The City Government of Davao has officially opened the monthlong 89th Araw ng Dabaw celebration at the City Hall grounds, highlighting the centennial year of the historic Davao City Hall on March 1, 2026.
The Misa Pasasalamat for the founding anniversary of the city was held at San Pedro Cathedral on March 1 at 4:30 p.m., followed by the Pasiugdang Pagsaulog at the City Hall of Davao at 6 p.m.
Vice Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II led the ceremonial launch of the 100 Years Centennial Stamps at Rizal Park, together with other city officials.
Mayor Sebastian Duterte, through a message delivered by Vice Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, said that this year’s theme, “Dabawenyo ko. Nilambo. Nagkahiusa,” reflects not only the strength, progress and pride but also the discipline and values that define dabawenyos.
“For it is by working together, by each one of us doing our part and by adhering to our local laws in the city that we can drive our city forward from abiding the liquor, smoking, and firecracker bans and the speed limit to observing simple everyday practices like using pedestrian lanes and proper waste disposal, “ he said.
Duterte also expressed his gratitude and invited Dabawenyos to enjoy the festivities and unite in the spirit of togetherness while also upholding the long standing commitment to safety and hospitality.
“We take this opportunity to thank all of you, the people of Davao City, daghang salamat for doing your part and for your invaluable contributions and commitment to making Davao not merely a place to live but a city that is worthy of being every Dabawenyos pride,” he added.
As part of the celebration of the 100 years of City Hall and the 89th Araw ng Dabaw, Davao City presents a 3D mapping show, showcasing a century of City Hall’s history from March 1 to 31.
The month-long celebration also introduces new activities such as Salida Dabawenyo, Dabawenyo Ko: Heritage Walking and school based tour, Kanta ug Sayaw Dabawenyo, alongside traditional highlights including the grand Parada Dabawenyo and Konsierto Dabawenyo on March 28.
The IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon returns on March 22 while March 16, Araw ng Pasasalamat has also been declared a special non-working day.
Willenito P. Tormis Jr., Officer-in-Charge of the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) emphasized that this years celebration aims to bring the festivities closer to Dabawenyos, with new activities showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage.
“Ang 3D mapping show, it’s the first time we are doing it for Araw ng Dabaw, normally gibuhat sya last time was during the Pasko Fiesta. So, karon gibuhat namo siya for Araw ng Dabaw because we wanted to humanize ang atoang City Hall of Davao. Daghan kaayo og naka line up na activities, we have new activities, Salida Dabawenyo, Kanta Dabawenyo, Sayaw Dabawenyo. Daghan kaayo ta og gipang bago this year. And also our Mutya ng Dabaw na closer to the people. So, daghan kaayo ta og gusto buhaton and hopefully muayon sa atoa ang tanan na maging successful ang atoang Araw ng Dabaw celebration (The 3D mapping show, it’s the first time we are doing it for Araw ng Dabaw, normally it was done during the Pasko Fiesta. So, now we are doing it for Araw ng Dabaw because we wanted to humanize our City Hall of Davao. There are a lot of lined-up activities, we have new activities, Salida Dabawenyo, Kanta Dabawenyo, Sayaw Dabawenyo. We have a lot of new things this year. And also our Mutya ng Dabaw, we are bringing them closer to the people. So, we have a lot of things that we wanted to do and hopefully everything will go well for our Araw ng Dabaw celebration to be successful),” he said. CIO
Written by: K. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal
