Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, chairperson of the Committee on Tourism and Beautification of the City Council, confirmed to Edge Davao that there is no response yet from Malacanang on the city government’s request of declaring March 17 a Special Non-Working Holiday in celebration of the Pasasalamat sa 88th Araw ng Davao.
The City Government of Davao has submitted the request as early as last month, but Malacanang has yet to confirm or release an official proclamation.
On January 28, 2025, the 20th Davao City Council submitted a resolution requesting the Office of the President to declare March 17, 2025, as a Special Non-working Holiday in Davao City. The City Council also included the request for August 15, 2025, for the Indigenous People’s Day in relation to the Kadayawan sa Davao Celebration.
“Three days ago gitawagan ni SP Sec. Cha ang Malacanang, on process pa daw, wala pa daw response from the Office of the President. Mao tung gina follow up nato,” Alejandre said.
According to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, the resolution was transmitted to the Office of the President via courier on February 5 and was delivered on February 6.
The SP also said that various public and private establishment owners have been asking for answers, as many of them are preparing for their operations based on the potential declaration.
Jennifer Romero, City Tourism Operations Office Officer-in-Charge, said the City has ensured to request in advance since the Office of the President has mandated all LGUs to make requests for issuance of Presidential Proclamations declaring special non-working holidays 30 days before the special day in their Memorandum Order No. 20.
Meanwhile, the 88th Araw ng Dabaw opened on Saturday with a Misa Pasasalamat at the San Pedro Cathedral followed by the Pasiugdang Pagsaulog at Rizal Park.
This year, the lineup of activities includes the Misa ng Pasasalamat, Pasiugdang Pagsaulog, Hulagway sa Araw ng Dabaw, Araw ng Dabaw Fair, Konsierto sa Dabawenyo, Parada Dabawenyo, and the Conferment of the Datu Bago Awards.
In its 88th year, the city celebrates its shared history, radiant present, and bright future.
