THE Kadayawan Festival 2025 opened smoothly, without any reported incident, as nearly 7,000 police officers and over 14,000 additional safety personnel deployed across Davao City to secure the month-long celebration.
Police Captain Hazel Caballero-Tuazon, spokesperson for the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), confirmed that the Thanksgiving Mass (Misa Pasasalamat), attended by Vice President Sara Duterte, and the Kadayawan opening at the Kadayawan Tribal Village at Magsaysay Park were without disturbance.
The official calendar for this year’s Kadayawan Festival includes the Misa Pasasalamat at San Pedro Cathedral on August 7; the Pag-Abli or opening ceremony at the Kadayawan Tribal Village in Magsaysay Park and the launch of the Trade Fair on August 8, which will run until August 31; Hiyas sa Kadayawan cultural presentation at SM City Davao Annex Event Center and the start of the Pananam sa Kadayawan food fair on August 9, running until August 17; Bantawan Cultural Celebration from August 10 to 12 at the Bantawan Amphitheater in Magsaysay Park; Kasikas sa Kadayawan at Rizal Park and the start of the Kadayawan Expo & Food Trucks Bazaar on August 13, running until August 17; Hiyas sa Kadayawan Grand Coronation Night at the Usep Gymnasium on August 14; the special non-working holiday for Kadayawan and Indigenous Peoples Day on August 15, with Agong ug Kulintangan and Tunog ug Sayaw sa Kadayawan at Rizal Park; Dula Kadayawan at People’s Park and Konsierto Kadayawan at San Pedro Square on August 16; the Pamulak ug Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan grand parade from Roxas Avenue to San Pedro followed by the Grand Showdown at San Pedro Square on August 17; and the Kadayawan Pasasalamat thanksgiving at Rogen Inn on August 20, which is by invitation only.
The DCPO and the Davao City Safety and Security Cluster have stationed personnel in all major venues, implementing strict inspections and bans on bladed weapons, backpacks, and other restricted items. Festivalgoers are urged to use clear bags and remain vigilant; unattended bags will prompt immediate police and Swat action.
Just like in 2024, the Kadayawan Festival’s opening this year was incident-free, reflecting the city’s sustained success in managing large-scale cultural events. Last year’s opening likewise saw heightened security measures, smooth crowd management, and strong public cooperation, elements that officials aim to replicate throughout the 2025 celebration. DEF
