THE provincial government of Davao de Oro is set to relaunch its Bulawan Festival and Founding Anniversary from March 6 to 8, after the event's postponement last year due to unforeseen circumstances.
Klent Vincent Magalona, Development Management Officer of the Provincial Tourism Office, revealed that this year’s 18th Bulawan Festival will adopt a more community-centered approach, with a focus on essential services and local engagement.
Unlike previous editions, which were primarily centered on entertainment, this year will highlight job fairs, one-stop shops, and other programs aimed at benefiting the local population.
Magalona explained that the originally planned activities for the 2024 festival were disrupted by the series of earthquakes in March 2023, followed by flooding and landslides that impacted the region in 2024. Despite these setbacks, he remains optimistic about the province's tourism outlook.
“Despite the challenges brought on by natural calamities, tourism in Davao de Oro has continued to thrive,” Magalona shared during the Kapehan sa Dabaw event on February 24. “In 2024, we exceeded two million in tourist arrivals, both local and international, at our various destinations.”
He also mentioned that some popular attractions, such as the Bilawa Mainit Hot Waterfall in Maco, remain temporarily closed for safety assessments.
Magalona expressed his hope that these key sites, especially Davao de Oro’s wellness loop, will reopen soon to help boost the region's tourism even further.
The festival will kick off on March 6 with a grand motorcade and parade through Nabunturan, followed by ribbon-cutting ceremonies across the province.
Notable events will include a plant-selling market, bonsai exhibits for enthusiasts, and jewelry showcases that highlight the province’s rich gold heritage.
The second day of the festival will feature a range of services for locals, a celebration of Lumad culture through "Al’law ng Kalumonan," and the crowning of the Binibining Davao de Oro. The final day will focus on the province’s 26th Founding Anniversary, with various commemorative activities to celebrate its history and progress.
Magalona emphasized the festival’s role in both honoring Davao de Oro’s heritage and providing tangible benefits to its residents. By focusing on both cultural celebration and community development, the 18th Bulawan Festival aims to bring about a sense of pride, unity, and growth for the province.
Davao de Oro, formerly known as Compostela Valley, became a province in the Philippines on March 7, 1998, through Republic Act No. 8470, which separated it from Davao del Norte. The name change to Davao de Oro was officially approved in a plebiscite held in December 2019, making it the province’s new official name. DEF