On the 28th of August 2025, the Ateneo de Davao University officially became the new stewards of the Davao Museum Collection.
Signing the Memorandum of Agreement were Fr. Karel S. San Juan, SJ, President, and Mr. Jeremy S. Eliab, Executive Vice President, from the Ateneo de Davao University; Ms. Judy Ann C. Prantilla, President of the Museum Foundation; Dr. Noemia Dementillo Bartolome, President of the Zonta Club of Davao; and Ms. Sylvia C. Lorenzana, Executive Director of the Davao Museum of History and Ethnography.
After the signing between the parties involved, a Symbolic Turnover was held as Ms. Prantilla, Dr. Bartolome, and Ms. Lorenzana, entrusted a betel quid box (a symbol to establish bonds and agreements) to Fr. Karel and Mr. Eliab, as the new stewards of the Davao Museum Collection.
The Davao Museum Collection was previously managed by the Zonta Club of Davao, who maintained the preservation and presentation of these artifacts for many years. This turnover not only ensures the continued conservation of these artifacts and artworks but also the promotion and study of these historic and cultural collections.
With the collection now within the Ateneo de Davao University Jacinto Campus, Ar. Jim R. Palma unveiled the designs for the new museum location at the Ground Floor, Rodriguez Hall, CCFC Building. The plans showcased a sleek modern building with Mindanawon-inspired designs as the new home for these cultural artifacts and artworks.
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