THE City Government of Davao lights up the city hall premises as it launches the Pasko Fiesta sa Davao 2022 dubbed as Dan-ag Davao ug Pag-abli sa Pasko, on December 1.
This year’s Christmas lighting ceremony returns to a face-to-face celebration since the pandemic started. The lighting ceremony was highlighted by the performances of Davao’s homegrown talents, the lighting of the church-themed Christmas tree, and the City Hall 3D mapping light show.
The celebration was led by Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte who thanked all Dabawenyos for being law-abiding citizens, and helping the city maintain peace and order.
“Ako nagpasalamat gyud ko sa pagtuman ninyo sa atong mga balaod. Nagapangandoy tag mas maayo, mas malinawon, mas malambuon na lugar. Mao nang ginatuman nato ang mga balaod sa dakbayan. Kung naa man tay ginabuhat nga balaod ang permi nga naa sa among kasingkasing ug hunahuna kay para ra gyud ni sa kaayuhan sa tanan (I’m very thankful to all your efforts in abiding all our laws in the city. We all dream for a better, more progressive, more peaceful city. Each time we implement new policies, it is for the good of the city and its residents),” Duterte said.
The mayor also reminded Dabawenyos about the strict implementation of the ban on firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices in the city as mandated in City Ordinance No. 060-02 of 2002.
Vice-Mayor Jay Melchor Quitain, for his part, said the city is now reaping the benefits of all the sacrifices made by the Dabawenyos.
“There are a lot of things to be joyful, despite all that happened, the lockdowns, all the hardship, and the heartache, we have a lot of things to be grateful for. We are now reaping the benefits of all the sacrifices that we have made,” he said.
Aside from the opening, there are a number of activities from December 1 to December 25, 2022.
Pasko Pahalipay ni Santa will start on December 1 to 4; 9 to 11; 16 to 18; and 23 to 25 at Magsaysay Park and People’s Park at 6 p.m. Another batch will be held at Toril Park, Mintal Park, and Calinan Park on December 10 to 11; and 17 to 18 at 6 p.m. Also, Pasko Pahalipay ni Santa is set on Dec. 3 to 4; 10 to 11; 17 to 11; and 24 to 25 at Davao City Botanical Park at 6 p.m.
Dabawenyos will have to look for the Panayegon sa Davao on December 2 to 4; 9 to 11; and 15 to 18 at 6 p.m. at the City Hall grounds which will be participated by various choral groups in Davao City.
One of the main events during Pasko Fiesta is the Koro sa Pasko, a chorale singing competition that will be held at the CAP Auditorium, at 6 p.m.
Days of celebration for the Indigenous People (IPs) or Pasko sa mga Lumad ug Badjao are set on December 12 to 17 in their respective places in Paquibato, Marilog, and Baguio District.
The City Hall employees will have their Christmas fun on December 16 (Pasko Kumbira sa City Hall) from 4 to 9 p.m. at Rizal Park, while the Pasko Song Writing Contest is still on the same date at 7 p.m., at the Amphitheater, Magsaysay Park.
The Siyam ka Kadlawon will start on December 16 to 24 at 3 a.m., in Bolton Street.
Another highlight is the Sayaw sa Pasko Fiesta Dance Competition elimination round set on Dec. 17, 6 p.m. at Rizal Park, while its Grand Finals will be on December 23 at the same venue and time. The Banda Dasig, a marching Band Competition is on December 18 at 6 p.m. at San Pedro Square.
There is also a Pasko at Musika ng University of the Philippines Symphony Orchestra that will be held on December 20, at 7 p.m. at the USEP Sports and Cultural Center.
To cap the Pasko Fiesta event, the city will have the Misa Dabawenyo which will happen on December 25, at 3 p.m. at the San Pedro Cathedral for the Christmas day mass. KSD