The Davao Global Township (DGT) recently celebrated major milestones with the groundbreaking of its Cultural Center and the grand opening of Central Park, coinciding with Davao City’s 88th Araw ng Dabaw festivities.
A new hub for education and culture
On March 15, 2025, top executives from YHEST Realty and Development Corporation, Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI), De La Salle University (DLSU), the city government of Davao, and the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Davao Region led the ceremonies. Industry stakeholders, media representatives, and members of the pioneering Villa-Abrille clan also attended the event. Celebrity hosts Tim Yap and Issa Litton brought energy and flair to the event.
YHEST chairman and CLI chairman and CEO Jose Soberano III highlighted the transformative vision for DGT, calling it the "Address of Amazing." He credited YHEST president Frederick H. Yuson for bringing DLSU to DGT, stating,
We made the right choice in partnering with a premier business school. It will be a great addition to the academic excellence that Davao stands for.
Jose Soberano III, YHEST chairman and CLI chairman and CEO
Designed by architect Ed Calma of Lor Calma & Partners, the DGT Cultural Center will house the DLSU Villa-Abrille Micro Campus, office buildings, and a cultural and social center.
A green space for the community
Meanwhile, Soberano introduced the DGT Central Park as a first-of-its-kind experience for Dabawenyos. The one-hectare open space features an amphitheater and a water fountain, with restaurants and food stalls enhancing the vibrant atmosphere.
"The public and DLSU students can truly enjoy open-space living. Families can have picnics, relax on the grass, and attend events at the amphitheater. This will be a major landmark," he said.
A growing Business District
Soberano also shared DGT’s upcoming developments, including the East Village and West Village residential condos, the City Center Mall, and a larger mall. He expressed optimism about Davao’s growth, stating, "Through the combined efforts of our partners, we’re creating something that will make Davao even more exciting and engaging."
"We're very optimistic about Davao's progress, and we believe it will continue," he added. "Through the combined efforts of our partners, CLI is turning our shared talents, dreams, and aspirations into reality — creating developments that will make Davao even more vibrant, engaging, and inclusive for the public."
Welcome landmarks
Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, in a message delivered by Vice Mayor Melchor Quitain Jr., praised the DGT Cultural Center as a space dedicated to preserving Davao’s artistic and cultural heritage. He also welcomed the opening of Central Park as a valuable addition to the city’s green spaces, promoting recreation and sustainability.
"These milestones highlight the importance of innovative urban development while creating people-centered, inclusive spaces for all," the mayor said.
Commitment to innovation
DLSU President Bro. Bernard S. Oca FSC congratulated the visionaries behind DGT, calling it a "dynamic and promising business district that seamlessly blends commerce with a park-inspired lifestyle."
"We are honored to be part of this transformative project through the DLSU Villa-Abrille Micro Campus. This initiative expands our reach beyond Manila and brings world-class learning opportunities to DGT, a hub of progress and potential," he added.
With these groundbreaking developments, DGT is shaping to be a landmark destination for education, business, and leisure — bringing Davao into a new era of progress. MLSA