Davao City Hall to Get ₱2M Facelift Ahead of 100th Anniversary on NewsLine Philippines - Building Information Highway for the Community

DAVAO CITY (February 9) — As it prepares to mark a century of public service, the historic Davao City Hall will undergo a ₱2-million exterior restoration aimed at restoring the landmark closer to its original 1926 design, city officials said.
Repainting and rehabilitation works are expected to begin next week and finish in time for the Araw ng Davao celebration, according to Oscar Casaysay, head of the Davao City Culture and Arts Office (DCCAO).
Speaking during the ISpeak Media Forum on Thursday, February 5, Casaysay said the project is not a simple repainting job but a heritage-driven effort to preserve one of the city’s most recognizable symbols.
“This is about restoring the original architectural character of the building,” Casaysay said. “We want future generations to see City Hall closer to how it looked when it was first built.”
A century-old seat of governance
Davao City Hall traces its origins to the American colonial period, with early plans dating back to 1906, when then-Davao District governor Lt. Allen Walker pushed for a permanent government center. Construction was completed in 1926, with designs by Filipino architects Antonio Toledo and Tomás Mapúa, led by National Artist Juan Arellano.
Built in the neoclassical style, the structure’s grand pillars and symmetrical layout later influenced the design of other government buildings across the country, including the Pulupandan Provincial Capitol and Talisay City Hall in Cebu.
For many Davaoeños, the building is more than an office—it is part of their personal history.
“Didto ko pirmi mag-agi sauna tung college pa ko. Makita nimo nga murag lain na iyang hitsura karon,” said Ramon C. Villareal, 52, a jeepney driver from Bankerohan. “Maayo jud nga ibalik sa iyang karaang porma kay simbolo man na sa atong siyudad.”
(I used to pass by it often when I was in college. You can see that it looks different now. It’s good that they’re bringing back its old form because it’s a symbol of our city.)
Returning to its original white
Based on recommendations from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the building’s exterior will be repainted in its original white color, while non-original elements such as illuminated lettering will be removed.
“So hopefully mahimo nang all white atong City Hall. Gi-aprubahan na pud na tanggalon ang uban borloloys,” Casaysay said.
The building was last repainted in 2012, which accounts for its current color.
Residents welcomed the move, saying it restores dignity to a familiar public space.
“Mas nindot jud tan-awon kung limpyo ug simple,” said Maria Elena Torres, 34, a public school teacher from Buhangin. “Kana nga building, di man na pwede sab-an lang ug design kay naa man siyay kasaysayan.”
(It really looks better when it’s clean and simple. That building shouldn’t just be redesigned because it carries history.)
Cost, scope, and preservation
The restoration project carries a budget of nearly ₱2 million, covering exterior repainting and window repairs. Costs were reduced after a paint manufacturer committed to donating paint materials.
Casaysay clarified that the interior will not be affected, as the rehabilitation focuses solely on the building’s exterior.
Architectural experts were consulted throughout the planning process, including paint selection and color mixing, to ensure durability while preserving historical accuracy.
For younger residents, the project also offers a chance to reconnect with local heritage.
“Daghan na kaayo’g modern buildings karon, pero lain gihapon ning City Hall,” said Joshua Mae Flores, 21, a university student. “Kung ma-restore siya, murag mas ma-appreciate namo unsa ka importante ang kasaysayan sa Davao.”
(There are so many modern buildings now, but City Hall is still different. If it’s restored, we’ll better appreciate how important Davao’s history is.)
City officials said the project responds to long-standing concerns about the building’s appearance while ensuring that Davao City Hall remains a proud and living reminder of the city’s century-long journey.
The post Davao City Hall to Get ₱2M Facelift Ahead of 100th Anniversary appeared first on NewsLine Philippines.
Davao City Hall to Get ₱2M Facelift Ahead of 100th Anniversary
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