LONG WEEKEND. In line with acting City Mayor Paolo Duterte’s announcement that this year’s Kadayawan Festival will be dedicated to the indigenous peoples of Davao City, Councilor and committee chair on tourism and beautification, Al Ryan Alejandre files a resolution to declare August 19 and August 22 as special non-working holidays. August 19 (Friday) is the Indigenous People’s day, while Davao’s day of thanksgiving will be celebrated on August 22 (Monday).(Paulo C. Rizal/davaotoday.com)
DAVAO CITY — Acting City Mayor Paolo Duterte said the city is expecting more local and foreign tourists to arrive here for this year’s celebration of Kadayawan Festival.
In an interview with reporters, Duterte said Kadayawan will be more “attractive” to tourists this year given that Davao is in the limelight being the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte, who is expected to grace the festival. Paolo is the eldest son of the President.
The projected increase of tourist was seen even with the “more simple” celebration of Kadayawan.
Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, who heads the committee on tourism and beautification, said Kadayawan attracts 50,000 visitors annually.
Alejandre is also a member of the executive committee, which Duterte chairs.
Meanwhile, members of the City Council, through a resolution, have asked the Office of the President to declare August 19 (Friday) and August 22 (Monday) as special non-working holidays.
August 19 is the Indigenous People’s Day, while August 22 is Davao’s Day of Thanksgiving.
Alejandre said the IP day is the “most important” part of the celebration.
He said the celebration would teach the public of the different traditions of the 11 tribes in Davao. (With a report from Jennica Diaz, MSU Intern/davaotoday.com)
