BY JERRY NIEL MORALES LORA/DNSC INTERN
THE LOCAL government of Davao de Oro is gearing up for a nine-day, all-inclusive celebration of the 19th Bulawan Festival and the province’s 28th founding anniversary from Feb. 28 to March 8.
During a press briefing at the Kapehan sa Davao on Monday, Feb. 2, event director Ellen Jane A. Ferenal revealed that this year’s 19th Bulawan Festival will feature expanded activities and, for the first time, will be participated in by all of the 11 municipalities in the province— Compostela, Laak, Mabini, Maco, Maragusan, Mawab, Monkayo, Montevista, Nabunturan, New Bataan, and Pantukan.
This year’s festival will highlight a major shift from past celebrations, introducing new activities, inviting guest artists, and strengthening inclusivity by engaging women, youth, farmers, educators, LGBTQ+ groups, and, more importantly, the Indigenous Peoples (IP).
“I think this time we leveled up. Mas daghan jud among gi prepare na activities, daghan og mga guest artists both from local and national level. At the same time, in this celebration, our LGU ensured that we cater to all possible sectors,” Feneral said.
According to Kirby Ryan E. Suarez, Bulawan Festival action officer, preparations involved close coordination among the 11 municipal governments, citing the strong commitment of mayors as a key factor in ensuring the success of the expanded event.
Alongside the various activities, the festival features a Motoride open to all participants on Feb. 28, followed by a fun run that will kick off on March 1.
Among the major highlights of Bulawan Festival 2026 is the return of Indak-Indak sa Dalan and the Binibining Davao de Oro pageant, held in celebration of Women’s Month, and concluded by a fireworks display.
