76th ‘Araw’ ng Dabaw opens sans Dutertes

DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte will not be attending the opening program for the 76th Araw ng Dabaw celebration, which kicks off at 7 a.m. today, Monday, at the Rizal Park.

In a text message, Lisette Marques, festival director of Duaw, said as of their last meeting, a staff from the mayor's office said Duterte-Carpio is not going, but she was not informed of the latter's reason.

Joseph Lawrence Garcia, acting chief of the City Information Office (CIO), said Duterte-Carpio has not yet issued any advisory whether she will attend.

On the other hand, Christopher "Bong" Go, the vice mayor's chief of staff, said elder Duterte is not coming because he is out of town.

However, Marques said it's all systems go for the opening which will be integrated with the flag-raising ceremony today.

She reiterated there will be no grand opening ceremony this year.

Duaw Dabaw Foundation Inc., one of the private partners of the City Government of Davao for the celebration, will handle the opening this year.

They have been the city’s partner in its major events--Kadayawan sa Dabaw, Pasko Fiesta and Araw ng Dabaw--since 2011.

The Duaw has set aside P5.2 million for the various events it will handle, including the opening program, Mutya ng Dabaw, Araw ng Dabaw Talent Competitions (Sayaw Pinoy, Saywan sa Da'n, Laban Labandz), and Hudyakaan sa Araw ng Dabaw.

Orly Escarilla, spokesperson for the festival, said representatives from multi sectoral will be attending the opening today.

"Kasama sa inimbita for the opening tomorrow are the city officials, to include the members of the City Council," Escarilla said.

The official events handled by the City Government are the 76th Araw ng Dabaw Appreciation Program, 76th Araw ng Dabaw Athletes Recognition Program, Araw ng Dabaw Sportsfest, Davao City Hall Employees Association Sportsfest, Parada Dabawenyo and Datu Bago Awards.

Escarilla said the Davao City Government is still finalizing the budget for this year’s founding anniversary. Last year, it allocated P8.2 million for the 75th Araw ng Dabaw celebration.