10 cultures, one future

TEN TRIBES, ONE VIBE! This theme most describes the harmonious relationship of various people here in Davao City in line with the celebration of the 27th Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival.

The festival aims to showcase the rich culture of the tribal folks who now live in Davao City, namely, Ata, Matigsalug, Ovu-Manuvo, Bagobo Klata, Bagobo Tagabawa, Tausog, Maguindanao, Maranao, Kagan or Kalagan, and Sama.

It should be pointed out, however, that while most are indigenous to the city, the tribes of Moro people specifically the Tausog, Maguindanao, and Maranao, are not from Davao City but are settlers like the Visayans and the Tagalogs. Tausogs mostly hail from Sulu, the Maguindanaos from Central Mindanao, and the Maranao’s from the provinces of Lanao, but more specifically around Lake Lanao in Marawi City. Suffice it to say, they are indigenous to their lands.

During the Indigenous People’s Panagtagbo and at the same time formal opening of the Kadayawan at People’s Park on August 3, Mayor Sara Z. Duterte–Carpio said that while these tribes are diverse in cultures, traditions, and beliefs… she is thankful and glad that all of them exist as one with all the other Dabawenyos.

During the Panagtagbo, practices that are now slowly being forgotten were introduced and dramatized. The way the various tribes celebrate harvest was also showcased. How they pray to their Creator and the spirits sent over by the Creator to attend to specific tasks was also staged.

Duterte said that all these revelry and desire to link up with the past is a manifestation of how the city has matured into one peaceful whole.

“It was really a hard road for Davao especially for the people… from a very bad situation and dangerous reputation to what it is now... the fact that Davao is the rallying city for Mindanao, I can say that Davao City today is something to look up to,” Duterte said.

“For this 27th Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival, layo na kaayo ang nabyahe sa siyudad from the residents of Davao, economic, agriculture, peace and order, governance, and most especially the relationship of each and everyone. I hope we could able to maintain this,” Duterte added.

Visitor s will once again get the feel of the festival’s rhythms and sound during the Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan on Saturday.

Here, groups from schools and different provinces from all over Mindanao, as well as the tribal folks now residing in the city will showcase their moves in various dance presentations.

A total of 23 contingents are vying for the cash prizes.

Aside from the rhythms and sound, the Indak-indak will also show the profusion of colors – predominantly red and yellow – of ethnic roots.

Through the 27 years that it has been celebrated, back when it started as Apo Duwaling Festival in 1987, the festival like its people has also matured into one grand celebration for those who are indigenous to the land, the settlers including the Moro people, the Visayans and the Tagalogs, and from all other parts of the Philippines.

Truly the festival shows the richness of culture and prosperity of the city.

Incidentally, it was just recently when finally the city council has a representative from the tribal folks – City Councilor Berino Mamboo, who now chairs the city council committee on indigenous peoples and Muslim Affairs.