THE CITY government formally launched Kadayawan 2026 on Wednesday, July 22, by unveiling the festival’s official theme: “We Are One KadayaOne,” along with the logo and calendar of activities.
Willenito Tormis Jr., chief of the City Tourism Operations Office, said the theme, “We Are One KadayaOne,” merges the words “Kadayawan” and “One” to emphasize inclusivity for the 11 ethnolinguistic groups.
The festival’s creative direction, dubbed “Banig sa Kagikan,” draws on the image of a woven mat to represent the convergence of Davao’s diverse cultures into a single identity.
This year’s visual identity also spotlights symbols closely associated with Davao City, including the Philippine eagle, the waling-waling orchid, durian and cacao, and Mount Apo.
The city government allocated P68 million for this year’s monthlong calendar of events running through August, with activities beginning with the Davao City Trail Ultra on July 26.
The citywide “Big KadayaONE Sale” and Kadayawan Floriculture and Agri-Trade Fair, both running the entire month of August.
The Subang Sinugdanan ug Panagtagbo on August 7 will feature a boat parade and a reenactment of pre-colonial barter traditions, followed later that day by “Pag-Abli sa Kadayawan 2026,” the festival’s grand opening.
The lineup includes a mix of long-running Kadayawan traditions and cultural showcases, including the Hiyas sa Kadayawan, culminating in its Grand Coronation on August 13.
The most anticipated Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan street dance competition and Pamulak ug Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan, the floral float parade, are set for August 16.
Tormis said Indak-Indak will have an accumulated P8 million prize where the open category grand winner will bring home P1.5 million, and the school-based grand winner wins P1 million. The winner for the Pamulak float will bring home P1 million.
A projection mapping display at City Hall, described as a light and digital art showcase themed around Davao’s culture and heritage, will also run from August 7 to 31.
Also on the calendar are music and arts programs such as Tunog Kadayawan on Aug. 8; Dayaw: The Arts, Culture, and Film Festival on Aug 8-13; Agong ug Kulintangan sa Kadayawan on Aug. 14; and Konsierto Kadayawan on Aug. 15.
Meanwhile, trade and culinary events, including the Kadayawan Festival 2026 Agri-Trade Fair, are set on Aug. 7-23; Kada-Kada Bazaar from Aug. 7-31; Pananam sa Kadayawan on Aug. 8-9; and the Kadayawan Expo and Food Trucks Bazaar on Aug. 13-16.
