Davao City celebrates its charter anniversary in quite non-traditional ways by showcasing the rich foundation of togetherness and dynamism of its people.
In essence, that’s what the 86th Araw ng Davao is all about.
This year’s celebration kicked off on March 1 with a festive opening and venue Rizal Park was bursting with energy as Dabawenyos showed up massively in the activity that was highlighted by performances and the parade of Dabawenya beauties.
What makes the opening more significant? It was attended by the pillars of the city and noted officials namely Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, Vice Mayor J Melchor Quitain Jr., city councilors, department heads, and employees of the City Government of Davao, Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, Secretary Leo Magno, Chinese Consul General Lin Li, and Madam Aiping Chiu, the safety and security forces, and most specially the Dabawenyos.
The mayor spoke with pleasure and encouraged Dabawenyos to celebrate 86 years of history and tradition as well as introduced the culture of peace and security here through a month-long celebration.
“This year we are excited to bring back festivities that we have grown to love and enjoy as well as activities to take delight in. So, abri naman ta ug pila ka tuig pud ta nakulong sa balay kinahanglan labi na karong panahona tan-aw ninyo ang Davao daghan na kaayo ug tao, importante nga magsinabtanay ug maghinatagay ta,” Duterte said in his message.
There are many more happenings that Dabawenyos and visitors should look forward to such as the Araw ng Dabaw Music and Arts Festival at the Davao Coastal Road in Bago Aplaya on March 4; the conferment of Datu Bago Awards at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on March 8; Araw ng Dabaw Cheerdance Competition at the Davao City Recreational Center on March 11; Araw ng Dabaw Sayaw Pinoy Folkdance Competition at SM City Davao on March 12; Reyna Dabawenya coronation night at the RMC Petro Gazz Arena on March 15; Mutya ng Dabaw coronation night at the USEP Gymnasium on March 17 and Parada Dabawenyo on March 18.
Araw ng Davao is a colorful feast that honors the unity of this multicultural city. Tagged the largest city in Mindanao, Davao celebrates its founding with an exciting spectacle.
