The Davao City government is set to restore City Hall’s original neo-classical appearance as part of preparations for its centennial celebration, officials said Thursday.
Oscar G. Casaysay, head of the Office of Culture, Arts, and Heritage (OCAH), said the project will include repainting the building in its original white color, repairing windows, and installing façade lighting to highlight the structure at night.
The restoration aims to enhance architectural features while preserving the building’s historical integrity, he said.
Built in 1926 and designed by National Artist Juan M. Arellano, the structure—then known as the Davao Municipal Hall—has remained largely intact despite war damage and subsequent renovations, including in 2017.
Casaysay said the project has undergone consultations and received approval from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), architects, and historians. Work is expected to begin by the second week of February.
The restoration is targeted for completion ahead of Araw ng Davao, giving residents and visitors a renewed view of one of the city’s most enduring landmarks as Davao marks 100 years of history.
