THE CITY government has assured everyone that security plans are tight for the upcoming Kadayawan sa Davao Festival next month as the event marks the first face-to-face celebration in the city since the COVID-19 pandemic devastated the world about two years ago.
City Administrator Francis Mark Layog said during the launching of the festival last Friday that security of people during the event is a top priority even as he urged everyone to continue following the minimum health standards.
“Dayon gyud ang Kadayawan, mag-wait lang ta sa alert level system from the national IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) for August. We are optimistic that Kadayawan will continue as planned with all necessary precautions. The City Health Office (CHO) is also part of our sub-committee,” Layog said.
He said the city government will pattern the security plan with the one used during the oath-taking ceremony of Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a message read for him by Vice Mayor J. Melchor, Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte said residents and visitors will be able to witness the festival because the city has opened its borders to everyone.
“As we bring back the face-to-face customary activities of our festival, may we find this time to fully enjoy its essence and continue to recognize and promote the rich culture of Davao City. This, while not forgetting to comply with the minimum health standards for everyone’s safety,” said Duterte who encouraged the people to celebrate the event which carries the “Kasikas sa Kadayawan.”
Duterte also invited “all of our friends across the globe to witness the festivities prepared by the City Government of Davao for the 37th Kadayawan Festival.”
In her message during the event, Dr. Maria Lourdes Monteverde, president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce, the holding of the festival in an in-person setup is a welcome development as it was held virtually during the last two years due to the fear that the pandemic will spread.
“The Kadayawan Festival is back on the streets after two years. Let’s give ourselves warm applause. This is the first national festival that is going face-to-face and it’s going to be louder and prouder, especially for us, Dabawenyos,” Monteverde said as she added that it is time for the people to relax and have fun.
