DAVAO CITY – Davao City officials described the 2026 Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival as a successful celebration that showcased the city's culture, diversity, and economic potential.

Mayor Sebastian Duterte praised the city's security personnel and partner agencies following the peaceful "Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan and Pamulak sa Dabaw" on Sunday, August 16.

He thanked the Public Safety and Security Office, the Davao City Police Office, and other agencies for keeping everyone safe during the festival's major events and other activities.

The DCPO led security operations along the Davao Coastal Road, working with the PSSO, other law and traffic enforcers, and the City Tourism Operations Office.

Duterte recognized how the security personnel managed crowd safety and traffic as thousands of spectators attended the festival's major events.

In the Indak-Indak competition, Balangay City High School of Mati City won first place in the Open Category and received P2 million, the biggest cash prize in the festival's history.

The 161-member group also won awards for Best in Costume, Props, and Aesthetic; Best Choreography; and Best Street Dance.

Sindac Anib Performing Ensemble of Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, placed second and received P800,000. It also won Best in Music.

Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, chairperson of the Committees on Tourism and Beautification and on Trade, Commerce and Industry, said the city is pleased with the festival's turnout.

She thanked the Kadayawan organizers, the city government, security personnel, businesses, artists, volunteers, and media partners for making the celebration a success.

"Kadayawan is more than a festival as it reflects the identity, traditions, and unity of Davaoeños," Ortiz said during a privilege speech at the Davao City Council on Tuesday, August 18.

Ortiz also recognized the 11 Deputy Mayors representing the city's cultural communities for helping keep their traditions and identities at the center of the festival.

"Your traditions, stories, music, dances, artistry, and heritage give Kadayawan its soul and authenticity," the councilor said, referring to the deputy mayors of the city.

She also said the festival helped boost local businesses and created opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises, farmers, artisans, tourism workers, and other businesses.

"Festivals, when properly planned and sustainably managed, can serve as platforms for culture, tourism, livelihoods, trade, and inclusive economic development," Ortiz said.

Ortiz urged continued efforts to preserve Kadayawan's culture, support local businesses, promote tourism, protect the environment, and benefit local communities.

She supported a proposed resolution recognizing the successful Kadayawan 2026 celebration and the contributions of the organizers, government agencies, and partner agencies.

Ortiz said the festival's conclusion should also serve as an opportunity to evaluate the celebration and improve future editions.

DCPO director, Police Colonel Peter Madria, said Kadayawan sa Dabaw 2026 concluded with a zero-incident security record across all official festival events.

Madria credited the success to the teamwork of the city government, police, security agencies, and community volunteers.

The police official said security forces maintained a strong presence through strategic deployment, proactive threat management, and heightened visibility throughout the festivities.

He also credited Davaoeños and visitors for their cooperation and discipline in following safety protocols, which he said helped keep festival venues secure.