DAVAO CITY – The five-story national museum worth P200 million in Davao City will open in December 2022, Museo Dabawenyo head Winne Rose G. Bulig said on Monday.

Bulig said in an interview over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) that the structure inspired by durian, Mindanao’s iconic fruit, is now 75% completed and needs some construction works on the interior.

It is to be called the National Museum of the Philippines in Davao City, the first regional museum of the National Museum of the Philippines, she said.

Of the total budget, she said P100 million came from the Office of the President and the other half from the budget of the National Museum of the Philippines.

She said the management of the National Museum of the Philippines is already in the planning phase on what artefacts and artworks will be featured at the museum here.

“We contacted the National Museum and they are now in the planning phase and researching what will be displayed there,” said Bulig.

“But, it is expected that it’s going to be the same as the national museum in Manila – it’s not only local history but also national history,” she added.

She said no entrance fees will be charged on the visitors.

Located within the People’s Park compound, the museum will feature artworks of the famous visual artists and the history of the Philippines.

In her last State of the City Address last March 17, Mayor Sara Duterte said the local government is “honored that the National Museum of the Philippines chose to build a National Museum in Davao City.”

The City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) said in a statement that the museum will be another landmark of the city with its futuristic Durian-inspired exterior design and will showcase the rich and vibrant local and national history.