MALACAÑANG has declared Friday, March 3, as a special non-working holiday in Davao City.
Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, by the authority of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., signed Proclamation No. 159 on February 13, 2023, to mark the city’s 86th Araw Dabaw celebration.
“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Davao be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies,” Bersamin wrote.
Meanwhile, preparations shift to high gear for the 18 official events of the 86th Araw ng Dabaw, highlighting various activities that will mark the first in-person Araw ng Dabaw celebration after three years.
The celebration will kick off on March 1 with the Misa Pasasalamat or the thanksgiving Mass followed by the Pasiugdang Pagsaulog at Rizal Park.
The Hulagway sa Araw ng Dabaw photo contest will also commence on the same date and run until the 18th.
Davaoeño talents will also be showcased in the Hugyaw sa Dabaw Variety Show starting March 3 at the San Pedro Square.
One of the much-awaited events is the Araw ng Dabaw Music and Arts Festival with a 3D Drone Light Show set at the Davao City Coastal Road starting March 4, from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m.
The Araw ng Dabaw Artisan Food and Cacao Market will also open on March 2 at Rizal Park.
The city government will also confer exemplary Dabawenyos and stakeholders during the Pasidungog: Garbo sa Dabaw at the Acacia Hotel and the Conferment of the Datu Bago Awards at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on March 8.
Back-to-back sing and dance competitions will kick off with the Araw ng Dabaw Drag Lipsync Competition at the Rizal Park on March 10, Araw ng Dabaw Cheerdance Competition at Almendras Gym on March 11, and Araw ng Dabaw Sayaw Pinoy Folkdance Competition on March 12. Davaoeños will witness the grand coronation night of the Reyna Dabawenya at Rizal Memorial College, Petro Gazz Arena on March 15 even as the Mutya ng Dabaw coronation night takes center stage at the University of Southeastern Philippines (Usep) Gym on March 17.
The two events will showcase the beauty, grace, and intelligence of the candidates vying for the titles.
Starting on March 13, city employees will have another reason to look forward to the celebration as the city government has prepared the Employee’s Week Food Festival at Rizal Park.
The festival will run for several days, providing employees with various food choices to enjoy during their lunch breaks or after work hours.
And on March 16, Mr. and Ms. LGU Davao City will take the spotlight at Rizal Park.
The Davao City Unity Awards will be held on March 17 to recognize the individuals and organizations who have significantly contributed to the city’s progress and development.
This is another event to look forward to, as it celebrates the spirit of unity and collaboration among Davaoeños.
To cap off the week-long celebration, the Parada Dabawenyo will enliven the city streets on March 18, showcasing the best of Davao’s cultural heritage and traditions.
The parade will start from Roxas Avenue and will end at Rizal Park. After the parade, Davaoeños can still enjoy the night with the CMB 2023 Clash of the Mighty Bands at San Pedro Square from 6 pm to 12 midnight, providing an evening of music and entertainment for everyone.
The local government of Davao encourages Davaoeños to celebrate the city’s founding anniversary and experience the array of exciting events lined up this year.
