DAVAO CITY—Instead of the lumads coming down from the hinterlands around this city to make a living amid this Christmas season, the city government on Thursday said it will bring the party to them.
That would be an “added extravaganza” in this year’s Pasko Fiesta celebration, said Maria Luisa Bermudo, head of the City Social Services and Development Office.
Every December, thousands of lumads would descend from their communities to roam the city, performing dances and songs in exchange for some cash, used clothing, and other gifts.
The city government provides them shelter, food, and social and medical services each time they visit.
But this year, Bermudo said the services will be brought to their communities in Marilog, Paquibato, and Baguio Districts from December 7 to December 21.
Lumads are still free to come down and join the festivities in Davao, and the city government will continue to provide them food and other services for 10 days starting December 1 in six different shelters.
“They will be gently herded back to their respective barangays where various activities are prepared entirely for them,” the CSSDO chief said.
Mayor Inday Sara Duterte touted this special Pasko Fiesta program as an innovation aimed at making the celebration of Christmas more meaningful for the lumads.
“This is also to ensure their safety while we are celebrating Christmas,” said Bermudo.
The highlights of the Pasko Fiesta for the lumads include a trade fair featuring their indigenous products, health day, birth registrations, mass wedding, children’s day, tribal games, and cultural shows.
A program called Balihudnoy or “makeover” will also be conducted for lumad women.
“We will pamper lumad women through the different services we will give them for free,” Bermudo said.
City Administrator Zuleika Lopez said this year’s Pasko Fiesta celebration aims to “make everybody happy.”
Several activities for different sectors—children, persons with disabilities, children living with HIV-Aids, LGBT, children in conflict with the law, prostituted women, and senior citizens—have also been slated.