In a bid to spread warmth and joy to children in Davao, the City Government of Davao – in partnership with the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) – has prepared activities during the Pasko Fiesta celebration centered around children.
Other than the Peryahan sa Pasko located beside the City Hall of Davao where children can avail of free rides and snacks, CTOO Promotions Unit Head, Ms. RR Lopez, said in an interview with the Usapang Pambata over the city-owned Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Tuesday that the upcoming Banda Dasig and Parada sa Pasko are also part of their initiatives for children.
“What to expect more para sa atoang mga kabatan-onan nga mas maenjoy nila ang atoang Pasko Fiesta is that karong 22, for Banda Dasig ug Parada sa Pasko is really children-centric gihapon kay the Davao City Tourism really aimed na mag invite og mga children from our organizations. This is also partnered with CSWDO and House of Hope [What to expect for our children to enjoy the Pasko Fiesta is the Banda Dasig and Parada sa Pasko on December 22 which are events centered on children. The Davao City Tourism invited children from certain organizations. This is also in partnership with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and House of Hope,” Lopez said.
The Banda Dasig and Parada sa Pasko will take place on December 22 starting from Roxas Avenue to San Pedro Square.
According to Lopez, the CSWDO helped in selecting the children who would be present in the event since some are sensitive to crowds. She said that this was the CTOO’s way of catering to children with special needs. It was also their way of ensuring that every Dabawenyo, especially the children, could have the opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas in Davao.
Lopez also said that although the Christmas parade isn’t as grand as the one intended, their office hopes that through this, children can still have a joyful, warm, and magical Christmas experience.
“The City Government of Davao and Davao City Tourism is looking to the idea ba na murag dili lang man kita ang nagacelebrate sa pasko. There are also children sa special homes, organizations na different ang ilahang celebration sa Christmas. May this Parada sa Pasko and Banda Dasig, at least to just one glimmer in time, maexperience nila ang kanang majestic, it’s not Disneyland level man hinuon, pero I hope we give that kind of magic during Christmas sa ilaha [The City Government of Davao and the Davao City Tourism considers the idea that we are not the only ones who are celebrating Christmas. There are also children in special homes and organizations. May this Parada sa Pasko and Banda Dasig become an opportunity, even just for a little while, for children to experience a magical Christmas],” she said.
Following the Banda Dasig and Parada sa Pasko, the CTOO and the city government are also spearheading a gift-giving activity for children. On December 23–27, there will be a Christmas on Wheels in selected public parks and gyms around the city where children will be receiving gifts.
The CTOO is inviting Dabawenyos, especially the children, to watch the Banda Dasig and Parada sa Pasko on December 22 with their families as well as to look out for the Christmas on Wheels. Lopez also reminded parents to bring umbrellas and extra water for kids and to follow security protocols in the venues.
Further details on Pasko Fiesta activities can be found on their Facebook Page, Pasko Fiesta sa Davao. CIO
