by Klaus Döring
While writing this piece the 24th Kadayawan Festival with the theme “One people in communion with the earth” was ongoing.
The celebration offered an incredible array of activities full of fun and joy: dance group competition, street party, and yes, a food trip at the strip. Sure, Kadayawan is also about indulgence in the best cuisines that Davao has to offer. Kadayawan is indeed a feast of sorts.
Living in Davao permanently since almost eleven years now, I observed the Kadayawan Festival becoming more and more attractive and enjoyable. I spoke with many expats, who kept on praising this festival and its incredible atmosphere. The friendliness and the warm hospitality of the Davao people have been mentioned many times too. Sure, I only can agree strongly. What a sign for this wonderful city Davao! Kadayawan is indeed a contribution to the development of my second (and last home).
One people in communion with the earth? A big yes. And: thanking and protecting Mother Nature. This is what my heart touches most. Since long time I am an advocate of environment protection. I have written about this topic several times – also in Philippine dailies. I am pretty sure, each one of you knows the following question and answer: Why should we love our Mother Earth? Because we need her – but she doesn’t need us!” Can you imagine, that before I received emails like: “ What a nonsense you’re writing about Mother Earth or Mother Nature knows how to help herself alone!” I just thanked this commenter for his very own opinion, but I wasn’t really in the mood to start a discussion with him.
Yes, our Mother Earth is still dying slowly but surely – but uninhibited a lot of people are still considering the continuing pollution and contamination of the environment free from worries and drive away eventually existing moral conflicts. Unmolested we see (or, better, smell!) people burning even poisonous garbage while only a short distance away from their children are playing. Fixed in their views worldwide, politicians accept oppression or suppression from monopolies and still alow deforestation. Fishing with dynamite,warmed up oceans, pale corals, sick animals, melting icebergs… . Yes, I know, many of you, my dear readers, are tired to read this again and again.
As a citizen of Davao City, I am glad and honoured to see several active politicians here, who don’t just voiced out empty air bubbles. We learned from Davao City mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s Kadayawan Message this: “With global warming and climate change a very real phenomenon in our lives now, we need to look to our indigenous peoples for wisdom and guidance as they have always been respectful towards their relationship with the earth!” Very well said, Mayor.
Vice-Mayor Sara Duterte stressed: “This is my commitment to all our people as I challenge all our elected officials and fellow workers in government to back up their rhetoric with decisive action!”
Councilor (and friend of mine since many years) Leo Avila, chair of the environment and natural resources committee of the city council expressed his hope that this year’s Kadayawan theme will further “highlight the need for us to do more in promoting and protecting our environment”.
And let me add this: I hope that plenty of us participate actively if possible in a multi sectoral campaign of having a shared environmental responsibility. Start already during school education!
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Email me at Klausdoringphil@gmail.com or visit www.Liveinthephilippines.com/Klaus.
by Klaus Döring
