FOR the past 86 years, Davao City has conquered all hardships, through ups and downs.
In the city's early years, it had endured the ill effects of the World War II. In the following years, it had also recovered from the tragedies of time: calamities, terrorism, lawlessness, and just recently, the Covid-19 pandemic that claimed many lives of Dabawenyos.
As the entire world recovers from the pandemic and returns to the old normal, it is fitting that the people of Davao celebrate it face-to-face (F2F).
After the successful first F2F celebration of the Kadayawan sa Dabaw in August 2022, the Davao City government is also putting a revenge come back for the city's founding anniversary.
On March 1, 2023, the city kicked off its month-long celebration of the 86th Araw ng Dabaw --- marking the first F2F celebration of the Araw three years since it was halted due to the pandemic.
Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte, the 19th mayor since the city was founded in 1937, shared how the in-person celebration of the Araw is a new-found hope for the Dabawenyos after the three-year horror of the pandemic.
He also urged Dabawenyos and tourists to enjoy the festivity, but also be vigilant for any lawless elements.
“Wa ta kabalo, kung unsay tumong anang mga butang nga ginapangbilin diha sa dalan (because we don’t know what are the aims of those things left on the street),” he said during the Pasiunang Pagsaulog on March 1, 2023.
“Enjoy lang mo, do your part as an active participant in our society but by following the rules,” he added.
He added that it’s about time for everyone to have fun and celebrate the 86th Araw ng Dabaw in-person three years after the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country.
“Join us as we bring you history and tradition as well as introduce you to the culture of security here in the city of Davao through a month-long celebration,” the mayor added.
Along with the comeback of the Araw and its activities, the city also became the host of the Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions, Exhibits (Mice) Conference (MiceCon) 2023 last March 1 to 3, and the Alveo Iron Man 70.3 triathlon happening on March 26.
Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) officer-in-charge Jennifer Romero said with large events being held in Davao City in March, they are expecting 150,000 to 200,000 tourist arrivals.
Romero said they are optimistic that they will hit their March target and even exceed it as it hosts large events that are expected to attract tourists.
While Davao City is slowly gaining back its losses brought about by the pandemic, challenges remain inevitable. Thus, the unified spirit of the Dabawenys, which the Araw ng Dabaw celebration reminds us, must remain intact. RGL