Davao city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Davao (DSWD-11) marked a historic milestone on Thursday with the groundbreaking of the DSWD Academy Mindanao at the Regional Government Center in Bago Oshiro.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PHP50-million project, funded under the Design and Build Scheme, is envisioned as Mindanao's premier learning and development hub for social welfare and public service professionals. Officially referred to as the DSWD-11 Learning Institute Building, the facility underscores the agency's commitment to investing in people, strengthening institutions, and preparing a future-ready workforce dedicated to serving vulnerable communities.

"We are celebrating a historic inauguration today for the DSWD Academy Mindanao - a testament to our continued efforts to strengthen the capabilities of our staff and raise the level of public service in Mindanao," said DSWD-11 Regional Director Rhuelo Aradanas. Aradanas emphasized that more than just a building, the Academy represents a bold step toward elevating public service standards through continuous learning, innovation, collaboration, and leadership development.

Once completed, the facility will host capability-building activities, conferences, training, and large-scale learning engagements for DSWD personnel and partners across Mindanao. It is designed to accommodate up to 644 participants and will feature brutalist-inspired architecture infused with cultural elements such as habi (weaving) patterns and Maharlika-inspired aesthetics. "This Academy is for a more prepared, more innovative, and more resilient DSWD. Today, we begin a legacy for the future of public service," Aradanas added.

Target completion of the project is December this year.