Davao City Acting Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte talks with Kadayawan 2016 Co-Chairperson Art Boncato Jr. and Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre during the meeting of the Kadayawan executive meeting on Wednesday, July 13. (City Information Office)
DAVAO CITY – Street parties and concerts in downtown area are banned during the Kadayawan festival next month.
Acting City Mayor Paolo Duterte said the shift is consistent with the plan to make the celebration more simple and “focus on the plight of the 11 tribes in Davao City.”
“Events to be held in public parks and other public places should only highlight the culture and traditions of the Lumads and the Muslims,” said Duterte.
Local performers and artists who promote the culture of Davao and Mindanao, including Popong Landero, Joey Ayala, Bayang Barrios and other homegrown talents will perform during the Kadayawan.
In a meeting with the members of the executive committee of this year’s Kadayawan on Wednesday, Duterte said events during the Kadayawan should highlight the city’s various ethnic groups.
He earlier described the indigenous peoples and Muslims as the “heart and soul” of Kadayawan.
“I want the Poblacion area free from loud noise — from concerts and parties,” he said.
“Let us do away with these activities. Let us instead hold these events outside the downtown area,” Duterte said.
In reaction, Jesse Israel, 21, from Barangay Bago Oshiro in Tugbok District said that focusing on the Lumads and the Moro sectors will educate the public on their plight.
“Kailangan na talagang ipagtibay ang recognition nitong sector na ito. Concentrating these events sa actual reason for celebration, maaring ito’y makatulong sa pag laganap ng awareness sa mas nakararami pa tungkol sa estado ng mga lumad, (We should strengthen the recognition of these two sectors, concentrating on them will help educate the public to be aware of their plight),” he said.
Kenneth Senarillos, 22, from Toril, also agreed with the LGU’s move, saying that lately, the focus on the festival has shifted, from the meaningful celebration of the bountiful harvest and the culture of the indigenous peoples, to rave parties.
“Kadayawan is about celebrating the bountiful harvest and culture of our Lumad brothers and sisters, but lately the public anticipate the rave parties. I’m not against [it], but the celebration should really focus on the things that matter,” Senarillos said.
Last year, Kadayawan was allocated with P15.1 million budget, P5 million of which was shouldered by the city government. The budget was also higher by P3 million compared to the 2014 Kadayawan celebration.(With a report from Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
