BY KRISTINA CRUJIDO/DNSC Intern
THE CITY Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) partnered with the Davao City Chinatown Development Council to celebrate the Chinese New Year, kicking off the Year of the Fire Horse at the Bucana Bridge along the coastal road on Feb. 16.
During the iSpeak Media forum on Feb. 12, Jennylyn Ham, CTOO tourist receptionist, said that among the highlights for this year include the launching of the Davao Chinatown Coffee Table Book and a ceremonial lighting of the Bucana Bridge.
Chinese New Year falls on Feb. 17, 2026, based on the lunar calendar.
However, Davao City will hold its main celebration a day earlier, continuing its long-standing tradition of salubong to welcome the Lunar New Year. While the city had paused the practice in the past two years, organizers said a short program will again be held this year.
This year’s celebration carries the theme “Duyog og Ambit: Moving Forward Together,” highlighting unity, shared culture, and friendship between the local government.
“This Celebration about Unity and shared Culture, it brings together the City Government of Davao and the People of Davao City,” she said.
The event will be staged at the Bucana Bridge instead of its usual venue at Rizal Park. Organizers said the bridge symbolizes connection, linking cultures, communities, and opportunities in the city, making it a meaningful site for the celebration.
CTOO encouraged the public to plan their travel accordingly and join the celebration of tradition, unity, and cultural progress in Davao City.
