By Ivy Tejano
Published Mar 19, 2026 10:34 pm
DAVAO CITY – The Davao City Council passed a resolution on Thursday, March 19, urging all participants in the 2026 Araw ng Dabaw Civic Parade to join the event on foot and refrain from using fuel-powered and electric vehicles.
Committee on Government-Owned Properties chairperson Councilor J. Melchor Quitain Jr. called on all participants to avoid deploying gasoline, diesel, oil-powered, and even electric vehicles in the parade on March 28.
Quitain said the initiative aims to underscore the importance of conserving energy resources amid ongoing global supply concerns stemming from the conflict in the Middle East.
According to the resolution, the Araw ng Dabaw celebration, observed annually in March, will culminate in a civic parade that traditionally draws hundreds of participants and often features motorized floats and displays.
The councilor cited the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which he said has disrupted petroleum product supplies and contributed to rising fuel prices in the Philippines.
Quitain added that the resulting increase in transportation and production costs has also driven up the prices of basic commodities and utilities, including electricity.
The resolution emphasized that limiting fuel consumption, even during large public events, could help mitigate the economic strain brought about by these global developments.
It also noted that the situation remains uncertain, with no immediate signs of stabilization in fuel supply and pricing, amid continuing geopolitical tensions and volatile global oil market conditions.
Quitain appealed to Davaoeños to contribute in their own way by conserving fuel and resources, stressing that collective action can help cushion the broader economic impact.
Under the resolution, participants are strongly encouraged to take part in the parade without vehicles to promote awareness of energy conservation and responsible resource use.
