern aesthetic finish and structural function.
Overlapping walls of the façade create interesting patterns in the 104-seat mini-theater. The gaps between the petals in the façade form an imagery of movement and let light filter into the building.
The waling-waling-inspired curves on the roof and the curvaceous walls suggest a sense of fluidity and coziness. The overlapping petals on the roof become undulating surfaces on the ceiling and enhance the inviting ambiance. Seeping through the overlapping petals, the light becomes diffused and reduces the heat. The acoustic panels form vertical lines across the curving walls.
The series of wings suggests petal patterns on the stage to echo the orchid design of the building.
Overlooking the park, the building rests on a podium. The ground floor opens to a reception area which serves as a central hub for the function rooms, museum, offices, and a “floating” staircase. This level holds a transition space leading to the two function rooms that can be combined into a larger space. Smaller, glass-enclosed function rooms from the upper level have a view over this space.
“You can have a wedding reception downstairs, while the VIP area is on the upper flower. As a multi-function space, it can be turned into a classroom or a general exhibit area,” says Calma.
The architect noted that the project might have modifications as soon as it is bidded out. It will involve a prefabricated construction process, a faster, economical, and sustainable way to put up the building. “We thought about this during the pandemic. The components will be built off-site and the units will be assembled on-site. It reduces manpower on-site and construction time,” explains Calma.
The museum enclosed in glass on the upper level overlooks the lobby/multi-functional space.
DGT will be open for viewing during Araw ng Davao on March 16-17, 2026. “This new development will helpfully ease the traffic in the north by bringing a satellite city to the south,” says Yuson.
