AROUND 14,000 safety and security personnel will be deployed throughout the month-long celebration of the 2025 Kadayawan Festival, according to the Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO).
PSSO acting operations and coordination officer Jose Daniel Kimpo said around 600 personnel will be deployed daily across all event areas.
“We will always make sure all activities shall have a safe environment, the safety and security sector will be assigned, and will be there, in all activity areas,” he said.
He reminded the public that backpacks, hats, caps, jackets, and pointed umbrellas are strictly prohibited. Non-transparent water bottles are also banned and will be confiscated. Kimpo encouraged festivalgoers to practice a “culture of security” and report any suspicious individuals to authorities.
During the festival’s major events, key roads will be temporarily closed to accommodate the expected influx of visitors. Kimpo said traffic advisories and alternate routes will be announced in coordination with the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO).
This year’s deployment is lower than the 20,000 personnel mobilized during the 2024 Kadayawan Festival and Ironman 70.3 Davao.
The 2025 Kadayawan Festival officially kicks off on August 7 with the Misa Pasasalamat at San Pedro Cathedral, followed by the Pag-Abli sa Kadayawan opening ceremony on August 8 at the Kadayawan Tribal Village in Magsaysay Park. A trade fair will run at the same venue from August 8 to 31.
Cultural highlights include Hiyas sa Kadayawan Cultural Presentation (August 9, SM City Davao), Pananam sa Kadayawan (August 9 to 17), Bantawan Cultural Celebration (August 10 to 12), Kasikas sa Kadayawan (August 13, Rizal Park), Kadayawan Expo and Food Trucks Bazaar (August 13 to 17).
The Hiyas sa Kadayawan Grand Coronation Night will be held on August 14 at the USeP Gymnasium. Festivities continue with music and cultural shows on August 15 at Rizal Park, followed by traditional games at People’s Park and a concert at San Pedro Square on August 16.
The grand Pamulak ug Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan street parade and showdown happens on August 17. The festival wraps up with Kadayawan Pasasalamat on August 20 at Rogen Inn. RGP