The different activities and event of the 34th Kadayawan Festival in Davao City kept me very busy and enjoyable too. That's the reason, why this column is being published a little bit late. But, not to late, because Kadayawan will be going on up to the end of this month of August.
Of course, as a member of the Davao City's (Mindanao's) Consular Corps, I am receiving invitations as German Consul for Mindanao for most all different events of this amazing and awesome festival. While writing this piece, the festival is still ongoing. The celebration offers an incredible array of activities full of fun and joy: dance group competition (just experienced yesterday, grabe!), street party and a food trip at the strip. Sure, Kadayawan is also about the indulgence in the best cuisines that Davao has to offer. Kadayawan is indeed a fest of sorts.
Living and working in Davao City since almost 21 years now, I observed this festival is becoming more and more awesome. As our good mayor Inday Sara Duterte said during the launching, "We celebrate it annually not just to give Dabawenyos a reason to celebrate; we do it o we do not forget where we come from and what blessings we have received through the years, blessings which we continue to receive".
Living in Davao City, I strongly agree: We have been blessed not just with natural resources but favorable climate conditions, a thriving economy and peace and order. I go further. While observing global disputes at any corner, we are blessed in Mindanao. Not only Dabawenyos are showing the whole word how to get together as a multicultural community.
Yes, this year's Kadayawan is indeed different, as most events have spread during the weekends of the month of August to ensure the city will be able to accommodate more visitors. I was surprised meeting you so many people during so many events from different countries.
First time ever, I came to together with Vice Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte. He said, "A bountiful harvest, rich natural resources, disciplined an resilient people, dedicated public servants, safe community and a lot of wonderful opportunities."
Yes, we have to be thankful for everything, while looking to so many place on earth, where the situations look different and scaring.
I still remember then Davao City Mayor and now President Rodrigo Duterte saying in 2009, " With global warming and climate change a very real phenomenon in our lives now, we need to look to our indigenous people for wisdom and guidance as they have been respectful towards their relationship with the earth!"
The Presidentsaid this ten years ago ... ! Happy Kadayawan 2019!
God bless Mindanao. God bless the Philippines!
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