An exhibit is on display as of April 11, 2025, at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Mini-Theater Lobby. “Architecture of Power: The Provincial Capitols in Mindanao,” is from a BS Architecture thesis work and subsequently a published article in Banwa, UP Mindanao’s academic journal. It builds on the research thrust and academic course of Mindanao heritage architecture and vernacular architecture adopted by the UP Mindanao Department of Architecture.
Each exhibit panel displays a selected pair of provincial capitol buildings that were built at approximately the same time period. A location map, brief history, and description of each is provided for context. The illustration or photo shows the capitol building and its architectural style or personality. Some panel pairings show contrasting characteristics, while some show similarities.
The qualities of each capitol somehow reflects aspects of the province’s character, culture, and history. A more deliberate viewing of the exhibit can inspire an appreciation of the range of diversity and some commonalities among the Mindanao provincial capitols and the provinces they represent.
The top photo shows a visitor attracted by the exhibit at the CHSS Mini-Theater Lobby. The following photos provide more glimpses of the exhibit.
The exhibit title board states the rationale of the exhibit and the selected capitols.
The Cotabato (1995) and Sarangani (1997) provincial capitols.
The Sultan Kudarat and Surigao del Sur provincial capitols, both built in 2006.
The Lanao del Norte (2007) and Davao Oriental (2010) provincial capitols.
The Davao del Norte (1972) and Agusan del Sur (1995) provincial capitols.
The Camiguin and Davao del Sur provincial capitols, both built in 2000.
The Surigao del Norte and Misamis Oriental provincial capitols, both built in 1950.
The Compostela Valley (2002, now Davao de Oro) and Zamboanga Sibugay (2004) provincial capitols.
The Bukidnon (1933) and Misamis Occidental (1935) provincial capitols.
The Agusan del Norte (1951) and South Cotabato (1972) provincial capitols.