PROBABLY the most colorful celebration in Davao City is the famed Kadayawan Festival every August. Locals and tourists alike await the various activities during the celebration like Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan, Pamulak sa Kadayawan, among others.
This year, a significant change in the celebration was bared like changing the duration from a week-long event to a month-long event. City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and the tourism sector explained that the longer celebration will stretch economic and enjoyment opportunities for businessmen and tourists in the city.
The City Government of Davao, however, assured that the safety and security in the city during the festivity will remain strict. For the month-long celebration, locals and visitors are reminded to follow the rules and regulations of the city to ensure its success at the end of the day.
Weeks before the Kadayawan Festival, reminders of dos and don’ts have been posted around the city and on social media. City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) office head Generose Tecson said these should be followed in order for everybody to fully enjoy the activities.
She added that those who planned to visit particular activities should bring hat, fan, and umbrella and find a shady spot.
Other reminders of the city are bringing of extra shirts and water in transparent tumbler to keep hydrated as influx of people is expected during the events, bringing candies and crackers, and to properly use pedestrian crossing lanes when crossing the streets.
The city has always been keen on ensuring security and safety. This year’s celebration, the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) will deploy more than 27,000 security and safety personnel in various events and public areas in the city.
Things that are strictly prohibited during activities include illegal drugs and deadly weapons, backpacks and big bags, firearms, flying of drones, usage of laser lights and alcoholic beverages. Jackets, ball caps, and sunglasses should be taken off when going through checkpoints and entrances, littering is prohibited, and civilians are not allowed to wear any law enforcement uniform.
Also, parents are advised not to bring children that are seven years old and below in small and dense areas for their safety. Smoking in public places drinking alcoholic beverages beyond 1 a.m. are still not allowed. So if you are a smoker, make sure to find designated areas for smoking.
In the middle of fun, the public should be cautious on jokes as it may lead to arrest. Davao City strictly disallows bomb jokes under Presidential Decree 1727, also known as the anti-bomb joke law.
Along with the fun, there should always be rules and regulations that should be strictly followed. This is one way to achieve the success of the Kadayawan Festival 2019.