Davao City Hall to Undergo Historic Restoration for Centennial Celebration
The iconic Davao City Hall building is set to undergo a significant exterior rehabilitation project as part of preparations for its upcoming 100th anniversary. According to officials from the Davao City Culture and Arts Office, the restoration work will begin next week and is scheduled for completion in time for the Araw ng Davao celebration.
Preserving Architectural Heritage
Oscar Casaysay, head of the Davao City Culture and Arts Office, revealed during the ISpeak Media Forum on February 5, 2026, that this project represents more than just routine maintenance. The initiative aims to meticulously restore the building's original architectural design rather than simply applying a fresh coat of paint. This approach has received approval from both Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), which granted its endorsement last month.
Historical Significance and Design
Davao City Hall stands as a remarkable example of early 20th-century Philippine architecture. Designed during the American period, initial planning for the structure dates back to 1906 when then-Davao District governor Lt. Allen Walker advocated for a permanent government building in the region. The building was finally constructed in 1926 under the guidance of renowned Filipino architects:
- Antonio Toledo
- Tomás Mapúa
- National Artist Juan Arellano as lead architect
The structure exemplifies neoclassical architectural principles with its distinctive large pillars and symmetrical design. Its layout served as a prototype for numerous government buildings throughout the Philippines, including the Pulupandan Provincial Capitol and Talisay City Hall in Cebu Province.
Restoration Details and Process
Although the building has remained structurally sound for nearly a century, Casaysay emphasized that restoration is essential to preserve its historical integrity and return it closer to its original appearance. Following NHCP recommendations, the restoration will include:
- Repainting the exterior in its original white color
- Removing non-original features such as illuminated lettering
- Conducting window repairs
"So hopefully our City Hall will become all white, since it has already been approved to remove the other decorations," Casaysay stated, referring to the removal of what he called "borloloys" or unnecessary adornments.
Project Logistics and Budget
The total budget for this historic preservation project is nearly P2 million, with costs reduced significantly because a paint manufacturer has agreed to donate the necessary materials. Casaysay noted that the building was last repainted in 2012, which explains its current coloration.
Throughout the planning process, the City's Culture and Arts Office consulted with architectural experts during critical stages including:
- Color selection
- Paint mixing
- Durability assessment
These consultations ensure the restoration accurately preserves the building's historical value while addressing long-standing concerns about its appearance. The official confirmed that the interior of the building will remain unaffected, as the project focuses exclusively on exterior rehabilitation.
Casaysay assured the public that this rehabilitation project will honor the building's historical significance while preparing it for another century of service to Davao City residents. The restoration represents a meaningful investment in preserving Philippine architectural heritage for future generations.
