Kadayawan 2013's Indak-Indak : A Kaleidoscope

davaotoday.com photo by Ace R. Morandante

photos by MEDEL V. HERNANI, JANDY KEN C. LIZONDRA, ACE R. MORANDANTE & JOHN RIZLE L. SALIGUMBA

The bright colors, banging of drums, vibrant dances and chants reverberated the streets during the Kadayawan’s Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan (Street Dancing).

Around 23 contingents from Davao and neighboring provinces braved the heat in this year’s parade on the festival of all festivals, showcasing indigenous dances, costumes and props that showed the culture of Mindanao’s indigenous and Moro tribes.

davaotoday.com photo by John Rizle L. Saligumba

davaotoday.com photo by Medel V. Hernani

davaotoday.com photo by Jandy Ken C. Lizondra

The open category champion was Panay National High School from Sto. Niño, South Cotabato, followed by Tribo Sulalan from Polomolok, South Cotabato for first runner-up and Tribo Talaingod, Davao del Norte came in second runner-up.

Winning the Davao category was Holy Cross College of Calinan, 1st runner-up was Magallanes Elementary School, 2nd runner-up was Sta. Ana National High School.

davaotoday.com photo by Ace R. Morandante

davaotoday.com photo by John Rizle L. Saligumba

davaotoday.com photo by Jandy Ken C. Lizondra

The Indak-Indak also highlights the history of the indigenous peoples and Moro tribes cultivated the land and protected their heritage for the later generation.

The Kadayawan festivity was initiated in 1970 by the late Mayor Elias B. Lopez, a Bagobo leader, to demonstrate the thanksgiving and rituals of indigenous peoples and Moro tribes in Mindanao. It later evolved in 1986 to “Apo Duwaling” to signify the Davawenyos’ unity after Martial Law.

davaotoday.com photo by Jandy Ken C. Lizondra

davaotoday.com photo by Medel V. Hernani

The festivity changed its name back to Kadayawan in 1988 by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and has evolved into a festival of parades, exhibits and competition showcasing indigenous peoples and Moro tribes’ culture boosting local trade and tourism.