NCCA to help spruce up Kadayawan tribal village

DAVAO CITY – The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) will collaborate with the city government here to transform the Kadayawan tribal village located in Magsaysay Park into a “hub for culture and peace”.

City Tourism Office head Generose Tecson said, in an interview on Tuesday, that the NCCA expressed the intention to help the city improve the park by providing the necessary pieces of infrastructure after learning of the local government’s plan to develop the existing cultural village, which was opened during the Kadayawan celebration last year.

The Kadayawan village showcases the 11 different tribal houses of the six Moro tribes (Taosug, Maguindanaon, Iranun, Kagan, Maranao, and Sama) and five Lumad tribes (Klata, Ata, Ubo Manuvo, Matigsalog, and Tagabawa).

She added that, among the plans were to improve the setup of the tribal houses, and develop the old abandoned amphitheater inside the park by constructing a ceiling that will allow it to host indoor activities such as cultural performances, dance contests, and events of the artists.

“There is a place for cultural village and the (amphitheater) to encourage artists to make it a place for themselves, more like artists’ haven,” she said.

Tecson is awaiting the submission of the plans from thje City Engineering Office and City Architecture’s Office for the structural design and concept before she can complete the proposal for development of Magsaysay Park to NCAA for a P5-million grant.

She said they expect the project to begin this year.

Magsaysay Park currently houses some of the government offices such as the Davao City field offices of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Davao City Investment Promotions Center (DCIPC), and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO). (Antonio L. Colina IV)