Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte, in his message read by Vice Mayor Melchor Quitain, Jr. during the media launch at Seda Hotel on Friday afternoon (July 8)said the Kadayawan Festival remains to be a symbolic way of celebrating life, bountiful harvest, and diversity among Dabawenyos.
"As we bring back the face-to-face customary activities of our festival, may we find this time to fully enjoy its essence and continue to recognize and promote the rich culture of Davao City. This, while not forgetting to comply with the minimum health standards for everyone's safety," Duterte said.
Dubbed “Kasikas sa Kadayawan,” Duterte encouraged everyone to celebrate valiantly as the city marks another momentous milestone.
Duterte also invited individuals across the globe to witness the festivities as the city reopens its borders.
He congratulates the 2022 Kadayawan Executive Committee and everyone taking part in the 37th Kadayawan Festival.
Metro Davao Chamber of Commerce President Dr. Maria Lourdes Monteverde said the past two years of the pandemic have changed everybody's lives and the way festivals were celebrated in respective cities.
The past two editions of the Kadayawan Festival were celebrated through online activities, she said.
“The Kadayawan Festival is back on the streets after two years. Let's give ourselves warm applause. This is the first national festival that is going face-to-face and it's going to be louder and prouder, especially for us, Davaoeños,” Monteverde said.
Kadayawan Fetival is a way of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest as a lot of Davao City's famous fruits like durian, mangosteen, rambutan, and marang are now available; and to showcase the celebration of the city's 11 tribes.
"But this year, we welcome everyone to celebrate with us the first festival to be physically celebrated after the onset of the pandemic. Join us as we fill the empty streets with blaring music, creative artworks, colorful banners, and bring life back to Davao. Sabi natin (We said) life is here so let's make and live up to what we mean that life is really in Davao City," Monteverde said.
City Administrator Lawyer Francis Mark Layog, meanwhile assured the safety and security of tourists and Davaoeños who will celebrate the Kadayawan festival amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Layog said the city is optimistic that Kadayawan will continue as planned with all necessary precautions.
He also said that security will remain strict as the city's Security Cluster will ensure to keep everyone safe without threat.
Davao City is currently under alert level 1 status which allows fully operational and full capacity status in establishments.
Photo from Kadayawan sa Davao FB Page