THE first-ever drone show in Davao City will be held at Davao Coastal Road on March 4, 2023 for the Araw ng Dabaw celebration, according to the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) on February 14.
Jennifer Romero, officer-in-charge of the CTOO, said the drone show will be held at the Davao Coastal Road, particularly in the Bago Aplaya area since San Pedro Square in downtown Davao City is a no-fly zone.
Romero said the coastal road area is the safest place to conduct the drone show. This is also the first event to be held at the said venue.
“We chose this particular area para at least this would be a great (venue) party to start Araw ng Davao (celebrations) and the Dabawenyos are able to feel the party and the 3D light show,” she said during a radio interview.
Head of the Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) Angel Sumagaysay told SunStar Davao that the drone show will happen offshore so in case a drone malfunctions, it will not cause injuries to the spectators.
“Kung mabagsak man ang drone, walang problema kay naa sa dagat... Baka mamaya magkabanggan tas mabagsak, kung popuated, delikado talaga (We would not worry if a drone falls because it won’t hit the people on the ground. It would fall into the sea)," Sumagaysay said in an interview.
Sumagaysa added that approximately more than 100 drones, weighing seven kilograms, each would be used for the show and operated by licensed drone pilots from Manila.
The first-ever drone show could pave the way for more in the future as Sumagaysay said PSSO is not prohibiting it as long as organizers will comply with the policies of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in Davao.
On the other hand, Romero said future events that are eyeing the Davao Coastal Road as a venue would still be subject to the approval of the city government.
The 3D Drone Light Show is part of the Music and Arts Street Festival, which will be held on March 4 from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am. ICM