by Lourhenz Igloria and Joana Mae Villanueva/UM Intern
THE KADAYAWAN organizing committee introduced a significant change to the schedule of this year’s Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan, which will now start at 3 p.m.
Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, committee on tourism and beautification chair and Kadayawan Executive Committee spokesperson, said the decision was made to protect the participants from heat strokes and other heat-related conditions.
“Ibalhin nato sa hapon ang start sa Indak-Indak because the [heat] index is very high maluoy ta sa mga bata nga basi they will suffer from dehydration or many others. So, we will start by three o’clock onwards. So, medyo okay naman siguro ng three o’clock sa hapon and the showdown will start at six o’clock, and there will be lights from the San Pedro square (We will move the Indak-Indak in the afternoon because the heat index is very high, and we pity the kids as they might suffer from dehydration or many others. So, maybe three o’clock in the afternoon is fine, and the showdown will start at six o’clock, and there will be lights from San Pedro Square),” said Alejandre.
However, the floral celebration is planned to start early because it also serves as a joyous welcome beginning for the Kadayawan festival.
Davao City experienced the highest heat index when it peaked at 43 degrees Celsius at the end of April. Weather bureau Pagasa also warned of record high temperatures due to El Niño, which is projected to hit the country next month.
