DAVAO CITY – Top officials here called on the people to celebrate the 2026 Kadayawan Festival with gratitude, unity, and pride as month-long festivities traditionally opened with the Subang Sinugdanan ug Panagtagbo on Friday morning, Aug. 7.

reenacted the shared history and cultural heritage of Davao's indigenous community and the Bangsamoro people through cultural presentation and a symbolic boat parade on the Davao River at the Tionko Soccer Field.

Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in a message read by Councilor Myna Dalodo-Ortiz, welcomed people and visitors and said the celebration honors the indigenous and Muslim communities whose settlements, cultures, and traditions laid the foundation for the city's identity.

“This year's theme, 'We Are One, KadayawONE,' reflects the heritage of Davao's 11 ethnolinguistic tribes and the unity of Davaoeños,” Duterte said, encouraging residents to continue honoring their culture, celebrating diversity, and promoting peace and progress.

Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II, in his message, described Kadayawan as more than a festival, saying it is a celebration of the city's cultural identity and a reminder of the resilience, generosity, and unity of the people of Davao City.

He urged people to thank God for the city's blessings while recognizing the contributions of farmers, fisherfolk, Indigenous Peoples, workers, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, and families to Davao's continued growth.

Vice Mayor Duterte assured Davaoeños of his commitment to building a city that is safe, progressive, and compassionate and invited visitors to experience not only Davao's attractions but also the warmth and hospitality of the people.

Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, chairperson of the City Council Committee on Tourism and Beautification, hoped that this year's festival would bring blessings and unity and lead to the successful staging of festival activities.

Ortiz cited the opening of Subang Sinugdanan ug Panagtagbo led by the deputy mayors of Davao City representing the Bangsamoro and Indigenous Peoples communities as a symbol of the Kadayawan's cultural significance.

First district Rep. Paolo Duterte described Kadayawan as a celebration of Davao City's culture, unity, and resilience. He encouraged the people to welcome visitors with respect and hospitality, work together, and celebrate the festival responsibly.

He recognized the contributions of farmers, fisherfolk, workers, entrepreneurs, artists, Indigenous cultural communities, government employees, barangay officials, uniformed personnel, and volunteer responders in the city's continued progress.

"Kadayawan serves as an occasion to give thanks for the city's blessings, honor its rich cultural heritage and indigenous communities, and celebrate the unity that strengthens Davaoeños," said Pwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat party-list Rep. Harold Duterte.

Harold said the festival highlights the importance of protecting the country's fisheries and maritime sectors while encouraging the preservation of culture, environmental stewardship, and collective efforts toward a more peaceful and prosperous Davao and the Philippines.

The grand opening of this year's festival will be held at Magsaysay Park on Friday afternoon. It features its biggest program to date, with the city government organizing 26 official activities, up from 16 last year, and targeting 250,000 tourist arrivals.