Davao City’s rich history and heritage take center stage as the month-long Araw ng Dabaw celebration highlights not only the city’s charter anniversary but also the centennial anniversary of City Hall.
On February 18, the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) unveiled, in a Facebook post, the official calendar of activities for the 89th Araw ng Dabaw celebration in March.
These activities are anchored on both the centennial anniversary of City Hall and the city’s growth and development over the years, through the discipline, resilience, and unity of every Dabawenyo.
“Hopefully tanan gi-envision for Araw ng Dabaw is mahitabo this March because we’re not just celebrating this year ang founding anniversary sa city, we’re trying also to celebrate pud ang mismong City Hall nato ug ang mga Dabawenyos (Hopefully, the activities we envisioned for the Araw ng Dabaw will come to life in March as we’re not just celebrating this year’s founding anniversary but also the centennial anniversary of City Hall, and the Dabawenyos),” Willenito P. Tormis Jr., CTOO’s Officer-in-Charge, said during the Araw ng Dabaw Media Launch on Thursday.
The 89th Araw ng Dabaw Festival will kick off on March 1 with the Pasiugdang Pagsaulog at the City Hall.
From March 1 to 31, a three-dimensional projection mapping show will illuminate City Hall nightly as part of its centennial anniversary, paired with the ongoing restoration work as signature features of this year’s Araw ng Dabaw.
Tormis also shared that several changes have been made in this year’s event, with the addition of Kanta ug Sayaw Dabawenyo set for March 27 at Rizal Park, and the inter-school short film competition, Salida Dabawenyo, taking place from March 10 to 13 at the Cinematheque. These activities highlight the creativity and artistry of Dabawenyos of all ages.
He added that this year’s official activities include the hosting of the BYD Ironman 70.3 Davao on March 22, the RLC Ironkids Davao Aquathlon on March 21, and the 2GO Gwapa Dabawenya on March 20 at the Davao City Coastal Road.
On March 7–8 and March 20–22, local musicians will perform in Kundiman at Harana sa Araw ng Dabaw at City Hall, showcasing traditional and contemporary music.
The much-awaited Mutya ng Dabaw coronation is also set on March 20 at the USeP Gymnasium.
The CTOO, with the Office of Culture and the Arts, will also hold a heritage walking tour at City Hall on March 14 and 21. A school-based tour is set to take place on March 3, 5, and 10.
The Araw ng Dabaw will also be brought to the districts on March 9, 11, and 16 through the Araw ng Dabaw sa Distrito.
The annual Parada Dabawenyo is set for March 28, starting at 6 a.m., while the Konsierto Dabawenyo will take place on the evening of the same day at San Pedro Square.
Dabawenyos are urged to witness and participate in this year’s Araw ng Dabaw celebration. More details on the activities and competitions may be found at the Official Facebook Page of Araw ng Dabaw at https://www.facebook.com/Arawngdabawofficial. CIO
