During yesterday’s I-Speak media forum, Genrose Tecson of the City Tourism Office announced that Davaoeños would have a brightly lit Christmas celebration this December.
“Mayor Inday Sara-Dutere wants a festive mood for the Davaoenos,” said Tecson.
She added that the CTO had prepared a series of events in different parts of the city to cater these festivities.
The opening ceremony of the Pasko Festival 2016 would be on Dec. 2, 2016 which would herald the start of different festivities.
Other activities for the Davaoenos to look forward to are the Paskobahayan or the lighting up of all the Christmas lights in the city by next week most likely.
According to Tecson, the CTO wanted lively activities such as Pasko Pahalipay where a live Santa Claus would be present in People’s Park; Panaygon sa Davao where various chorales would have carol in front of City Hall; Pasko Kadasig which is a marching band competition for schools.
Included also in the activies is the Parol Parade in Magsasay park which is participated by both private and public sector.
“The budget for the festival is farmed out to all offices,” Tecson said.
According to her, the budget for the entire festival is no less than 5.6 million pesos.
Atty. Zuleika Lopez, City administrator, said “No sector should be left behind.”
She explained further that city offices will create activities as “pahalipay” to all sectors such as the children, senior citizens, women, LGBT, and to the lumads.
With December fast approaching, Lopez said Davao City is prepared for tourists.
“We had a 20% increase in Kadayawan alone,” Lopez remarked. She added that the city has handled traffic and waste management properly despite increase of tourists.
As to the festivities for the Pasko Festival, Lopez encouraged all busines establishmets to light the facade of their building to contribute to the city’s theme of brightness or “hayag.”
“We not only give ‘pahalipay’ but we promote tourism as well,” Lopez remarked.
