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Davao city founding anniversary

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VP Sara reflects on Davao’s journey: ‘From stronghold of criminals, NPA, to peaceful city’

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte paid tribute to the resilience of her fellow Davaoeños during an interview with the media at the Parada Dabawenyo on March 28, marking the 89th founding anniversary of Davao City.

The Vice President highlighted the city’s dramatic evolution, recalling a past when the region was defined by instability.

“Davao’s journey has been long and difficult,” Duterte said. “From the days when it was chaotic—a stronghold of criminals and the NPA—it is now a peaceful and prosperous city.”

Duterte attributed this transformation to divine blessing and the collective discipline of the people. 

She expressed her gratitude to the community for participating in the month-long festivities designed to “give honor to our most beloved city.”

The ‘Araw ng Davao’ Spirit 

The Parada Dabawenyo serves as the centerpiece of the city’s annual celebrations, showcasing the diverse culture and economic growth that characterized the region over the last nine decades. 

The Vice President’s presence at the event underscores the Duterte family’s deep roots in the city’s political and social fabric.

As Davao marks its 89th year, the local government continues to focus on sustaining the “peace and order” model that the Vice President credited for the city’s current status as a premier urban hub in Mindanao.

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News

Participate on foot, restricted use of gasoline/diesel/oil-powered vehicles urged on Parada Dabawenyo

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE DAVAO City Council on Tuesday urged Parada Dabawenyo participants on March 28 to participate in the parade on foot and to avoid driving vehicles during the entirety of the parade.

Proponent Councilor J Melchor Quitain Jr. said his proposal highlights the importance of saving fuel amid the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Quitain said the war depleted fuel supply and other oil products in the country, and it would be prudent to save and conserve these resources.

“The insufficiency of gasoline and other oil products has spiked the price/cost thereof over and above normal levels and consequently resulted in the uncontrollable rise of the price of prime commodities almost beyond reach,” Quitain said in a resolution.

He added that the war in the Middle East is threatening to escalate instead, urging the public to 

help mitigate the impact of the hardships by limiting the usage of gasoline/diesel/oil until such time the situation improves or goes back to normal.

“Each Dabawenyo can, in his/her own small way, contribute to the mitigation of hardship that the country is confronted with, brought about by the shortage and rising cost of fuel, commodities, and utilities, which includes electricity,” he stressed.

During a sideline interview, Quitain emphasized that restricting the use of vehicles can not diminish the spirit of the Araw ng Davao celebration.

“I think it will not destroy the spirit of Araw ng Davao, it’s important that we are together, even without vehicles, we celebrate,” he said.

“This time, let’s just be thrifty. It’s a good example that whenever we use fuel for our vehicles, we use it for important things like going to work, bringing our children to school, I think the parade we can dispense with using our vehicle,” he added.

Harold Quibete, Parada Dabawenyo organizer, earlier said there are 318 registered contingents during the parade and expecting 20,000-25,000 parading participants.

The city council also called on the Department of Energy to attend the next regular session to discuss the fuel reserves and situational report amid the ongoing fuel price increase.

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News

PSSO sets special backpack rules for Ironman events

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE PUBLIC Safety and Security Office (PSSO) reminded the public about the “dos and don’ts” for the 89th Araw ng Dabaw, although certain “considerations” will be applied specifically for the upcoming Ironman 70.3 triathlon.

During the Davao Peace and Security press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, PSSO chief Angel Sumagaysay said security forces are “leveling up” inspections to secure visitors and athletes.

Ironman 70.3 guidelines 

With the Ironman events scheduled from March 20 to 22, Sumagaysay noted that soft deployments will begin as early as Thursday. 

Unlike the general Araw ng Davaw festivities, where backpacks are strictly prohibited in event areas, the PSSO will allow some leeway for the sporting event.

“We discourage [backpacks], but if it cannot be avoided, they will undergo stringent inspection,” Sumagaysay said.

 He explained that since the Ironman is an athletic competition involving gear like towels and uniforms, the executive committee agreed to allow bags, provided they pass through rigorous security checks.

The same rule applies to water containers. While the city encourages transparent tumblers for easier inspection, non-transparent ones will be permitted for athletes, provided security personnel verify that they only contain water.

Araw ng Dabaw rules

Sumagaysay was quick to clarify that these considerations do not apply to the general Araw ng Dabaw parade or non-sporting events.

“I think all people are already aware of the security protocols of Davao City. All city ordinances relating to security and safety will still be implemented. Nothing changes, especially when you enter the event area,” he added.

The PSSO chief urged the public to remain cooperative and avoid complacency. “This is a convergence. We did not lay down our guards; instead, we leveled it up slightly. It’s difficult if our regret comes at the end because we were complacent,” Sumagaysay warned.

The public is reminded that for the main Araw ng Dabaw event areas and the civic parade, the “No Backpack, No Jacket, and No Transparent Tumbler” policies—along with the prohibition of sharp objects and alcoholic drinks—remain strictly in effect.

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City Tourism Office gears up for Araw ng Dabaw’s ‘Parada Dabawenyo’

by Contributor
written by Contributor

BY LIZA BELLE PATAGOC & MICHELLE RAFAEL/DNSC Interns

THE CITY Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) is preparing for the “Parada Dabawenyo,” the culminating civic parade of the 89th Araw ng Davao celebration on March 28.

During the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps briefing on March 18 at the Royal Mandaya Hotel, Charlotte Parba, CTOO office administrator, said the city expects a large crowd of locals and visitors to participate and watch the parade, which starts from Roxas Avenue to San Pedro Square.

“So far, we are already in the middle part of our Araw ng Davao celebration. This is the first time that the parade will happen on the 28th, which is at the end of March. The intention is really to have a month-long Araw ng Davao celebration,” Parba said.

She said the remaining activities include:

  • Coronation Night on March 20 at USEP Gymnasium
  • Ironman 70.3 on March 22 at Bago Aplaya Coastal Road
  • Araw ng Empleyado on March 24 at Rizal Park
  • Mercado Dabawenyo from March 24 to 28 at Rizal Park Open Ground
  • Kanta o Sayaw Dabawenyo on March 27

Parba added that after the Araw ng Davao festivities, the city looks forward to a time of reflection, prayer, and spiritual preparation for the upcoming Holy Week.

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News

‘All systems go’  

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron
  • 7,000 personnel to secure Ironman and Parada Dabawenyo 

THE PUBLIC Safety and Security Office (PSSO) has finalized its security plan for Davao City’s upcoming twin events, the Ironman 70.3 and the civic-military parade, announcing the deployment of approximately 7,000 integrated security forces.

Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, March 18, PSSO chief Angel Sumagaysay said the preparations are now at “100%” for both the Ironman triathlon and the 89th Araw ng Dabaw.

“All systems go. We are ready for the implementation of the security and safety plan for Ironman and the ongoing Araw ng Davaw festivities,” Sumagaysay said. “We hope to replicate the success and safety of previous years.”

Ironman and community events 

The bulk of the 7,000-strong force will be deployed from March 20 to March 22, 2026, covering the Gwapa Dabawenya, Ironkids, and the Ironman. The security forces will blanket the race routes and high-traffic spectator areas to ensure zero incidents during the international sporting event.

Security forces will also cover the Parada Dabawenyo, where Vice President Sara Duterte is expected to attend.

“There will be a final security and safety coordination meeting next week to refine the area-specific plans, especially since we are expecting a large crowd for the parade,” Sumagaysay said. 

When asked if there were specific security measures for the birthday of former President Rodrigo Duterte, which coincides with the parade, Sumagaysay clarified that the PSSO is maintaining a general, comprehensive security posture for the Parada Dabawenyo.

The PSSO chief urged the public to cooperate with security personnel and follow established safety protocols during the week-long celebrations.

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Entertainment

Davaoeño students’ short films light up Cinematheque during 89th Araw ng Davao

by Contributor
written by Contributor

BY LIZA BELLE PATAGOC, SHETORI ROBLES & MICHELLE RAFAEL/DNSC Interns

CINEMATEQUE Centre Davao screened a lineup of student-made short films on Tuesday, March 17, in celebration of the 89th Araw ng Davao, showcasing the city’s vibrant culture and sharing distinctive stories, giving audiences a fresh perspective on Davao’s heritage and emerging local talent.

The program featured works from schools across Davao City:

  • “Pers Onor” by the Holy Cross of Davao College 
  • “Lakbay Dabawenyo” by the Davao Doctors College Inc.
  • “Davao: Where Unity Builds the Culture” by University of the Immaculate Conception
  • “Duaw” by St. John Paul II College of Davao
  • “Ka Wow Gyud sa Dabaw” by Joji Ilagan College of Business and Tourism

“To our young filmmakers, keep sharing your stories through the films you create. These are the first steps toward shaping the cinema of tomorrow,” Davao City Tourism Operations officer-in-charge Willenito Tormis Jr. said during his speech.

Tormis also emphasized that the films were more than student projects, representing the early voices of emerging filmmakers who could influence the future of Philippine cinema.

The short films will also be available for public screening at Cinematheque Centre Davao on March 18, with sessions scheduled at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., while the awarding ceremony is scheduled on March 27.

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Celebrate Araw ng Davao with an Island Retreat at Discovery Samal

by Contributor
written by Contributor

ARAW NG Davao is Davao City’s biggest annual celebration, an all-out festival month that turns the city into a moving showcase of culture, community, and hometown pride. It’s when streets come alive with parades, drumbeats, dance performances, pop-up bazaars, concerts, and food finds, and every corner feels like an invitation to join in. Whether you’re coming for the pageantry, the people, or the sheer energy of a city celebrating itself, Araw ng Davao is the kind of celebration that makes a quick flight to Mindanao feel more like a must-do trip than a maybe.

As Araw ng Davao fills the city with parades, performances, and community gatherings, Discovery Samal invites locals and visitors to keep the celebration going by the sea. Minutes away by boat, the resort offers seasonal room packages, festive dining, and easygoing activities that let you stretch the city’s high-energy festivities into a refreshing coastal break. 

Island stays with easy summer comforts

For those looking to turn the celebration into a quick getaway, Discovery Samal is offering its Happy Summer Room Package, a simple way to extend the holiday into a laid-back island break. Designed for easy unwinding, the package pairs comfortable accommodations with resort perks that let guests slip into Samal’s slower pace.

Starting at P17,500 per night, the package includes daily breakfast for two at Morning Catch, plus added savings across the resort. Guests enjoy 15% off at food and beverage outlets, 10% off spa treatments and watersports activities, and seasonal inclusions such as a complimentary one-hour crystal kayak or paddle board session and a relaxing foot massage for two. The offer is available for booking until May 31, 2026, with stays from March 1 to June 15, 2026—ideal for travelers looking to cap off the city festivities with a short Samal retreat.

Seafood feasts with Davao flavors and coastal flair

Discovery Samal is also offering a themed lunch buffet at Morning Catch, serving up ocean-fresh seafood prepared with local flavors and a distinct sense of Davao pride. Inspired by the energy of coastal markets and regional culinary traditions, the spread is guided by the day’s catch from local fishermen, vibrant produce, and time-tested cooking techniques—moving from beloved seafood classics to bold, creative takes on coastal specialties. Every plate celebrates the character of the surrounding waters, capturing the richness and unmistakable taste of Davao’s culinary heritage.

The buffet is served from 11 am to 3 pm every weekend in March, priced at P2,600 net per person. The rate includes round-trip boat transfers from the Davao Welcome Center, making it easy for guests to travel seamlessly from the city to Samal Island for the dining experience.

Seaside moments with sun, sea, and slow island time

A visit to Discovery Samal during Araw ng Davao opens the door to a range of leisurely pursuits shaped by the island’s natural setting. Guests may begin the day with a quiet walk along the shore or spend the afternoon swimming in the pool while looking out over the gulf. Others may choose to relax by the beach, paddle across the calm waters, or settle into a shaded corner of the resort with the sound of the waves nearby. Time on the island tends to unfold at a gentler pace. The bustle of the city fades into the background, replaced by wide horizons and open sea air.

A city celebration that flows into island calm

Araw ng Davao honors the heritage and resilience of the city. Discovery Samal offers a fitting continuation of that celebration, inviting guests to cross the water and experience a different side of the region’s charm.From festive dining to seaside relaxation, the resort presents a simple invitation to celebrate the city first, then escape to the island where the spirit of the occasion lingers a little longer. For inquiries and reservations, email reservations@discoverysamal.com or call +63 84 308 2998.

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