DAVAO CITY – The 39th Kadayawan Festival here opened on Thursday evening, August 8, at Ramon Magsaysay Park on R. Magsaysay Ave. with government officials and people from different walks of life in attendance.
NATIVE dancers perform during the opening of the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City on Thursday night, August 8. (Ivy Tejano)
With the theme: “King of Festivals, Together in Harmony, One Vibrant Community,” Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte acknowledged the people of Davao as the driving force for progress and the Kadayawan’s main feature.
“In marking another milestone, we recognized the true wealth and pride behind Davao City's development – our fellow Davaoeños,” Duterte said in a message read by Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, chairman of the city council committee on tourism and beautification.
The city mayor said Davao City has come a long way in honoring cultural roots and celebrating the advantages of the unique landscape and vibrant heritage, enabling the Davao community to achieve harmonious relationships throughout the years.
“We must continue to do this every year, not just to drive the economy and bring in tourists but especially for the people of Davao to be familiar with our city’s rich culture and history and to live their lives honoring and respecting this heritage,” Duterte said.
Duterte said the Kadayawan Cultural Village, among the festival’s highlights, situated at the park would reaffirm the diverse community’s unity as the entire city spotlights the traditions and ways of life of the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes here.
As Duterte wished Davaoeños and visitors to an enjoyable experience throughout the festival with various activities, he urged everyone to abide by the security measures they have set to avoid untoward incidents.
“We ask for everyone’s cooperation. Let us all remember that Davaoeños are known for their discipline. We can best exemplify this through significant events like the Kadayawan Festival,” Duterte said.
Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain Jr. here briefly discussed the Kadayawan Festival's history in his welcome remarks for guests and visitors’ information.
Quitain said that what sets Davao City apart from the rest of the country’s cities, municipalities, and provinces is that despite being diverse, the people here are united and living together peacefully.
“We are in the 39th year already and still going strong,” Quitain said, as he presented some changes inside the session hall of the City Council, where 11 tapestry designs representing the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes are on permanent display.
He said Kadayawan will be celebrated every day with the tapestry designs. He added that they placed the designs inside the session hall to constantly remind them of the peace, unity, and harmony among Davaoeños.
Quitain unveiled the changes to the city’s gallery, where a painting showing the people of Davao from all walks of life, donated by a Davao City-born artist, Alfred Galvez, was put on display. The city also now has a gallery of legislators.
The vice mayor, who expressed deep gratitude to all, emphasized the shared goal of ensuring that Davao City becomes the most livable and finest city in the country. He said that despite the challenges, Davao City will continue to thrive and succeed.
Also in attendance during the opening of the month-long festival were Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II on behalf of his father, first congressional district Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte; various consulate generals, deputy mayors, and members of the 11 tribes.