The Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) announced on Thursday that preparations for the Kadayawan Festival 2025 are in full swing, with the month-long celebration set to highlight the city’s rich cultural heritage.
“For the preparation of Kadayawan, everything is in full swing since we are nearing the event,” Atty. Jonah Margarette Presto, Officer-in-Charge of the CTOO, said during the ISpeak Media Conference and the Kadayawan Media Launch.
This year’s celebration is anchored om the theme “A Festival Rooted in Culture and Heritage,” which gives emphasis to Davao City’s diverse population and the city’s abundance, which is the core of the festival.
The vibrant culture, heritage, and traditions of the city’s 11 ethnolinguistic groups will take center stage during the month-long celebration through key events, including the Hiyas sa Kadayawan, Indak-Indak, Pamulak, Dula, Agong ug Kulintangan, and the Tribal Village and Cultural Performances.
Gabriel Nakan, Deputy Mayor of Bangsa Maguindanaon, said that the renovations of the tribal houses in the Tribal Village are underway to ensure their stability and boost the cultural showcase.
Maj. Jose Daniel M. Kimpo, Acting Operations and Coordination Officer of the Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO), assured robust security measures with at least 14,000 safety and security personnel to be deployed throughout the month-long celebration.
“We would like to remind everybody of our Culture of Security … and of course, our city ordinances will still be implemented,” he added.
The city’s tourism sector, including those in the hotel and restaurant industry, also started promoting Kadayawan through various packages and discounts to entice both local and international tourists to visit Davao City and take part in the celebrations.
The Kadayawan Festival 2025 will kick off on August 8 at the Magsaysay Park.
Dabawenyos are encouraged to visit the Tribal Village located in Magsaysay Park, and take part in the activities lined up during the celebration while honoring the cultural heritage and traditions of the city’s 11 ethnolinguistic groups. CIO
