By Maya Padillo, Edge Davao
Students wearing colorful costume while performing during Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan, one of the main events of the 37th Kadayawan sa Davao festival, along San Pedro Street in Davao City. The city government of Davao officially opened the festival on Monday afternoon. Edge Davao
Dabawenyos rocked the resumption of the face-to-face opening rites — Pag- Abli sa Kadayawan — of the 37th Kadayawan sa Davao at the Bantawan Amphitheater in Magsaysay Park, Davao City on Monday.
The drumbeats, colorful tribal attires, and tribal songs were once again seen and heard through performances of the Kalumon Performing Ensemble.
Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, the chairman of the Kadayawan Executive Committee, officially opened the festival by banging the “agong” three times.
“I hope that you support the various events prepared for you. Salamat sa mga naa diri, thank you sa sponsors, salamat for contributing for the festival. Sa mga pulis ug sundalo salamat sa pag-atiman,” he said.
Duterte explained that he allowed the face-to-face Kadayawan 2022 as restrictions against Covid-19 were all lifted, however, he reminded Dabawenyos to continue observing the Minimum Health Protocols Standards (MHPS) particularly the wearing of face mask and hand hygiene.
“Napangutan-an ko paglingkod nako kung mag abri ang Kadayawan face-to-face. Tutal wala naman tay Covid restrictions, gitugtan nako na ablihan nato pero inyuha lang timan-an nga naa ta’y pandemya pero its not as bad as it used to be and followed health protocols. Ampingi lang ninyo ang inyong kaugalingon. Pagkahuman sa duha ka tuig makagawas na gyud ta sa atoang mga balay,” he said.
He also emphasized that Dabawenyos are peace-loving people, who do not discriminate and co-exist with each other.
“Wala ta’y diskriminasyon maong buhi ang atonag mga tribu, pag-abot sa balaod patas tanan madatu o mapobre, tomboy, bayot, laki ug baye, patas tang tanan, mao ning Davao. Mao na sa kadaghan nato diri we learned to co-exist and treat each other equal,” he added.
Dr. Malou Monteverde, co-chair of the Kadayawan Execom Committee and president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc, (DCCCII), put into the spotlight the 11 tribes of Davao City: the Ata, Klata, Tagabawa, Ovu Manuvu, Matigsalog comprising the indigenous people, then the Moro groups consisting of the Tausug, Sama, Iranun, Maguindanaoan, Maranao and the Kagan peoples, as the main attraction of the festival.
“The Kadayawan sa Davao kahibalo ta features the different aspects of the age-old tradition of indigenous knowledge and dances. Named the King of Festivals in the Philippines, we celebrate the rich culture, thanksgiving for the gift of nature, the bounties of harvest, and the serenity of living. With this year’s theme, which means to make noise and to have fun, the Kadayawan Festival is a means to relax and enjoy, way thanksgiving, not just the bountiful harvest but to celebrate life after the pandemic,” said Monteverde in her opening message.
She also emphasized that the tourism sector of the city, which has been affected due to restrictions, will come back with a big bang with the opening of this year’s festivity.
The opening was graced the city government of Davao officials, diplomatic corps, Indigenous People’s (IP) leaders, guests, and the Dabawenyos.
The 37th Kadayawan sa Davao opens with a Misa Pasasalamat (thanksgiving mass) officiated by Archbishop Romulo G. Valles held at the Bantawan Amphitheater.
Carrying the theme “Kasikas sa Kadayawan” aims to bring back the revelry and the vibrant return of the Kadayawan Festival in the streets of Davao City that was put on hold for two years due to the pandemic.
