IT'S the 81st Araw ng Dabaw celebration, a time when people converge not just to watch the parade but also to enjoy the company of friends.
The parade commenced along Roxas Avenue at around 6 a.m. with thousands of participants from different government agencies, civic groups, private institutions, companies, clubs, fraternities and many more.
As expected, the security during the parade was tight with police officers everywhere, every meter, to guard the festivities. The crowd did not seem to mind even though these police officers were already blocking their view. They'd rather feel safe.
It is not just the civilians who enjoyed the parade, but also the hardworking men in uniform as they endured the heat and hours of standing under the scorching sun.
Several government officials from different local government units from Luzon and Visayas arrived to witness the festivities of Davao.
Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio went down from the Rizal Park stage to the street to greet and shake hands with every contingent passing by the main stage, accommodating selfies whoever wants to have one.
After the parade, thousands of Dabawenyos mobbed the intersection of C.M. Recto Street and San Pedro Street as they wait for their free lunch. With 50 roasted calves donated by a foundation, more than 10,000 people availed of the sumptuous roast beef with rice lunch.
After several hours, the food ran out but the city government bought packed lunch just to accommodate several hundreds still in line waiting for their turn.
Also Special Assistant to the President Christopher Bong Go and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. visited the distribution area. As expected, Bong Go was mobbed by people eager to have selfies with him.
Dabawenyos not just feasted on the sights but also feasted on the food.
Several spectators said that they will surely go to the streets next time again and witness the festivities rather than stay at home during the holiday because they felt a different kind of excitement and fun during yesterday’s Parada Dabawenyo.