Around 20,000 safety and security personnel will be deployed across Davao City to ensure the peaceful and orderly celebration of the Kadayawan Festival 2026, as authorities officially launched security preparations during the send-off ceremony for the festival’s safety and security clusters at Camp Captain Domingo E. Leonor on San Pedro Street in Davao City on Monday.
The security deployment comes ahead of the festival’s grand opening on August 7 at 6 p.m. at Magsaysay Park, with personnel from the police, military, emergency response units, force multipliers, and other government agencies tasked with safeguarding residents and visitors throughout the month-long festivities.
Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) Head Angel Sumagaysay said the city’s security operations will be intelligence-driven to maximize resources while maintaining public safety.
“Lahat ng activities natin sa Davao City for the whole month is, of course, intelligence-driven, ’no? Para hindi masayang ang resources natin,” Sumagaysay said in his message.
Authorities are aiming for zero crime incidents throughout the Kadayawan celebration, with security measures covering all major festival venues and events.
Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival 2026 officially begins with the Misa Pasasalamat on August 6 at San Pedro Cathedral, followed by the Subang Sinugdanan ug Panagtagbo at the Davao River and the grand opening at Magsaysay Park on August 7.
Festival activities throughout August include the Floriculture and Agri-Trade Fairs, cultural performances, bazaars, film and arts events, culinary showcases, the Hiyas sa Kadayawan pageant, concerts, and the festival’s highlight events—the Pamulak ug Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan Street Parade and the Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan Grand Showdown on August 16.
City officials said the extensive security deployment reflects Davao City’s commitment to ensuring that thousands of residents and tourists can safely enjoy one of Mindanao’s biggest cultural festivals.
