THE city government of Davao is waiting for Malacañang's decision to declare March 3, 2023 a special, non-working holiday in Davao City.
Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain Jr. told SunStar Davao on Friday, February 10 that they submitted a resolution requesting the declaration of the Araw ng Dabaw as a holiday earlier this year.
However, no information is released yet as to when the decision will be announced by Malacañan Palace.
“Naka-issue na kami ng resolution though I have no knowledge if Malacañang issued na but surely it will be declared,” Quitain said via text message.
The declaration is for the celebration of the 86th Araw ng Dabaw slated on March 1, 2023, which is a special working holiday.
Previously celebrated on March 16, Araw ng Dabaw was moved to March 1 following Republic Act 11379 “An Act Declaring March 1 of Every Year a Special Working Holiday in the City of Davao, Province of Davao del Sur, to be Known as “Araw ng Dabaw,” Repealing for the Purpose Republic Acts Numbered 7551 and 7685.”
This year’s Araw ng Dabaw will also be held face-to-face for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
During the height of the pandemic lockdown and restrictions, Araw ng Dabaw was celebrated virtually in 2021 and 2022.
The events slated for the celebration this year include Misa Pasasalamat and Pasiugdang Pagsaulog on March 1, Araw ng Dabaw Artisan Food and Cacao Market on March 2 to 5, Hugyaw Dabaw - All Star Variety Show on March 3, Araw ng Dabaw Music and Arts Festival on March 4, Hulagway sa Araw ng Dabaw on March 1 to 18, Pasidungog: Garbo sa Davao on March 8 and Conferment of Datu Bago Awards on March 8, Araw ng Dabaw Drag Lipsync Competition on March 10, Araw ng Dabaw Cheerdance Competition on March 11, Araw ng Dabaw Sayaw Pinoy Folkdance Competition on March 12, Reyna Dabawenya on March 15, Employees’ Week Food Festival on March 13 to 15, Mr. and Ms. LGU Davao City on March 16, Mutya ng Dabaw and Davao City Unity Awards on March 17, and Parada Dabawenyo and CMB 2023 Clash of the Mighty Bands on March 18. ICM