The City Government of Davao, through the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO), on Monday unveiled the 38th Kadayawan Festival theme and logo during a media launch at the Seda Hotel.
Representatives from the 11 ethnolinguistic groups of the city, public officials from the local government, partners from the private sector, and members of the media attended Monday’s launching.
This year’s festival has the theme: “Colors of Abundance, Vibrance of Diversity, Festival of Festivals.”
The official logo incorporates various colorful patterns of the traditional textiles from the city’s indigenous peoples with the explicit permission of the tribal leaders.
Vice Mayor J Melchor Quitain Jr., reading a message from Mayor Sebastian Duterte, said the festival is “the time of the year where we honor the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes of Davao City” and celebrate the abundance of the city’s natural resources.
“Let us embrace the spirit of gratitude and remember that it is our mutual respect for the uniqueness of our respective customs and traditions that binds us all as one Dabawenyo community,” Quitain, quoting the mayor, said.
The Vice Mayor then invited everyone to join the festivities and witness the many events lined up for August. He urged the public to experience Davao’s culture through various art forms such as dance, music, fashion, and food that will be showcased during the festival.
CTOO Officer-in-Charge Jennifer Romero said although the festivities this August will have some changes, its very essence will remain the same– that of a celebration of the diverse and vibrant cultures of the city’s indigenous peoples.
Bracing for the influx of visitors, Romero said that partnership with the private sector has been strengthened to effectively plan out accommodations and safety logistics.
Meanwhile, City Administrator for Administration Atty. Mark Layog assured the public that the Kadayawan Executive Committee and the security sector have heightened the safety and security planning for the monthlong celebration. CIO
