By Noveah May Simbajon, Davao Today Intern
DAVAO CITY – This year’s Araw ng Davao festivities have a bigger budget compared to last year, as organizers also prepared a grand exit of the administration of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who is vying for the country’s highest position in the May elections.
Ross Luga, spokesman of the Davao Light Power Company, and who is assigned in the committee of ways and means, said the festivities’ executive committee has allocated P10.5 million, an increase of 13 percent from last year’s P9.3 million.
He said a big part of the budget will cover the expenses for the five activities lined up for the Mutya ng Dabaw: screening, selection of top 15, press presentation, talent night and the coronation night.
According to Luga, “it is quite challenging on DLPC’s part in meeting the needs for this year’s celebration.”
“It’s challenging because compared to 2015, there are more things to be done now,” he said.
Among the major activities of the 79th Araw ng Davao are the Mutya ng Davao, Davao Unplugged, Araw ng Davao Music Fest, Banda Hudyaka, Parada Dabawenyo and the Pahalipay Concert of Mayor Duterte.
Luga expects that the heads of the different events in line with the celebration will stick to the budget after it has been thoroughly discussed.
“As much as possible we have to live within our means. That is the budget that would cover all the activities that we are expecting to take place,” Luga said.
He added that at the moment, they already have 35 sponsors and are still into accepting in kind or exchange deals from them.
According to Davao City Tourism Officer, Lisette Marques, there are no additional activities for the Araw ng Dabaw but Davaoeños “would still expect bigger degree of the celebration.”
She also said that the preparations for the Araw ng Davao is already at 80 percent and they are now just waiting for the confirmations of their invited guests and out of town judges for the Mutya ng Dabaw.
The 79th Araw ng Davao will officially open on March 12 at San Pedro Square.(davaotoday.com)
