AMID heavy rains, the Province of Davao del Norte kicked off the 2019 Kadagayaan Festival in celebration of the 52nd Araw ng Davao del Norte.
First District Board Member Shirly Belen Aala, who represented Governor Anthony del Rosario, led the opening ceremony, together with Department of Agriculture (DA)-Davao Region OIC-director Engr. Ricardo Oñate, Jr.
“More than a thanksgiving festivity, the Kadagayaan Festival flaunts the unrelenting Dabaonon spirit. We show how proud and thankful we are, as we continue to flourish in the face of many challenges. Our grateful hearts see no boundary, status and cultural identity. Through this festival, we are able to unite and rise to the tide of times. No amount of adversity, even with the polarizing elections, could hamper our resolve to be as one in offering a special thanksgiving for the rich harvests. We set aside our differences in responding to a higher calling,” the governor said in hid message read by Aala.
He said, the theme, ”Ang Kabag-ohan sa Davao del Norte Alang sa Tinuod nga Kalamboan,” showcases the impact of what the people are able to achieve with the symbiosis of all the sectors of society -- the Christians, Muslims, Indigenous Communities and all other demographics all living in harmony and peace.
“It has been an honor to serve the province as your governor. I am now leaving the office with a sense of fulfillment, having done my duty to the best of my ability in attaining what we hope to achieve within our term,” Del Rosario said.
“I am inviting all the Dabaonons to go out and celebrate our Kadagayaan Festival 2019. Dali na diri sa atong Davao del Norte Sports and Cultural Complex! Suroy na, mamalit ta, ug mangaon ta sa atong activity area,” he said.
Oñate also hailed the support of the Province of Davao del Norte to the programs and projects of the agriculture department.
“Ang mandato ng Department of Agriculture ay simple lang: Available and Affordable food. Kami po’y nagpapasalamat sa mga farmers nga dunay pagsalig sa Department of Agriculture. Napagaan po ang aming trabaho sa Region dahil sa partnership with the Province of Davao del Norte under the leadership of Governor Anthony del Rosario. Nagpapasalamat po kami sa lahat ng kanyang mga opisyales particularly sa Provincial Agriculture Office. . Tuloy-tuloy po sa Samal ang ating mango, sa Panabo, sa Talaingod yung coffee, sa Kapalong yung cacao; investment forum ngayong 26. Ang Davao del Norte ay talagang model ng PRDP,” he said.
“Kami po ng Department of Agriculture andam maminaw sa mga mag-uuma in close coordination andun yung ating PAFC, RAFC, municipal agri, provincial agri natin kung ano po yung pwedeng gawin ready po tayo. Pasalamat kami sa outgoing administration then nangita pod mi nga mapadayon ang programa yung collaborative effort with Department of Agriculture,” he added. (PR)