Here are some facts – odd, trivial, fascinating and otherwise – you need to know about this year’s Kadayawan sa Dabaw:
1. Kadayawan is derived from the friendly greeting “Madayaw,” a term taken from a Dabawenyo word which means “good,” “valuable,” “superior,” or “something that brings good fortune.”
2. In the beginning, the festivity was called “Apo Duwaling,” which was taken from the three icons of Davao: Mount Apo, durian, and waling-waling.
3. Today, Kadayawan is represented by four icons. Aside from the three aforementioned, the Philippine eagle was added as the Philippine Eagle Center is located in Baguio District of Malagos.
4. With an altitude of 2,954 meters (9,692 feet), the flat-topped Mount Apo is the country’s highest peak.
5. The controversial durian was once described by a foreign scribe as a fruit that “smells like hell but tastes like heaven.”
6. The waling-waling is endemic not only in Davao but also in Cotabato and Zamboanga. It was named in “allusion to a month in flight” and was discovered in 1882. Like sampaguita, it is also a national flower.
7. The Philippine eagle is the country’s bird icon, dislodging the maya which used to be the national bird. A pair of Philippine eagle needs at least 7,000 to 13,000 hectares of forest as a nesting territory.
8. The 11 tribes of Davao Region take center stage during the festival: Ata, Iranun, Kagan, Klata-Guiangan, Maguindanaon, Maranao, Tausug, Tagabawa, Matigsalog, Ovu-Manuvo, and Sama.
9. Atas, called the people of the mountains, are described as naturally shy, kind, but are quick to anger. Mostly, they live in Marilog and Paquibato in Davao City and nearby Panabo City. They are also scattered in the towns of Carmen, Sto. Tomas and Kapalong.
10. Iranuns, regarded as the fiercest pirates in the Malay world, adopt a typical maritime lifestyle of sea invaders. These days, they are known as fishermen and long-distance traders.
11. Kagans, also called Kalagans, are agriculturists as they cultivate cash crops like rice, corn, abaca and coconut. Those who live near the coasts practice fishing. The places they used to occupy include Padada and Sirawan, Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur, Bingcungan, Madaum, Hijo in Tagum City, Pantukan, and Sumlug (Lupon). In Davao City, the Kagans are living in the following places: Poblacion, Talomo, Buhangin, Bunawan and Paquibato.
12. Klata-Guiangans are group of people who occupy a small territory stretching from Catalunan to Calinan. They congregate in Biao, Tagakpan, Dulian, Sirib, Gumalang, and Tamugan. Guiangan, with variants like Guangan, Gulangan, or Jangan, means “forest dweller.”
13. Maguindanaons occupy the flood plains of Mindanao, particularly Maguindanao. Outside their original place, they can be found around the three districts of Davao City and nearby provinces of Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, and Davao Oriental.
14. Maranaos, called the People of the Lake, have the best traditional clothes of all Filipino ethnic groups. Historically, these brave people offered sacrifices in defense of their homeland and their religion, Islam.
15. Matigsalog is derived from two words: “matig” (place of origin) and “salug” (river). They can be found in the hinterlands of Marilog, Marahan or Paquibato in Davao City and in the towns of Kitaotao, Quezon, and San Fernando in Bukidnon.
16. Ovu-Manuvos are known for their intricate coating, fine weaponry, and jewelry. For them, these things possess souls as souls also possess animate objects. In Davao City, most of them occupy Tambolong, Baguio District, and Marilog District. In Cotabato, they can be found in Antipas, Arakan, Magpet, Makilala, Kidapawan and Roxas.
17. The Sama people are described as cohesive and peace-loving people. Majority of these people who value togetherness (the term “Sama” is a derivative of the word “Sama-sama,” which means togetherness) are living in the coastal barangays from Bunawan to Toril.
18. Tagabawas, named after “people from the south,” called themselves Bagobo. They inhabit the areas from Toril in Davao City, Santa Cruz, Digos, and Bansalan in Davao del Sur, to parts of Makilala and Kidapawan in Cotabato.
19. The word “Tausug” came into existence “in recognition of the geographic character of the Sulu Archipelago that lies in the path of vigorous tidal currents flowing from the Sulu and China Seas to the Celebes Sea.” They can be found in Agdao, Baguio, Buhangin, Bunawan, Calinan, Poblacion, Talomo, Toril and Tugbok.
20. Malacañang declared August 16 (Friday) as special non-working public holiday in Davao City. “It is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Davao be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate the occasion with appropriate ceremonies,” said Proclamation No. 774.
21.The City Government of Davao has issued 13 guidelines that should be observed by everyone during the festivity from August 1 until the end of the month.
22. The “NO BACK PACK RULE” must be observed in all activities and venues at all times.
23. Jacket, hat/cap and sunglasses must be removed upon entering checkpoints and entrances of event venues.
24. Only transparent water bottles are allowed inside and within the activity area.
25. Liquor ban and other Davao City ordinances must always be observed throughout the festivity. No littering must be observed, too.
26. Spitting and urinating in public places in the city are punishable by law.
27. Smoking is now allowed in all public places in the city.
28. Joking about BOMBS is punishable by law.
29. Wearing of military, police, and law enforcement unit uniforms by civilians is prohibited.
30. For safety, people are advised to bring their ID for proper identification.
31. All event venues are no fly zone for drones. However, are drones with security clearance that cover events are allowed.
32. Bringing of sharp objects, bladed weapons, firearms, intoxicating beverages, and laser lights inside the venue is strictly prohibited.
33. Bringing of infants and toddlers during concert/s is strongly discouraged.
34. People are advised to wear comfortable clothes and shoes when attending an outdoor event. When watching events in broad daylight, it is recommended that spectators choose a shady spot or bring with them hat, mobile fans and umbrella to cover them from the heat of the sun. – ###
