THE Parada Dabawenyo will see a significant increase in participation this year, with 444 contingents joining the parade—up from 353 in 2024, according to event organizer Harold Quibete.
During the ISpeak media forum on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the City Mayor's Office (CMO), Quibete said they expect around 25,000 participants. He credited the rise in contingents to early information dissemination, which allowed more groups to register ahead of time.
“We will follow the same route as last year’s Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan. The parade will start at Roxas Avenue, turn left onto CM Recto Street, then right onto Rizal Street, and make a left onto Inigo Street, ending at San Pedro Square,” Quibete said.
This year’s parade will feature 30 to 40 floats, and a mega tent will be installed at San Pedro Square for spectators. The event will start at 6 a.m. and is expected to conclude by 11:30 a.m. to allow contingents to have lunch and avoid the midday heat.
Quibete reminded motorcycle riders to comply with national laws and local ordinances, especially when traveling to the event. He clarified that they are only allowed to remove their helmets during the parade but must follow all safety protocols before and after the event.
Despite former President Rodrigo Duterte’s transportation to The Hague, Netherlands, to face charges related to drug war-related killings, Quibete said attendance is expected to rise, reflecting the resilience of Dabawenyos.
“Kita na mga taga (We, the people of) Davao City are optimistic and highly disciplined, no matter the circumstances. We have endured many challenges, yet we continue to stand tall and resilient. We are very proud to be called Dabawenyos. We cannot be called Dabawenyo for nothing,” he said.
To maintain order, organizers have coordinated with the Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) to ensure the parade remains free from political activity.
City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) officer-in-charge Jennifer Romero confirmed that political candidates may join the parade, provided they adhere to event guidelines. However, sponsors and participants, including politicians, are strictly prohibited from distributing promotional or campaign materials.
As stated in the event guidelines, the parade is open to civic organizations, NGOs, private companies, schools, universities, government institutions, and barangays.
Distributing flyers, giveaways, or handbills is strictly prohibited to avoid disruptions.
Additionally, only enforcement personnel are allowed to wear security uniforms, and the use of smoke-belching vehicles, party poppers, confetti, or fireworks is not permitted.
The guidelines also emphasize that the parade must not be used for political campaigning.
The Parada sa Dabaw is scheduled for March 16, 2025, from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., marking the grand finale of the month-long Araw ng Dabaw celebration. RGP