by JIms Vincent Capuno
Tagum City has no natural attractions to speak of – except for its beach uniquely blessed with black sand. The city is only a relatively short–one hour–travel from Davao City with its famous and awe-inspiring sight called Mount Apo, the country’s tallest peak and beloved of mountain climbers; the mand-made sanctuary of the endangered Philippine Eagle, and the endearing waling-waling–Queen of Orchids. The Island Garden City of Samal, dotted with beach resorts, is only a few minutes boat ride away.
“Yes, we are aware of those shortcomings,” admits Rey T. Uy, the workaholic mayor of Tagum City. Now in his third term, he has made Tagum what it is today: the economic hub of Davao del Norte. In fact, Tagum has been singled out as one of the 20 cities to be “most viable and most competitive business sites” in the country based on a study conducted by the Asian Institute of Management.
Without natural attractions, the city government – with support from other organizations and religious institutions – launched a year-long nine festivals and five city events. “Anytime of the year, people can come to our city and enjoy the festivities and celebrations,” Mayor Uy points out.
This year, the biggest event happens on February 12-19. Tagum is hosting the Third International Rondalla Festival – after Naga City hosted it in 2004 and Dumaguete City in 2007. Aside from the Philippines, confirmed performers from China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Russia will showcase their plucked string ensembles during the festival.
The Philippine participants are the Andres Bonifacio Elementary School Alumni Rondalla and the Philippine Normal University Rondalla, both from Manila, Cainta Rondalla Ensemble of Rizal, Celso Espejo Rondalla of Las Piñas City, Dipolog City Community Rondalla, Kabataang Silay Rondalla Ensemble, Quezon Rondalla, RTU Tunog Rizalia Rondalla of
Mandaluyong City, The Sisters of Mary School Boys Town Rondalla of Cavite, University of the Philippines Rondalla of Quezon City, University of Southeastern Philippines Rondalla of Davao City, and Tagum City National Comprehensive High School Rondalla.
After the rondalla event comes the Musikahan Festival on February 21-27. It is a distinct cultural event that celebrates the Filipino excellence in music composition, performance, and production. “We want to provide the youth with more opportunities to excel in the music industry,” explains Cromwell Bonghanoy, the city information officer.
The merry month of May has two big events: Summer Sports and Flores de Tagumeño Festivals. The former is a celebration of sportsmanship and camaraderie through simultaneous tournaments of different sports events while the latter revives the Roman Catholic tradition of fiestas introduced during the Spanish era.
On the third week of July, the streets of Tagum come alive with the observance of Binuhat Festival. This is an advocacy celebration recognizing the rights and social contributions of the gay community in different fields of endeavor – from technical aspects to business and academe, from creative to performing arts.
The Durian Festival is celebrated during the month of August or September (depending on which month the controversial but exotic fruit is in season). This is a month-long celebration showcasing the delectable durian produced by beneficiaries of the government-initiated “plant now–pay later” program and other durian growers of the city. One of the highlights is the interschool and professional culinary competitions that feature durian as the main component – from cakes, pastries, and bread to coffee, cocktails and mocktails.
Every October 10, Tagum celebrates the Kaimonan Festival, a cultural event featuring indigenous people where different tribal songs, dances, and musical rituals are performed for the glory of God (Magbabaya) as a way of thanksgiving and merrymaking of God’s generosity. Also observed during the occasion is the Panagsawitan, a traditional way of converging and sharing of blessings among members of the different tribes and an avenue of rekindling the culture, norms and traditions of tipanod (original settlers) of Tagum City.
On the last week of October is the Pakaradjan Festival, a special gathering of dominant Muslim tribes in the city, particularly K’gans (the original settlers), Maranaos, Maguindanaos, Iranons, and Tausogs. During the festival, each tribe showcases itsr cultural talents. It is a celebration of music, dances and cultural presentation with the beat and rhythm of the kulintang, dobakan and agong.
Those who are fond of food will appreciate the Food Festival, celebrated on the second week of November. It is an extravaganza feast of food offered by various restaurants, hotels and catering companies and showcasing their craft and expertise in food preparation and hospitality management.
December is not only for Christmas but also celebrated on the second week of the month is the Indayog Festival. Actually, it is a celebration of dance arts in performances, competitions and educational showing of both contemporary and traditional dances. Local and national dance artists, choreographers, writers and directors also convene during the occasion.
Those are the festivals. Now, let’s talk about the special events which Tagum has initiated. In April, kids and teenagers enjoy a fruitful summer as the y immerse themselves in various activities during the Earthfest Summer Workshop.
In November, the Kalinawa Art Foundation facilitates the visual fine arts shows and auctions. Touted to be “the celebration of the art,” it provides opportunities for indigenous peoples and aspiring artists to earn a better living with their God-given talents.
The holiday season comes with the lighting of the Christmas tree on the third week of November. The people of Tagum come together in the vicinity of the city hall to witness the lighting of the gigantic Holiday Tree, which symbolizes solidarity, peace, and prosperity.
Before the year ends, at midnight of December 31st is the welcoming of the New Year with a spectacular 30-minute fireworks display right in the heart of the city.
“We are proud of our beloved Tagum City,” says Mayor Uy. “Come and see exactly why.”
Indeed, there’s no reason why you should not visit Tagum City anytime of the year. It is strategically located in the intersection of three major road networks: the Maharlika Highway, the Davao-Mati and the Davao-Agusan road. It is 55 kilometers north of Davao City and is about two hours from Mati and 4-5 hours from Butuan City
The main mode of local transportation is not the taxi but the motorized tricycle or Toyota-type “pedicab” that can accommodate six passengers.You can immediately spot it due to its bright color green.
