ABOUT 8,000 flocked to the city’s first-ever Duaw Davao Pride Parade on Sunday, June 23, event organizer Harold Quibete said.
Despite being short of the expected number, Quibete said the parade was successful with 111 total contingents, 7 floats, and 7 music bands.
Quibete earlier said during iSpeak media forum on June 20 that they anticipated 10-15,000 participants.
“Wala mi nag expect nga ingani [kadaghan] nga nagdumog ang mga tao, and they are happy nga ingani ka –united ang LGBTQIA+ community in Davao City,” Quibete told reporters during the parade sidelines.
Buhangin United Gender Alliance Support bagged two special awards: Most Number of Delegations and the Liveliest Contingent. They received a total cash prize of P60,000.
Meanwhile, the Fabulous Amazing Beauties shined as the Most Colorful Contingent and received P30,000 in cash.
The awards were announced during the Hugyaw Davao Night of Fun & Colors, on the same day, which featured performances from locally grown live bands, aerial and acrobat dancers, drag queens, and GMA Kapuso artist Derrick Monasterio.
The LGBTQIA+ community is a big part of the city’s diversity and uniqueness and should be celebrated during Pride month, Mayor Sebastian Duterte said in his message delivered by Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, committee on Tourism and Beautification chair.
“We recognize our very strong and active Davao City LGBTQIA+ community, your many skills and talents, personal and professional triumphs, and various contributions to the community,” Alejandre said.
He added the event celebrates “inclusiveness, respect, acceptance, and self-expression.”
The Pride Parade and Hugyaw Davao: Night of Fun and Colors are among the activities lined up for DUaw Davao 2024 in line with the annual celebration of Pride Month in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.
