The city will still commemorate the 35th Kadayawan sa Dabaw in a very austere way as the world has continued to grapple with the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
To open the festival, the city government will hold a thanksgiving mass on August 10, said Mayor Sara Duterte.
On August 17, the mayor will lead the flag-raising ceremony which will be attended by the deputy mayors representing the 11 tribes to honor them in this year’s Kadayawan celebration.
The city will also celebrate the Indigenous People’s Day which is celebrated by the City every third Friday of August. This also falls on the same day as Ninoy Aquino Day which is a Special Non-Working Holiday.
With fewer celebration activities, Mayor Sara assured that health measures will be strictly observed in all the gatherings such as wearing masks and social distancing.
The austere Kadayawan celebration is still in line with Executive Order No. 25 s. of 2020 issued on April 17, 2020, declaring a period of mourning and vigilance in the city from April 17 until December 31. During this period, all city and national government celebrations, parties, anniversaries, and festivities are cancelled.
The private sector shall also abide by the requirements of this period and refrain from grandiose celebrations.
