FROM THE early post-World War II Days, in the late 1940s, Indian merchants were doing business in Davao City along San Pedro Street. We still remember some of them: Filidian Bazaar, owned by the Hemandas Family; Lila Department Store, owned by the Balchand Family, Mahtani family, and others who have since left Davao City.
But the Indian families have grown in population and thrived as a growing, successful community in the city.
Last Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, we were invited to celebrate the 80th Indian Independence Day and the Raksha Bandhan Festival held at the clubhouse of North Town in Bajada, Davao City.
The guest of honor was Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shri Harsh Kumar Jain. Also invited were Japanese Consul General Ono Hirotaka, Belgian Honorary Consul Leonilo Claudio, represented by his son Paolo Claudio, former councilor Pilar C. Braga, founder and president of MMEMS, Dr. David Koil Pilai, and DMEMS CEO Anthony Doss. Also among the guests were Philippine Retirement Authority executives and Brahma Kumaris representatives.
The Indian Community of Davao is affiliated with the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FICCI) in Manila, and its mission is to foster unity, promote cultural understanding, provide support to its members, and engage in community development initiatives within Davao City.
The cultural program began with the traditional diya lighting by His Excellency Shri Harsh Kamar Jain and Kishore Jethmal, president of the Indian Community of Davao. The members of the Diplomatic Community delivered messages, after which DMSG students presented a dance number.
