COUNCILOR Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz on Tuesday commended the “successful conclusion” of Kadayawan sa Dabaw 2026, crediting the festival’s organizers, cultural communities, and residents.
Ortiz, chairperson of the City Council’s committee on trade, commerce and industry, said the celebration went beyond entertainment and delivered real economic gains for the city.
“Kadayawan creates opportunities for our MSMEs, local entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans, performers, tourism workers, transport providers, hotels, restaurants, and countless other businesses,” Ortiz said in a privilege speech.
She stressed that when an event is “properly planned and sustainably managed,” it is not only an occasion but a platform for culture, tourism, livelihood, trade, and inclusive economic development.
“Every visitor who comes to Davao, every local product purchased, every meal enjoyed, every room booked, and every livelihood supported contributes to the continuing economic vitality of our city. This is why festivals matter,” she added.
She extended recognition to the Kadayawan Executive Committee, the City Government of Davao, the City Tourism Operations Office, law enforcement and security personnel, barangays, private-sector partners, sponsors, business establishments, artists, performers, volunteers, and media partners for their roles in the staging of the festival.
The councilor gave particular mention to the city’s 11 deputy mayors representing Davao’s cultural communities as their leadership helped keep the traditions and identities of these communities “at the heart of Kadayawan.”
“Your traditions, stories, music, dances, artistry, and heritage give Kadayawan its soul and authenticity. You remind us that as our city progresses, we must never lose sight of where we came from and who we are,” she said.
Ortiz called for continued work to preserve the authenticity of Kadayawan, expand opportunities for local communities and MSMEs, and balance tourism growth with the protection of Davao’s culture and environment.
“Kadayawan has once again shown us that when Davao comes together, when our cultural communities, government, business sector, workers, and people stand together, we can create something truly extraordinary,” she stressed.
The City Tourism Operations Office reported a record-breaking crowd of 120,000 for the first-ever Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan set at the Coastal Road, the largest crowd in Kadayawan history.
