Alejandre in his resolution passed during the regular session of the 20th City Council Tuesday morning (August 2), said that the Kadayawan celebration was initiated after Martial Law to promote unity. During that time, the festival was called “Apo Duwaling” which was taken from the popular symbols of Davao City – Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines, Waling-waling, the queen of orchids and Durian, the king of fruits;
The resolution says, government workers should wear the IP attire or accessories during office hours during the weeklong Kadayawan celebration on August 15 to 21.
From Apo Duwaling, it was changed to Kadayawan sa Dabaw in 1988,
through the Mayor, then former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Kadayawan is derived from the Mandaya word “Madayaw” which means anything that brings fortune, a celebration of life or a thanksgiving for the gifts of nature.
He said history tells us that the ethnic tribes of Davao City who reside at the foot of Mt. Apo would gather during an abundant harvest for a ritual of thanksgiving
Such ritual, according to Alejandre, was their way of showing respect for the year’s bountiful harvest particularly to “Manama”, the Supreme Being.
Dabawenyos are still practicing since then the ritual of thanksgiving through celebrating annually the Kadayawan sa Dabaw.
This year’s Kadayawan sa Dabaw has arranged various programs as a way of showing gratitude for all the blessings the city has received especially during the pandemic.
Alejandre, who chaired the City Council’s Committee on Tourism believes that it is vital to include in the celebration a tribute to the culture and traditions that founded our city.
He said to pay tribute to the city’s culture and traditions, it is encouraged that all Davao City government employees and employees of National Offices in Davao City wear an Indigenous People or IP-inspired attire or accessory during the celebration.
The resolution also stated that paying homage to culture and tradition through wearing an Indigenous People or IP - inspired attire or accessory is one way of showing appreciation to the eleven tribes here who comprise the city’s foundation of culture and tradition.
There is also a need to raise the level of awareness of the society in terms of culture, especially among youth. Hence, the wearing of an Indigenous People or IP-inspired attire or accessory will inculcate in the minds of the Dabawenyos to understand and appreciate the diversity of the city’s culture, traditions and history, the resolution further said.
Matigsalug Tribe
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