The opening of Pasko Fiesta 2019 on Friday, not only focused on the merrymaking but significantly on children, the homeless, and the dangers of firecrackers.
Mayor Sara Duterte reminded Davaoeños on the dangers of using firecrackers this Christmas as it will put lives and properties to risk.
“I also remind everyone of the dangers of firecrackers you will lose life and burn your houses and you also endangered the lives and properties of your neighbors,” Duterte said in her speech during the opening at City Hall.
Duterte also urged everyone to remember that every time a firecracker is lit there are fellow Filipino evacuees living in tents not knowing what their future will be.
“We have brothers and sisters in flooded areas who cannot celebrate Christmas. We should be mindful in our merrymaking,” she added.
Mayor Sara urged Davaoeños this Christmas season to reflect on the core values and moving forward as one Davao and how everyone can be the best versions of themselves — “a Davaoeño that is disciplined, competent and with integrity.”
With this year’s theme “A Toy Factory,” Pasko Fiesta 2019 aims to show that Christmas is for the children.
“Ang pasko para sa mga bata and we hope that this display will make the children of Davao City happy and bring a smile across the faces of both the young and the young at heart. We also chose this theme to remind ourselves that Christmas is the time for giving and sharing our blessings especially those in need. This Christmas let us be a gift to others let us make this season even more meaningful by thinking beyond ourselves and by being a Davaoeno for others,” Mayor Sara said.
In 2016, the city has started the tradition of not organizing Christmas parties so that whatever they saved from the parties will be added to the amounts to the gifts being distributed to the children and members of other sectors during the gift giving events including of the city hall workers.
With a budget allocation of P22 million (almost the same as last year’s budget), the fund will be used for the various activities prepared for this year’s celebration of Pasko Fiesta.
Among the highlights of the activity include Lamdag Parada (lighted parade), Pasko Fiesta carnival, “Kahayag sa Pasko,” “ LGBT Christmas Party,” “ Pasko Kumbira sa City Hall,” “Pasko Daba-Daba,” “Sayaw sa Pasko Fiesta,” “Parol sa mga Barangay,” “Pasko sa mga Lumad,” “ Panaygon sa Davao,” “Pahalipay ni Santa,” “Koro sa Pasko,” at “Yugyugan sa Pasko Fiesta.”
All weekend activities will be held in Sta. Ana Wharf.
“Giawhag nako ang tanan Davaoeno nga makigsadya sa mga nagkalain laing kalingawan nga gimugna para sa Pasko Fiesta 2019 karon hangtod sa December 31, 2019. I would like to thank all the offices and individuals that made Pasko Fiesta 2019 opening a success,” Duterte said.
