DAVAO CITY – Native games roared back to life and camaraderie was cemented as more than 1,000 youths from 54 barangays in the first district and guest participants from other districts and members of the media competed in the “Dabawenyo Ko, Mubarog Ko! Dula Kaniadto Pinoy Fun Games” at People’s Park here on Tuesday, Aug. 12.

The event organized by first district Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte in partnership with the Sangguniang Kabataan was a highlight of the Kadayawan Festival and International Youth Day here.

With the theme “Reviving Filipino Culture Through Authentic Traditional Games,” Duterte said the initiative aims to reconnect all participants, particularly youth, with time-honored pastimes that once brought communities together in every barangay.

“This is more than just fun and games. It’s about keeping our traditions alive and giving our young people – and even our media friends – a chance to connect, laugh, and celebrate the Kadayawan spirit together,” Duterte said.

Christian Mahidlawon, SK chairman of Barangay Magtuod, said the activity aimed to bring back traditional Filipino games – once a staple of childhood but now rarely played – as technology and social media dominate the younger generation’s pastimes.

“We created this event so we can relive our ‘larong Pinoy.’ Many youth today focus more on gadgets and have little time for traditional games. These traditional games allowed us to interact and have fun the old-fashioned way,” Mahidlawon said.

Determined participants battled it out in games such as Dakpanay Baboy, Patintero, Lumba Bunot, Palosebo, Syatong, Takyan, Tug of War, Sack Race, Pukpok Palayok, Kadang Bagol, and Basketball Shooting.

James Escabosa, a participant in the Dakpanay Baboy, admitted the games were more thrilling than expected. “We play these games sometimes, but not as lively as this—especially in Dakpanay Baboy, where participants are blindfolded. It was challenging and fun,” he said.

Guest participants and media members also enjoyed the event and reminisced the days when these games were their only source of fun.

Participants thanked Duterte and the SK for organizing an interactive and enjoyable event.

Winners were:

• Lumba Bunot – Johair Malaco of Barangay 6-A

• Dakpanay Baboy – Ligaya Mae Morelos of Barangay 35-D, Jefrey Carongay of Barangay 14-B, and Johair Malaco of Barangay 6-A.

• Palosebo – Kent Olasiman of Barangay 15-B

• Takyan – Team Barangay 36-D

• Tug of War – first place: Barangay 36-D; second place: Barangay 1-A

• Patintero – first place: Barangay 22-C; second place: Barangay 23-C

• Sack Race – first place: Barangay 23-C; second place: Magtuod; third place: Barangay 1-A

• Syatong – first place: Barangay Magtuod; second place: Barangay 36-D

• Pukpok Palayok – Barangay 28-C, Hendrick Parojinog; Barangay 1-A, Jhon Christian Lagande; Barangay 17-B, Andrei Hacildo; Barangay 25-C, Andrian Badilla; Barangay 22-C, Heaven Diaz; and Jezevel Cerujuj, Barangay 14-B

• Basketball Shooting – Jihan Cabrero of Barangay 21-C

A special consolation category recognized the efforts of 30 participants, including Jimster Matuguinas, Eric Jade Anad, Junior Escala, Harvey Olasiman, Kirk Ramos, and Joven Mirafelix.

Organizers expressed hope that the Dula Kaniadto Pinoy Fun Games will become a recurring tradition to inspire camaraderie, sportsmanship, and cultural pride among young Davaoeños.