DAVAO CITY – Davao City formally opened its annual Pasko Fiesta sa Dabaw on Thursday night, Nov. 28, with calls for unity, discipline, and responsible citizenship from the government.

Speaking before the crowd, acting Davao City Mayor Duterte emphasized the long-practiced values of generosity, peace, and discipline among Davaoeños, especially during the Christmas season.

"We are known for being helpful, disciplined, and values-oriented. Peace has always been our priority," he said, noting that city's leaders have upheld these qualities for decades.

Duterte stressed the importance of raising children with strong values through education and faith. He urged all parents and guardians to continue sending their children to schools and worship places.

"Our priority is to prepare their future so they do not face the same problems we deal with today," the acting mayor said, addressing political issues that surfaced after the midterm elections.

Duterte commended the people of Davao for voting based on principles rather than financial influence.

He claimed that despite the distribution of billions in national social assistance programs, local voters supported Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod and former President and Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

"Those who think Dabawenyos can be bought are wrong. Our future is something we create for ourselves," Duterte said.

Duterte warned drug pushers that they will face the consequences of their actions soon.

"Those lives you are destroying, those children you are feeding illegal drugs, you will pay for what you have done when the time comes," he said in the local dialect.

Former President Duterte's youngest son said that he has listed individuals involved in illegal drugs and a day of reckoning is about to come.

"There will be a day of reckoning for destroying the minds of our youth," Mayor Duterte said.

He criticized political interference from national officials and external investigative bodies, saying these were attempts to undermine locally elected leaders.

Mayor Duterte assured residents that the city government remains committed to providing excellent service.

"You have a local government unit that listens to you. Everything the Dabawenyo needs will be addressed. There is no going backward, only forward," he said.

The acting mayor highlighted several ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects, including the waste-to-energy facility, the Bucana Bridge, and the Davao City Bypass Road.

He acknowledged Dwight Domingo, project manager for the DC bus, and asked the public for patience amid current road congestion.

"Just a little sacrifice and cooperation will lead us toward progress," Mayor Duterte said.

Acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II formally welcomed the Pasko Fiesta and thanked the Davao City Tourism Office, government workers, and partner organizations for making the celebration possible.

The vice mayor underscored the cultural significance of Christmas in bringing communities together.

He added that may the spirit of Christmas heal everyone's hearts and minds, so that they may choose peace over conflict, stability over chaos, and love over hatred.

Vice Mayor Duterte encouraged the public to reject greed and selfishness and treat others with respect, decency, and care.

The opening of Pasko Fiesta sa Dabaw marks the start of a month-long series of activities and attractions celebrating Davao City's holiday traditions.