THE KADAYAWAN Festival executive committee reminded interested participants of Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan 2025 to seek advice of tribal leaders in their performance.
Oscar Casaysay, Davao City Culture and the Arts in charge said all contingents are highly encouraged to communicate with the respective tribal leaders in relation to their performance to avoid misrepresentation.
“Kung asa ilang focus, they really have to sit down with deputy mayors,” Casaysay said during the Kadayawan 2025 Festival media launch on Thursday.
Casaysay stressed this applies to performers who opt to highlight any of the 11 cultural tribes of the city.For instance, the performer will not highlight any cultural community, they no longer need to seek permits from deputy mayors.
The deputy mayors of the 11 tribes reminded participants on specific scenarios where non-Muslims wear Moro attire but make the sign of the cross during prayer or show their bare legs.
In 2019, the costume of the winning group in the open category, Sindac Anib Performing Ensemble from Bislig in Surigao del Sur, was criticized for being “disrespectful” to the Manobo that the group is representing. The performers were topless and wore beaded G-strings.
While a contest piece may be a free interpretation, folklore, fable, tale, legend, or any story/adaptation of any piece in any form of dance, drama, and live music, it is emphasized that all presentations must be culture sensitive.
For this year’s Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan or the street-dancing competition, contingents for the open category and Davao City schools category each will win P1 million with a plaque, and 150 medals up for grabs.
The second placer will receive P500,000; third place (P400,000); fourth place (P300,000); fifth place (P200,000), and 10 consolation prizes of P50,000 each.
The winners of special awards–Best in Music, Best Choreographer, and Best in Artistic Design–will receive P50,000 for each.
