AFTER two years of being held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Kadayawan Festival now returns with a face-to-face celebration.
The 37th Kadayawan sa Davao will center on the theme “Kasikas sa Kadayawan.”
“The theme of this year’s Kadayawan is Kasikas sa Kadayawan, which means to make noise and to have fun. The Kadayawan festival is a means to relax, enjoy, and a way of thanksgiving for our bountiful harvest,” said Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. President Dr. Maria Lourdes Monteverde.
But beyond being a colorful festival, the Kadayawan puts the 11 tribes of Davao City front and center. These tribes are the Bagobo Klata, Ata, Obo-Manuvu, Matigsalug, Bangsa Sama, Bagobo Tagabawa, Kagan, Iranun, Maguindanaon, Tausog, and Maranao.
The Hiyas ng Kadayawan and the Tribal Village are just among the events that showcase the rich culture of the 11 tribes. These events are being attended by not only Dabawenyos but by tourists too.
Providing the cultural communities of Davao City a large platform where they can showcase their traditions, beliefs, and culture is important, especially in a digitally connected society.
Not everyone knows about these tribes and with us being on our screens most of the time, we are unable to know about them personally.
The lack of knowledge for the local tribes or cultural communities was among the discussions as a result of Vice President Sara Duterte wearing a traditional dress of the Bagobo Tagabawa during the State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. She is the first Vice President to wear a traditional dress during a Sona.
Duterte received both praises and criticisms for wearing the Bagobo Tagabawa dress. Of the criticisms, among those that stood out was that of Facebook user Viscount North, who commented "My Cosplayer pala dito [sic]."
The comment infuriated many netizens. However, many also pointed out an important point -- the lack of understanding, knowledge, and appreciation for the cultural tribes. Following the comment, several locals posted online explaining what the Vice President wore and the tribe the dress came from.
Hence, the Kadayawan becomes an important event during these times. It is not merely a festival for a festival's sake. It is a festival that allows people to gain appreciation and learn about who the 11 tribes of Davao City are and their rich culture.
The Tribal Village in Magsaysay Park is a good way to start getting to know the tribes.