The City Government of Davao has officially opened the monthlong Araw ng Dabaw celebration with a Misa Pasasalamat at the San Pedro Cathedral on Wednesday.
The mass was followed by the Pasiugdang Pagsaulog at the Rizal Park.
The Pagsaulog was attended by Mayor Sebastian Duterte, Vice Mayor J Melchor Quitain Jr., Consulate Generals, Deputy Mayors of the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes, national government officials, city government department heads, city councilors, candidates for the Mutya ng Dabaw and Reyna Dabawenya, and other officials from the public and private sector.
Duterte, in his speech, urged the people to join and enjoy the festivities during the monthlong celebration of Davao City’s 86th year, all while honoring the cultures and traditions ingrained in the very foundations of the city.
âThis year, we welcome back the activities we all loved to enjoy,â Duterte said.
The mayor also reminded everyone that although they are welcome to participate in the fanfare, they must also remember the culture of security propagated in the city.
Quitain, on the other hand, invited Dabawenyos as well as those from other regions to experience the best the city has to offer.
The festivities will be followed by the opening of the Araw ng Dabaw Artisan Food and Cacao Market at the Rizal Park. It will run from March 2 to 5, from 5 p.m. to 12 midnight.
On March 3, the Hugyaw Dabaw – All-Star Variety Show will be held at the San Pedro Square from 5 to 8 p.m., while the Music and Art Street Festival with 3D Drone Show at the Davao Coastal Road will be held on March 4 from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
On March 8, the Pasidungug: Garbo sa Davao will be held at the Acacia Hotel from 1 to 5 p.m. This will be followed by Conferment of Datu Bago Awards at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on March 10 at 11 a.m., and a Cheerdance Competition at the Davao City Recreation Center on March 11.
The first-ever Drag Lipsync Competition for the Araw ng Dabaw is slated March 10 at the Rizal Park.
On March 18, the Clash of Mighty Bands music competition will be held at the San Pedro Square.
Meanwhile, the Sayaw Pinoy Folkdance Competition will be held at SM City Davao from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The coronation night of Reyna Dabawenya will be on March 15 at the RMC Petro Gazz.
From March 13 to 15, there will be the government employeesâ food festival at the Rizal Park, while the Mr. and Ms LGU Davao City will be held on March 16 at the Rizal Park.
The Mutya ng Dabaw coronation night will be held at the USEP Gymnasium on March 17.
The final event of the Araw ng Dabaw, the Parada Dabawenyo, will be on March 18.
