DUTERTE (Inday Sara Duterte FB)
DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte announced on Saturday, March 14, her tentative plan to attend the celebration of the 89th Araw ng Dabaw, which coincides with the 81st birth anniversary of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, on Saturday, March 28.
"I will be here for the Araw ng Dabaw's Parada Dabawenyo, so I will also be here for FPRRD's birthday," Vice President Duterte said, as she maintains close ties with the city's constituents and public figures. She noted the timing of the events.
Former President Duterte, who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court detention facility, wished to hold a public celebration for his birthday on March 28.
The former Chief Executive's youngest daughter, Veronica, said that her father intends to celebrate his birthday while in detention, as the ICC reviews if there is enough evidence to proceed to a full trial for alleged crimes against humanity.
"He said he wants a gathering for the people," Veronica told supporters outside the Hague, Netherlands. "We're still figuring out the details and organizing things, so that's all for now –something meant for the people."
Former President Duterte's birthday comes after his four-day hearing on the charges, which he did not attend, and none of his children were there, saying it was emotionally hard for the family.
Davao City Tourism Operations Office officer-in-charge Willenito Tormis Jr. clarified that the scheduling of the Parada Dabawenyo was not meant to coincide with the former Chief Executive's birthday.
He explained that adding the IRONMAN 70.3 event in the third week of March allowed for a main activity each week, so the Parada Dabawenyos was moved to the last week, making Araw ng Dabaw a month-long celebration.
Tormis said the parade was initially planned for March 29 to mark the last day of the festivities. However, since that date falls on Palm Sunday, March 28, a Saturday was chosen as a more appropriate day for the event.