ACTING Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte officially opened the Kadayawan Festival 2025 on August 8, 2025 at the Magsaysay Park in R. Magsaysay Ave., Davao City, encouraging Dabawenyos to uphold the culture of security.
Duterte urged the public to remain mindful wherever they go, pointing out that the city’s economic boom has led to an influx of job seekers, students, and individuals striving for better opportunities. He emphasized the importance of unity among Dabawenyos, warning that a lack of cooperation and understanding could lead to conflict.
"Naa ta diri, lahi-lahi, walay diskriminasyon diri sa Davao, mapa Muslim ka, kuan baka Ata ka, unsa ba imong tribu, Bisaya ka, Illonggo ka, miskag asa ka gikan, walay discrimination, ma-dato, ma-probre, babae, lalaki, tomboy, bayot, unsa man ka diha, pareho ta tanan Dabawenyos," Duterte said during the Pag-Abli sa Kadayawan.
(We are here with our differences, but there is no discrimination. In Davao, whether you are Muslim, Ata, whatever your tribe may be, whether you are Bisaya, Ilonggo, or from anywhere else, there is no discrimination here. Whether you are rich or poor, woman or man, lesbian or gay, whatever you are, we are all equal as Dabawenyos.)
He said, despite the challenges that the city has faced, Dabawenyos continue to rise, stressing that this is the strength of Dabawenyos – helping each other and unified. He added that people should remember to uphold the culture of security and always remember the "Pag may nakita, magsalita" concept.
The acting mayor declared the official openning of the Kadayawan Festival after banging the gong, along with the 11 Hiyas sa Kadayawan candidates and their respective tribal leaders.
Duterte, in a media interview, said that every year the city tries to improve its celebration, and based on his observations, this year's kick-off is better than last year's. He said that he likes this year's celebrations more due to the presence of a lot of Dabawenyos making the atmosphere livelier.
He stressed that the culture of security should be upheld, with the bulk of tourists visiting, adding that Dabawenyos should work hand in hand to ensure that the city remains safe for everyone.
Duterte said they would continue to improve the festival despite the challenges that the local government unit (LGU) is experiencing, stressing that the Kadayawan Festival would remain at status quo.
Some of the events that local and international tourists can look forward to are the Kadayawan Trade Fair at Magsaysay Park, which will run from August 8 to 31. The Cultural Presentation of the Hiyas sa Kadayawan is set for August 9 at SM City Davao.
Pananam sa Kadayawan will take place from August 9 to 17, while the Bantawan Cultural Celebration will run from August 10 to 12 at the Kadayawan Tribal Village in Magsaysay Park.
The Kasikas sa Kadayawan at Rizal Park is scheduled for August 13, and the Kadayawan Expo and Food Trucks Bazaar at the back of Rizal–Bolton Street Extension will be held from August 13 to 17.
The highly anticipated Hiyas sa Kadayawan Grand Coronation Night will take place on August 14 at the USeP Gymnasium. The Agong ug Kulintangan and Tunog ug Sayaw sa Kadayawan will be held on August 15 at Rizal Park.
Dula sa Kadayawan at People’s Park and Konsierto Kadayawan at San Pedro Square are scheduled for August 16.
Meanwhile, the Pamulak ug Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan Street Parade, from Roxas Avenue to San Pedro, will take place in the morning of August 17, followed by the Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan Grand Showdown in the afternoon. RGP