DAVAO CITY – In preparation for the grand celebration of the 40th Kadayawan Festival, the Davao City Council enacted an ordinance on Tuesday, Aug. 5, ordering the temporary road closure of several major streets to accommodate festival activities and ensure public safety.

The ordinance, authored by Councilor Jose Marie Bernardo Baluran, chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Communication, was passed to manage vehicular traffic and ensure public safety during one of the city’s most anticipated annual events.

According to the ordinance, obtained from the City Council, the following road closures will be implemented:

Aug. 12 (Tuesday)

• Time: 1 a.m. (Aug. 12) to 1 a.m. (Aug. 18)

• Location: Partial road closure at San Pedro Square, including Bolton St. and City Hall Drive-San Pedro St.

Aug. 15 (Friday)

• Time: 9 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 17

• Location: Partial closure at Marco Polo Grounds – C.M. Recto corner Roxas Ave. and Bonifacio corner Pelayo St. for stage and production tent installation

Aug. 17 (Sunday)

• Time: 1 a.m. to 12 midnight on Aug. 18

• Location: Full road closure along the Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan route from San Pedro Square and Marco Polo Grounds (Roxas Ave.) to C.M. Recto St., Bonifacio St., Pelayo St., and returning to San Pedro St.

Parade and event movement details:

1. Exit parade route

• Begins at San Pedro St.

• Right turn to C.M. Recto St.

• Continues to Bonifacio Rotunda

• Right turn to Quimpo Boulevard, ending at Felcris Centrale

2. Grand showdown holding area

• Entire stretch of San Pedro St.

• Includes all perpendicular streets: Crooked Road, Inigo St., Pelayo St., and Ilustre St.

The City Tourism Operations Office (CTTO) requested the temporary road closure and the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) did not object to the plan, provided safety protocols are followed.

In compliance with Section 21(c) of Republic Act 7160, also known as the Local Government Code of 1991, Baluran said the ordinance allows the temporary closure of public roads for local events, public safety, or cultural festivities.

Councilor Luna Marie Dominique Acosta, chairperson of the peace and public safety and anti-terrorism committees, reminded the public to cooperate with security measures, especially with the expected influx of guests, in a separate statement.

“We expect an influx of visitors from the national and international communities for the Kadayawan Festival with various activities. My reminder to all our guests and even Davaoeños is to remember the safety protocols we have in place in the city,” Acosta said.

She acknowledged concerns raised by mothers and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), reiterating that backpacks are not allowed in maximum security zones, and advised attendees to bring smaller and/or transparent bags.

“If you want to bring personal items, place them in a small bag or a transparent container so the security personnel will no longer advise you to leave your packed bags in your vehicles or disallow you to enter the maximum security zones,” she said.

Acosta confirmed that there will be no changes to the backpack policy, but internal coordination with organizers will continue. “There will be no amendments. We’ll make internal arrangements. We’re handling it on an event-to-event basis,” she said.

City officials encouraged residents and visitors to plan their travel routes in advance, comply with security guidelines, and join in celebrating Davao City’s rich culture through a safe and orderly Kadayawan Festival 2025.