The first Kadayawan Village is currently under construction at the Magsaysay Park as one of the highlights of this year’s Kadayawan festival.
The village is composed of 11 tribal houses representing the indigenous ethno-linguistic populations off Davao City.
Festival Director Gatchi Gatchalian told I-speak forum held at Saging Repablik on Thursday, he is optimistic that it’ll be ready before the opening of the festival.
The village is located at Magsaysay Park and will be launched on the opening of Kadayawan festival on August 14, 2017.
“Angpartisipasyonpong 11 tribes yunpoangpinagmamalakinamin at ang Tribal Village,” said GeneroseTecson of the City Tourism Office.
The houses in the village approximate authentic tribal houses, because they are made by the people of each tribe. There were ritual done prior to the construction and the houses are actually based on their culture and traditional architecture.
“This is a very good opportunity not only for the tourist but also for the Dabawenyos to learn and appreciate the Davao Tribes” said Gatchalian.
The village is also seen as a good tourist spot where the tourist guides will be able to bring and educate the tourists about the culture of the different tribes.
The Deputy Mayors of each tribe are looking forward for this event even as they lauded both the Executive committee of the Kadayawan festival and the City government for making the village a part of the festival.
Majority of houses in the village reflects the Palace or House of the Executive of each tribe. This is the place where important matters are discussed and this could also be the venue of important events such as wedding.
Deputy Mayor HadjaEstrellitaTanjili-Mahamud of the Sama tribe said the village will also showcase their livelihood, so that the people will see and understand their culture.
Deputy Mayor DatuRoel Arthur Ali Sr. of the Ata Tribe said that he is very thankful to Manama (Supreme Being) that throughout the years the culture of the 11 tribes of Davao city arestill alive.
“This always starts as a dream. Ito naman ay nag umpisa sa dream na magkaroon tayong kahit maliit naKadayawan Village as a start.” said Gatchalian. The people can actually go inside and interact with the people from different tribes. There will be a display of their weapons, the tourists can also learn how to weave or play the native musical instruments and they can also try their native delicacies. “It is the best way to learn their culture without really going to their location.” Gatchalian added
The focus of our Kadayawan festival is the people of the different tribes of Davao. This thanksgiving celebration has always been celebrated to unite not only the tribal people but also the Muslims, Christians and everyone who wishes to be a part of the celebration. This brings a different experience to the people and with this; it’ll show that despite of the differences of each tribe they can be united as one.
Aside from the 11 tribes, there will be other tribes that will be joining the celebration they are the Mansaka tribe of Comval, Mandaya of Davao Oriental, Blaan of Davao Occidental and Banguingui Tribe are also interested to be a part of the celebration.
