The event took place at the 22-hectare Davao Global Township (DGT) along McArthur Highway in Matina, coinciding with the culmination of the 88th Araw ng Davao celebration, which highlighted the economic progress over the years.
During the event, CLI Chairman and CEO Jose Soberano stated that they are currently in the planning stage, as the project involves a combination of a cultural center and a school building. “It will take a couple of years because we need to detail the plans and determine how the combination of a cultural center and office/school building should fit into the overall scheme of things,” he said.
He added that the project’s architect, Eduardo “Ed” Calma, known for his contemporary design style, will incorporate numerous artistic elements to ensure that green features, so integral to La Salle, are included in the construction. “That artistry that speaks of Ed Calma will not be lacking for sure; the green elements, which are significant to La Salle, will be present as it combines with a sustainability concept aimed at enhancing the environment, particularly concerning energy and ecological preservation,” Soberano explained.
The DLSU-Davao campus will officially be named the De LaSalle University Villa Abrille Center for Professional Development and will occupy a 4,000-square-meter property within DGT. Calma expressed their ambition for the building to serve as a focal point and a hub for education, culture, and workspaces, creating a platform for the exchange of ideas. “For our forthcoming partners, we believe in sustainability and elevated architecture.
It’s a privilege to contribute to this remarkable development,” he added.
DLSU President Brother Bernard S. Oca, FSC, in his address during the ceremony, emphasized that the upcoming De La Salle University Villa Abrille Center for Professional Development serves as a testament to their shared commitment to education, innovation, and community empowerment. “This initiative is a significant milestone for De La Salle University, expanding our reach beyond Manila and bringing world-class learning opportunities to DGT, a hub of progress and potential,” he stated.
According to Oca, DLSU-Davao will offer various courses, including Communications Management, Data Science, Leadership Compliance, Network Security, Governance, Cybersecurity Operations, Human resource management, and Risk Management.
The P33-billion Davao Global Township (DGT) is ongoing by YHEST Realty and Development Corp., a joint venture of Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI), based in Cebu City, and the Yuson, Huang, and Tan families from the Villa Abrille clan of Davao.
The project began in 2019 and is expected to be fully developed by 2026.
Construction of the City Center Mall and residential condominiums in the East Village and West Village, as well as office buildings, is currently underway.
Soberano mentioned that another grand mall will also be constructed at DGT.
Central Park opens
Following the DLSU groundbreaking ceremony, YHEST and CLI officially opened the expansive DGT Central Park.
The Central Park is a one-hectare open space within DGT.
Soberano described it as featuring an amphitheater structure facing a stage, backed by restaurants where customers and the general public can enjoy the experience of open space living. “It’s a total experience of what open space living is all about,” he noted.
He stated that the park would be an ideal location for future DLSU students to dine, relax, and enjoy fresh air. “This will become a major landmark in Davao City. We expect many more events to be hosted here as we continue to develop DGT,” Soberano said.
Davao Global Township Central Park officially opens
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