DAVAO City's 10-day festival celebration was officially opened with the Pag-abli sa Kadayawan event at Magsaysay Park, Friday, August 10.
"Today signals the spark of the week-long celebration of life and thanksgiving to nature's gifts, bountiful harvest, and the essence of this festival," said Kadayawan Festival Director Gatchi Gatchalian during his opening message.
Gatchalian urged the public to participate in other events prepared
together by the City Government and the private sectors.
Meanwhile, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who also graced the opening of the festival, expressed her gratitude to the sponsors, private sector partners, and all the Dabawenyos who took part in the celebration. The mayor added that this year’s celebration is “bigger, grander, with more events lined-up.”
"I am inviting all Davaoeños to go out and celebrate Kadayawan and visit the cultural houses of our 11 tribes," Duterte-Carpio said.
The festival opened with Subang Sinugdanan, a reenactment of the arrival of the Moros and the Lumads in Davao City several generations ago.
The Pananam Food Hall was also opened to the public. This is a showcase of the unique and delectable delicacies of the 11 tribes in the city.
In the evening, the talent night of the 11 Hiyas sa Kadayawan was also held, with the candidate showcasing unique talents and skills relevant to what their tribe is proud of.
The 33rd Kadayawan Festival celebration will end on August 19, 2018 but the sports activities will continue until the end of this month.