THE Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) is eyeing a partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to turn Magsaysay Park into the city’s cultural and peace hub.

During the Business Forum press conference Tuesday, June 26, at Dermpath, SM City Davao, CTOO head Generose Tecson said they target to improve the location and the current layout of the Kadawayan Village featuring the 11 tribes of the city.

She said they plan to have the houses relocated and arranged in such a way that it would really look like a village.

“I am just now waiting for the plans from the City Engineering Office and the designs from the City Architect’s Office. It is now currently being prepared,” said Tecson.

She added that Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio would have wanted Magsaysay Park to be revived as a green space.

Tecson said they have talked with representatives of NCCA. The government agency is interested to work with CTOO to help improve Magsaysay Park and turn it into a cultural and peace hub.

Specifically, Tecson suggested that the amphitheater in the park should be developed by installing a cover or a shed. This way, it would be more useful despite rain or during daylight.

Not only will the covered amphitheater be used during cultural events of the 11 tribes in the Kadayawan Village, Tecson said they plan to also use it for events and concerts of young artists in the city.

However, no final budget from NCCA has been approved but a P5-million fund from NCCA is being prepared for this development.

Launched during Kadayawan Festival 2017, the Kadayawan Village was envisioned to show unity among the Klata, Ata, Ubo Manuvo, Matigsalog, Tagabawa, Taosug, Maguindanaon, Iranun, Kagan, Maranao, and Sama tribes.

“This Kadayawan Village encapsulates what our city is – a melting pot of various cutlures and colors all living in one community recognizing the similarities between the tribes when celebrating the unique identity of each one,” said Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio during the reopening of the village in October 2017.