Walking along the streets of Davao City, you’re bound to hear the City Hall mentioned at least once. “Asa ka padulong?” (Where are you going?) “City Hall.” “Asa ning park banda?” (Where is this park located?) “Duol sa City Hall.” (Near the City Hall.) “Tara, mangayo ta’g tabang sa City Hall.” (Let’s ask for assistance from the City Hall.) These snippets of conversation weave through the city’s daily hum—a reflection of how the City Hall became a landmark, a compass point in the lives of every Dabawenyo.
Located at the heart of the city surrounded by establishments that changed over time, like the what was once Lachmi Shopping Mall to Unitop and Unicity, the Agfa Photohouse now 7/11, and the minute changes in the fountains at the Quezon Park and the layout of the Rizal Park. It bore witness to changes that came with development and growth while remaining grounded to its roots.
More than a landmark, the City Hall is a silent storyteller while also housing the gears of the present governance. Built in 1926 by Tan C. Tee and Co., and designed by renowned architect Juan M. Arellano, with contributions from Tomas Mapua and Antonio Toledo, this neoclassical building is also a symbol of stability. It has seen the city grow from a small town to a metropolitan hub. It conquered decay and survived through the war that once tore its halls. Most importantly, its walls heard the stories of the people that were also the foundations of the city it represents.
“Kini ang magpaunod sa mga statements ni Mayor na Davao City is resilient. Why resilient? Naa ta’y historical basis. We started na munisipyo pa ta at that time in 1926, sakop pa ta sa Amerikano, all through the years nag-giyera na ta sa 1940s, daghan na’g mga panghitabo dinhi and then makita nato nagakalapad pud ang atoang siyudad during these years (This is in line with the statements of our Mayor that Davao is resilient. We have a historical basis for this—from its establishment in 1926, when we were still under the American rule, to the Second World War in the 1940s, and to this day when it witnessed the progress of our city),” Oscar Casaysay, Head of the Davao City Office for Culture and the Arts, said.
It can be recalled that the City Hall was one of the damaged buildings in the city during the Second World War, along with the provincial capitol. It was restored to its original design later.
The City Hall bore witness to stories of joy, grief, victory, and loss. `Every day, Dabawenyos from all walks of life have climbed the front steps of City Hall seeking opportunities like scholarships from the city government’s Educational Benefit System Unit (EBSU), free legal assistance from the City Legal Office, and other forms of social services that help better the lives of the people.
Over the years, its halls witnessed the success of Dabawenyos who benefitted from the services that the offices it housed offers including the nine successful 2025 Bar passers who were scholars under the EBSU, the over 150,000 Dabawenyos who received assistance under the Lingap Para sa Mahirap program, and other services that catered to the needs of the public.
For a hundred years now, the City Hall of Davao stands as a symbol of service, resilience, and development that lasts. Its pillars reflect the character of every Dabawenyo who fights through the storms of life with dignity and pride. It embodies a city founded by discipline and a heart for its people.
As the city celebrates the centennial anniversary of this building, it also celebrates the discipline of every Dabawenyo, their resilience, and the consistent push for growth and progress that benefits the city and its people. CIO
Written by: J. Villaluz
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: E. Morata
