THE PAG-ABLI sa Kadayawan on Thursday, August 8, marked the opening of this year’s 39th Kadayawan Festival 2024 at Magsaysay Park.
The opening program dropped the traditional gong-banging, instead, it featured a large puzzle board where each of the 11 tribe deputy mayors brought a piece to complete it.
The visual metaphor symbolizes the intricate colorful patterns of each of the 11 tribes- Ata, Maguindanaon, Matigsalug, Bagobo Klata, Maranao, Obo Manuvu, Bagobo-Tagabawa, Tausug, Sama, Iranun and Kagan, representing their harmonious coexistence in the city.
The intertwined hands in the puzzle symbolize unity, cooperation, and mutual respect within the tribes.
Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain Jr. who declared the official opening, said in his message what sets Davao City apart from other cities and provinces is its unity amid diversity of people and culture.
“Here in Davao we may be diverse, but we are very united and very peaceful, nakita na ni Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, and said we will upgrade that since this is not only a celebration of icons but the rich cultural heritage we have here,” he said.
Quitain shared that former mayor turned former president Rodrigo Duterte saw the potential of upgrading the festival from the Apo Duwaling Festival which only celebrated the city’s icons Mt. Apo, durian, and waling-waling (hence the name), into what it is now called the Kadayawan Festival since 1988.
Mayor Sebastian Duterte was absent during the program, however, he was represented by Al Ryan Alejandre, the city council committee on tourism and beautification.
Alejandre, who delivered the message of the mayor, said the true wealth and pride behind the development of the city are the Dabawenyos- the main feature of the festival.
“It is important to do this every year, not just to drive the economy and bring in tourists but especially for the people of Davao, young and old, to be familiar with our city’s rich culture and history and to live their lives honoring and respecting this heritage,” the councilor said.
With the theme “Kadayawan Festival: King of Festivals, Together in Harmony, One Vibrant Community!” this year’s month-long celebration features Pananam sa Kadayawan, A Food and Products Fair at Magsaysay Park on Aug. 9-18, while Pasundayag sa Kadayawan will be in City Hall on Aug. 9-13 from 6 to 9 p.m.
The city will host Gwapa Dabawenya, a fun run for women on Aug. 9, 5 p.m., while the IronKids and Duathlon will be on Aug. 10, 6 a.m. Both will be held in the Coastal Road.
The Ironman 70.3 triathlon will be included in the festival held on Aug. 11, 6 a.m. at the Coastal Road.
Meanwhile, the Bantawan Cultural Celebration will be on Aug. 13-15, 4-8 p.m. at Magsaysay Park Bantawan Amphitheatre, Kadayawan Expo and Food Trucks Bazaar will be available in Rizal Park from 10 a.m. to 12 midnight, Hiyas sa Kadayawan at RMC Petro Gazz Arena on Aug. 16, Dula Kadayawan for the Indigenous People community will be on Aug. 17 in People’s Park, while the Kasikas sa Kadayawan is in San Pedro Square from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Other highlights include Pamulak sa Kadayawan on August 18, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., while the Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan showdown & party will be from 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
A month-long Agri-Fair will be in Magsaysay Park which will run from Aug. 1-31, open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
