DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announced Monday, February 10, the cancellation of some events for the Araw ng Davao amid the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
“We have been following the pronouncements of the Department of Health and it has released last February 7 the advisory on public gatherings, thus it is with a heavy heart that I have decided to cancel the following events of the 83rd Araw ng Dabaw celebration,” Duterte-Carpio said.
These events include the Pasiugdang Pagsaulog, Reyna Dabawenya, Ginoong Davao, Sayaw Pinoy, Kalingawan sa Sta. Ana, Hudyaka, Mutya ng Dabaw, Pasidungog, Araw ng Empleyado, Kanta Bidabawenyo, Parada Dabawenyo, and the Datu Bago Awards.
“All preparations made for this year shall all be executed in 2021,” Duterte-Carpio said.
This is not only heavy to the heart of the mayor but also for the Dabawenyos as well. It is among those times of the year where it is able to highlight the best it has to offer to the Filipinos and the world.
However, our safety matters the most and it is commendable that the local government unit (LGU) of the city is implementing measures to protect its people.
This is also a reality check for us. The cancellation of some Araw ng Davao events is an example of the extent of the impacts of the 2019-nCoV.
The cancellation of events will have a major economic impact to the city. Tourists may be reconsidering their visit to Davao City considering that there is nothing to see here during the Araw ng Dabaw season. Hotels will definitely feel the effects of it with possible cancellation of room reservations.
There may also be a risk that other events will be canceled too. However, it will be up to the organizers of events spearheaded by private entities to postpone or cancel their events in March.
Event suppliers and organizers will also be greatly affected by the cancellation of events. Some may have already made certain investments to cater the influx of clients during the Araw ng Davao festivities.
The city will have to brace for the economic impacts of the cancellation of some Araw ng Davao events. This is on top of the economic setback the African Swine Fever brings to the city and the suspension of flights between the city and Chinese cities.
Once the problems have been resolved, it will need to come up with an effective strategy that will mitigate the economic setbacks brought by these issues. It will not be an easy task but something that also has to be done.
Likewise, Dabawenyos and those visiting the city have to cooperate and follow strictly the guidelines set by the city. It is not only the city that needs to work hard to mitigate the effects of the 2019-nCoV ARD but also those calling Davao City their home.
“While we have a health issue at hand, please DO NOT PANIC. Instead, report to the authorities and seek immediate and appropriate medical help. Thank you for your cooperation,” Duterte-Carpio said.