THE DAVAO Executive Committee reminded participants of Parada Dabawenyo and other events against the use of political insignias and symbols.
The pronouncement was made following the declaration of Vice President Sara Duterte of her presidential bid in 2028 and the coincidental timing of the Parada Dabawenyo on March 28, which is the birthdate of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Office of the Culture and Arts head Oscar Casaysay made the announcement during the media launching of 89th Araw ng Davao celebration on Thursday, Feb. 19, at Rogen Inn.
Casaysay said this was the marching order of Mayor Sebastian Duterte during a series of meetings with the chief.
“In fact, when we did the AVP, what we wanted was to include it (former President Duterte’s birthday) in the first part of the AVP, but the mayor discouraged it,” Casaysay said.
Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) head Willenito Tormis Jr. added, “Our celebration this year is very people-centric. We want people to join us. It’s not simply to commemorate something,” Tormis said.
“The Araw is for Davaoeños, it’s not only to celebrate one person’s birthday. We will also celebrate all Davaoeños,” he said.
Asked if there are accredited events to celebrate the former president’s birthday, Tormis said the office has yet to receive proposals but they are open for collaboration.
“We do not limit those who want to conduct activities as long as it is aligned with the security cluster and the business bureau for permits and processes,” Tormis said.
Councilor Myrna Dalodo Ortiz said the city has requested the Malacanang to declare March 16 as non-working holiday for the celebration of the founding anniversary.
As of writing, the request is still pending but declaration is expected to be released before March 1.
