The 2026 Parada Dabawenyo held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, marked a milestone for Davao City not only because of peaceful run but also the unique presentation it was able to acheve showcasing what makes Davao City rich.
The event marked a walk-only parade of the security cluster, city offices, offices of city officials, barangays, tribes, national government agencies, persons with sectoral and private groups and organizations along with the marching of the bands.
Amid the scorching heat, thousands Dabawenyos marched, with pride and joy.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, during his speech, thanked the security cluster and the offices that ensured the Parada, as well as Araw activities, are peaceful and orderly.
“Magpasalamat ko sa security cluster nato, tanang taga gobyerno karong bulana nagtrabaho para maplastar tanan Dabawenyo PSSO, atong police, atong sundalo, ang atong fire, tanan, pati ang Task Force Davao, gikan sa akong kasing-kasing, salamat kayo sa pagbantay sa tanang Dabawenyos (I would like to thank our security cluster. All government personnel this month have been working hard to ensure the safety of every Dabawenyo—our police, our soldiers, our fire personnel, everyone, including Task Force Davao. From the bottom of my heart, thank you very much for taking care of all Dabawenyos),” he said.
The chief executive said that for 100 years, the city hall and Dabawenyos stood tall amid trials.
He thanked the Dabawenyos for observing ordinances and their commitment to the city’s progress, challenging them to continue the practice of making discipline and faithful adherence to the city’s ordinances an identity of Dabawenyos.
“Ang atong mga baload ug ordinansa tumanon. Diha kita nailhan sa tibuok Pilipinas kay kita nakapanaog og nagpa-implementar og ug ingon ana nga mga balaod (Our laws and ordinances are followed. That is how we have become known throughout the Philippines—because we have enacted and implemented such laws),” he said, citing the anti-smoking ordinance, liquor ban ordinance, firecracker ban and speed limit.
The mayor said it is the collective efforts of all Dabawenyos that helped achieve the ordinances’ purpose. He expressed thanks to the Dabawenyos for their trust in the local government.
He said Dabawenyos remain positioned in taking care of the youth and ensuring their bright future through guidance and discipline and economic progress where everyone are lifted to ensure better life, strengthening foundations in the family with strong faith in God.
No discrimination in the implementation of laws is what the city ultimately stands for and this is a practice he himself experienced.
Drugs and crime, according to the mayor, remain the enemies of the city.
“Padayon nato kini nga pakgangon, hinumdumi ang culture of security. Bisan unsa pa nga pangsamok ilang buhaton dili ta niya makaya kung magkahiusa ug nakasabot ta atong tumong na naa ta’y kultura nga ingon ani (Let us continue to strengthen this. Remember the culture of security. Whatever disruptions they may attempt, they will not succeed if we remain united and understand our goal of maintaining this kind of culture),” he said.
The mayor said that the city should be treated like a home, should be kept clean, and should be an area of peace.
“Atoa ning balay, ampingan nato ang pinalangga nato nga Davao City. Kitang mga Dabawenyo kita ang kusog og pundasyon sa atong pinalanggang siyudad Layo na ta og naabtan apas mas daghan pa tag kadaugan na makab-ot basa kita magtinabangay ug magpabiling disiplinado. (Davao City is our home, we sould take care of it. We are Dabawenyos we remain the foundation of our city. We have come so far, and we will reach more achievements for as long as we will cooperate and remain disciplined),” he said.
The Parada Dabawenyo was joined by visitors and guests including the city’s very own former mayor, the Vice President Sara Z. Duterte. CIO
Written by: K.Cañedo
Edited by: A.Nawal