DAVAO CITY — The city government is expanding its lineup of art, heritage, and culture walking tours, inviting visitors and locals to experience Davao’s storied past on foot. The initiative, led by the Office of Culture and Arts and the City Tourism Operations Office, will open up the downtown poblacion like never before.
A Stroll Through History
OCA chief Oscar Casaysay said the first tours zero in on San Pedro Street, the oldest road in Davao. Laid out in 1848 after Spanish settlers arrived, the street anchors a living museum of American colonial houses, the San Pedro Cathedral, and the century‑old City Hall. Walkers can trace the city’s evolution in a single afternoon.
From there, the route loops through Ponciano Street, adding layers of civic and commercial history. Plazas, monuments, and heritage buildings give each block a distinct character. Casaysay noted that mapping these assets is the critical first step before the tours can be fully launched.
Partnerships for Preservation
The two offices are jointly identifying artworks that need protection, including pieces by National Artists Victorio Edades and Napoleon Abueva. Edades’ monument stands at Clifford Park, while Abueva’s sculptures reside inside Magsaysay Park. These treasures are now being catalogued with the help of the Parks and Development Office.
Casaysay stressed that preservation is as important as promotion. With an accurate inventory, the city can ensure that public art remains intact for future generations. The tours will highlight these masterpieces, turning routine walks into art appreciation journeys.
Expanding the Tour Menu
The cultural walk will soon stretch to include the National Museum of the Philippines‑Davao, Museo Dabawenyo, and the privately‑run Upside Down Museum. Casaysay envisions a longer route that also stops at cafes, boutiques, and hotels, blending history with modern lifestyle. This mix is expected to draw a broader crowd.
A Chinatown Tour has already been rolled out, showcasing the unique heritage of the Davao City Chinatown District. The success of that track encouraged officials to create more specialized routes, including a food crawl and a Furusato tour that traces Davao’s pre‑war Japanese ties.
Walking Toward the Future
CTOO officer‑in‑charge Willenito Tormis has been meeting with Casaysay regularly to align their strategies. Both offices want the tours to be a regular fixture, not a one‑off event. Their shared goal is to make Davao a competitive cultural destination in Mindanao.
The walking tours also boost local businesses by channeling foot traffic to neighborhood establishments. As the routes develop, tour guides will be trained to deliver engaging narratives. The city sees every step along its streets as a chance to tell a richer story.
