From sizzling dishes to farm-fresh produce, the Mercado Dabawenyo 2026 opening on March 24, 2026, transformed the Rizal Park Open Grounds into a bustling bazaar of commerce, flavors, and local products.
Maximo Macalipes Jr., manager of the City Economic Enterprise (CEE), said during his speech that the city’s steadfast support for local enterprises, such as Mercado Dabawenyo, strengthens their livelihoods and returns lasting benefits to the community.
“Kami sa economic enterprises, we continue to support ang mga ingani nga endeavors, kay tanan naga balik sa atoa ilabi na ang support sa atoang mga entrepreneurs. We continue to have this kind of activity and then sunod napod na festival, hopefully well have this kind of activity (We, in the economic enterprises continue to support these kinds of endeavors, because everything comes back to us, especially the support for our entrepreneurs. We continue to have this kind of activity and then for the next festival, hopefully we’ll have this kind of activity again),” he said.
This year’s Mercado will take place from March 24 to 28, 2026, 3 pm to 11 pm, featuring 35 concessionaires, including 10 food vendors, 10 beverage stalls, eight local product exhibitors, and seven fresh produce sellers.
Christopher Adormeo, one of the merchants, proudly brought farm-fresh produce straight from Davao’s hardworking farmers to the marketplace and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their organic products.
“Very thankful ang association of Davao organic advocates sa city government of davao isa gyud mi sa gihatagan og higayon na maka display sa amoang various organic products. So kani tanan, fresh from the farm (The Association of Davao Organic Advocates is very thankful to the City Government of Davao for giving us the opportunity to display our various organic products. All of our products are fresh from the farm),” he added.
The CEE also invited Dabawenyos to enjoy the wide array of culinary delights, refreshing beverages, and farm-fresh harvests all in one festive venue. CIO
Written by: K. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: J. Faelnar
