THE LOCAL government has allocated P15 million for this year’s Duaw Davao Festival, the newest addition to the city’s lineup of festivals.
During Aprubado sa Konseho on Tuesday, Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, the committee on tourism and beautification chair, said the fund will cover the festivities from June 21-30.
Alejandre added the budget allotted by the City Tourism and Operations Office (CTOO) was limited since it was not included in last year’s appropriations.
“Hopefully in Mayor Baste’s time, this event will also be replicated next year, and be allocated a proper budget,” Alejandre said.
The official added they will push for the institutionalization of the event and its inclusion in the budget hearing for 2025.
“Hopefully from P15 million, it will become bigger, and more activities will be lined up for Duaw Davao 2025,” he said.
Alejandre said the event has four pillars as its foundation namely: Duaw ta sa Davao Turismo (showcases discounts for tourists to visit Davao specialties and sites), Duaw ta sa Music and Colors (art appreciation), Duaw ta sa Davao Lifestyle and Leisure ( shopping, dining and leisure); and Duaw ta Fiesta sa San Pedro to highlight the city’s oldest Catholic church, the San Pedro Cathedral, as icon of Davao.
Some activities for the festival are also in line with the annual celebration of Pride Month in support of the LGBT community. This includes Pride sports fest from June 21 to 23 in Almendras Gym, Reyna ng Davao Coronation Night at USEP Gym on June 22, 5 p.m.; and Pride Parade from Roxas to Rizal Park on June 23, 4 p.m.
Duaw Davao includes other events such as Hugyaw Davao: Night of Fun and Colors at Rizal Park on June 23, 7 p.m,- 1:30 a.m.; the Davao Turismo Arts and Food Trucks Bazaar in Rizal Park from June 27 to 30; Fiesta sa San Pedro: Paghiusayaw at San Pedro Square on June 29, 6 p.m. and the Inter-Barangay Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) tournament at Almendras Gym on June 30, 8 a.m.
The festival will kick off with a music fest in Rizal Park on June 21, 7 p.m. with a lineup of music enthusiasts and locally grown talents.
Duaw Davao was formerly known to be part of the Davao Summer Festival along with the Department of Tourism XI in 2018, which was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
