VICE President Sara Duterte’s visit to the Kadayawan Tribal Village with foreign dignitaries on Monday, August 11, 2025, delighted tribal representatives but left some tourists—local and foreign—frustrated over temporary park closures.
Duterte, accompanied by diplomats from Malaysia and China, toured the traditional houses of Davao City’s 11 ethnolinguistic tribes, starting with the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) before moving to the Moro communities. She later joined the dignitaries and deputy mayors representing each tribe for a communal meal.
The tour was her final Kadayawan engagement, following events such as the Misa Pasasalamat, gatherings with local and Mindanao councilors, and a guided tour at Magsaysay Park.
During her visit, the main entrance of Magsaysay Park was closed, and visitors had to enter through the Sta. Ana Police Station gate. Some tourists expressed disappointment after facing delays. Online, netizens shared their frustrations, saying they had traveled far only to be told to wait before entering the park.
Mark Perandos, a Dabawenyo who was unable to enter Magsaysay Park, shared on Facebook that he was among those affected by the VIP visit. After asking around, he learned that Vice President Duterte was inside. He wondered if she knew the park had been temporarily closed because of her presence.
“I think naa pay mas maayo nga pamaagi nga even naay VIPs, makapadayon gihapon ang mga tao sa pag celebrate sa Kadayawan (I think there’s a better way so that even with VIPs, people can still continue celebrating Kadayawan),” he said.
Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) Head Angel Sumagaysay later clarified that there was no lockdown. Only the Pananam Tent and the Tribal Village were temporarily closed for security reasons, while the rest of the park remained open as usual. RGP