A historical exhibit focusing on Davao City's oldest street opened on May 29 and will run until June 30, 2026. Titled Calle San Pedro: The Art in/of the City, the curated exhibition celebrates Davao City's history and culture through a vibrant fusion of visuals, including paintings, old photos, and short films.
Exhibit Highlights
The exhibit captures the essence and vibrance of San Pedro Street, which hosts several landmarks such as the San Pedro Cathedral, City Hall, Sangguniang Panglungsod, Osmeña Park, Rizal Park, and the Monument of Peace and Unity.
Donna Richel Sarong, Museum Researcher at Museo Dabawenyo, described the exhibit as a multi-faceted exhibition focusing on telling the story of the city's primary artery using archival photos, artifacts, and artwork.
Historical Significance
Sarong noted that the exhibit revolves around the San Pedro square, which includes historical landmarks such as the century-old Davao City Hall and the San Pedro Cathedral. The cathedral's original nipa and bamboo structure was built in 1847 during the arrival of Spanish colonizers, rebuilt in the 1900s, and the present structure, designed by Architect Manuel Chiew, was constructed in 1964.
Upon Spain's effective conquest in 1848, colonial officials opened the first three streets as part of the city's earliest Spanish town planning. These included Calle San Pedro, named after the city's patron saint; Calle Claveria, named after the Governor General who authorized the expedition of Don Jose Oyanguren to Davao; and Calle Magallanes, named after explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Within these streets, Spain constructed San Pedro Church, town hall, barracks, and residential and commercial areas of the new Christian settlement.
National Heritage Month Celebration
The exhibit's opening is part of the city's celebration of National Heritage Month. It is mounted in collaboration between the Davao City local government, Museo Dabawenyo, Office of Culture and the Arts, Holy Cross of Davao College, Ateneo de Davao University, and San Pedro Cathedral Parish of Davao City.
Featured artists include Ace Algas, Keith Bacongco, Cacho Ferrero, Orvil Bantayan, and Mark Tolentino.
Exhibit Details
The exhibit is currently held on the Ground Floor of the Community Center of the First Companions, Ateneo de Davao University. Admission is free, and visiting hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
