DAVAO CITY—The 31st Kadayawan Festival will now be the priority of the local government as directed by Mayor Sara Duterte, said City Administrator, lawyer Zuleika Lopez.
The Kadayawan Festival is a native thanksgiving celebration for an abundant harvest.
Lopez, who was appointed by Duterte to take over the position of lawyer Jesus Melchor Quitain, said the mayor has directed her to address all concerns about the upcoming celebration on Aug. 15-Aug. 21.
This year’s celebration will focus on the plight of the lumads and will give tribute to them. The highlight of the celebration will be the Hiyas ng Kadayawan pageant, where all tribes will promote a young lady who will embody their varied cultures.
Lopez said the city government is expecting a bigger crowd this year, especially that former mayor Rodrigo Duterte is now the President of the country.
She added that the city would like to give the visitors the best Kadayawan festival that they will not forget.
It showcases the 12 tribes of the city, which are the Tausug, Maranao, Maguindanao, Klata, Iranun, Ata, Kagan, Matigsalug, Ovu-Manuvo, Djangan, Tagabawa and Sama.