NUMBER of spectators to the Fluvial Float Parade and Panagtabo of the 32nd Kadayawan sa Dabaw on Friday, August 18, at Tionko Football Field and Davao River was the biggest as compared to previous years.
Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) head Generose Tecson, in an interview during the event, said the intensive promotion of this year's festival brought great numbers of tourists especially for the festival's weekend where most of the major events are being held.
"We all have observed that in the previous years, this event is not usually attended by many. So we are very happy that we have seen over a hundred local and foreign tourists arriving and enjoying the activities and showcase of culture," she said.
Tecson said the executive committee of the festival allotted increased budget for this year's fluvial parade and Panagtagbo, the gathering of the tribes, as both events mark the first event highlighting the eleven tribes in the festival following Tribal Games, Hiyas sa Kadayawan, Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan, and Pamulak sa Kadayawan.
Event Director Allan Hioca, in an interview, said one of the major improvements in the event is the stage design.
"This year we provided a huge tent that fits the stage and the crowd. In the previous years, our stage is not covered by tent so the crowd is not interested to watch because of the heat and humidity," Hioca said.
The celebration of the Fluvial Float Parade and Panagtabo, Hioca said, is seen to be important as it allows Dabawenyos recognize the significance of Davao River and the roles of the 11 tribes in the city's history.
He added that this year's theme for Panagtagbo centered on peace and unity advocacy amidst the presence of extremism and cultural differences among the people in Mindanao.
Each of the 11 tribes performed a tribal dance for peace and conducted a ritual for peace to show that the tribes are united despite their differences in culture and religion.