DAVAO CITY – Malacañang officially proclaimed March 17, the conclusion of the city’s month-long celebration of the 88th Araw ng Dabaw, as a special non-working holiday in Davao City after weeks of delay.
The request, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, was approved on March 11 – the same day former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at the airport in Pasay City and transported to The Hague, Netherlands for trial before the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity.
It said in the proclamation that “it is fitting and proper that the people of Davao City be given full opportunity to participate in the occasion and enjoy the celebration.”
People frowned at the declaration and not in the mood to celebrate after the turn of events.
Councilor and lawyer Luna Maria Dominique Acosta, chairman of the Peace and Public Safety Committee, said on Facebook that she saw this coming and that the request would be granted since Duterte was already arrested.
“The mockery. I know what you are doing, Bongbong Marcos and Liza Marcos. I am somehow surprised by how low you can go. Parang kayong balon ng kawalanghiyaan eh (You seem like a wellspring of shamelessness),” blogger Joie de Vivre said.
“Ganahan pa kaha ta ani mag-celebrate nga mismo atong amahan sa Dabaw gidakop man nila? (Would we still even feel like celebrating when the father of this city has been arrested?)” said Herminia Sumbilon, a saleswoman and resident of Barangay Buhangin here.
Eduard Sinajon, a resident of this city, said the declaration of a special non-working holiday is an insult to Davaoeños, knowing that the city’s father was brought to The Hague, Netherlands, to be tried by the International Criminal Court (ICC), a foreign entity.
Thousands of Duterte supporters continue to gather in Davao City and other areas nationwide to hold prayer rallies. Supporters lit candles and prayed for Duterte’s safety while motorcyclists drove through streets chanting his name calling for his safe return to Davao City.
The 20th Davao City Council passed a resolution on Jan. 28 asking the Office of the President to declare March 17, 2025, a special non-working holiday in Davao City to commemorate Pasasalamat sa 88th Araw ng Dabaw.
The resolution also included a request to declare Aug. 15, 2025, Indigenous People’s Day, aligning with the Kadayawan sa Davao festivities.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod confirmed that the resolution was sent to the Office of the President via courier on Feb. 5 and successfully delivered on Feb. 6.
Jennifer Romero, officer-in-charge of the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO), said that the city submitted the request earlier, following a Memorandum Order No. 20, which requires all local government units to submit proposals for special non-working holiday proclamations at least 30 days before the intended date.