DAVAO CITY – Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte underscored unity, discipline, and collective responsibility among Davaoeños during the Parada Dabawenyo on Saturday morning, March 28, one of the highlight events of the 89th Araw ng Dabaw celebration.

In his address, Mayor Duterte emphasized the city's and its people's resilience, noting that Davao City Hall has stood for a century as a symbol of strength and continuity. He said the city has endured various challenges but has emerged stronger, highlighting the people of Davao's enduring resolve.

"We Davaoeños are courageous. When we are pushed into a corner and pressed, we may not be the type to provoke trouble. Still, if you test us, you will truly experience resistance unlike anything you have ever encountered in your life," Mayor Duterte said in the local dialect.

He referenced recent issues, including the arrest of his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, describing them as tests that ultimately strengthened the community rather than weakened it.

Mayor Duterte called on residents to uphold shared values anchored on inclusive progress, family unity, and faith. He stressed that development should not be a competition but a collective effort in which no Dabawenyo is left behind.

He underscored the role of families in building a disciplined, values-oriented society and urged citizens to keep faith at the center of daily life.

The city mayor reiterated the importance of law and order in a rapidly growing city with a population of about 1.8 million.

He urged compliance with existing ordinances, including liquor bans, anti-smoking regulations, curfews, and speed limits, among others, emphasizing that these measures are intended to ensure public safety and harmony.

Mayor Duterte further highlighted that governance is a shared responsibility between officials and citizens, stressing the need for active public participation.

He called for stronger youth engagement through education and guidance, urging families and communities to steer young people away from harmful influences.

Mayor Duterte emphasized that laws must be applied equally to all, regardless of status, and reaffirmed the city’s continued campaign against illegal drugs and criminality. He pointed to Davao City’s “culture of security” as a key factor in maintaining peace and order.

During the event, the mayor rendered a salute formally recognizing members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Bureau of Fire, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and other law enforcement units for their roles in securing the festivities.

Mayor Duterte attributed the city’s reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s safest urban centers to the discipline, coordination, and dedication of uniformed personnel.

The Office of the Vice President, led by Sara Z. Duterte, joined the celebration, along with Sen. Christopher Lawrence Go, Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II, second district Rep. Omar Vincent Duterte, third district Rep. Isidro Ungab, Pwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat party-list Rep. Harold Duterte, and other local and national government officials.

Davao City welcomed distinguished guests, including Atty. Vic Rodriguez, Atty. Rowena Guanzon, Cavite Rep. Francisco Barzaga, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, and Reina Mercedes, Isabela Vice Mayor Harold Respicio.

In an interview with the Davao media, Vice President Duterte said the Araw ng Dabaw is not only a commemoration of the city’s rich history but also a reminder of the collective strength and unity of its people.

Vice President Duterte served as Davao City mayor from 2010 to 2013, 2016 to 2019, and 2019 to 2022.

"May we continue to celebrate our unique identity and move forward together on the path towards a brighter and more prosperous future. Let's continue to move forward," Vice President Duterte said.

The Davao City Tourism Operations Office said 35,000 participants from 407 contingents, representing the public and private sectors, joined the parade from Roxas Ave. to San Pedro Square.

The event featured marching bands, colorful costumes, and cultural performances showcasing Davao City’s heritage and community spirit.

Davao City Police Office acting director Police Col. Mannan Muarip, who supervised area monitoring throughout the event, ensured the orderly conduct of the parade, which culminated at San Pedro Square, where local officials and community leaders gathered.

Muarip said the successful staging of the Parada Dabawenyo reflects the continued commitment of law enforcement and the local government to maintain peace and security during major public events, allowing residents and visitors to celebrate the city’s cultural traditions safely.