Davao's Vibrant Kadayawan Festival
Article and photography by Jojie Alcantara

Davao's biggest and most pulsating celebration, the Kadayawan Festival, pays tribute to Mindanao's indigenous tribes by creating this homage as the focal point of the festivities. Derived from the Mandaya word “madayaw”, Kadayawan connotes anything that is of good value, meaning “beautiful, superior, or beneficial”.

Davao’s ethnic tribes which used to reside long ago at the foot of Mount Apo would converge during a bountiful harvest to celebrate a thanksgiving ceremony to the gods, or “Manama” (supreme being). The rituals involve displaying produce like fruits, flowers, vegetables, rice and corn grains as offering, while villagers perform singing and dancing in giving respect to the year's abundance.

This traditional practice called “pahinungod” (thanksgiving) is fortunately still being observed by Dabawenyos today, as it has evolved into the tribal festival once initiated in the 70s by former Mayor Elias B. Lopez, a Bagobo himself.

In 1986, a program called "Unlad Proyekto Davao" was launched by the government to unite the people after the Martial Law turmoil. Coined "Apo Duwaling," the festival name was derived from three of Davao’s famous icons: Mt. Apo, the country's highest peak; Durian, the king of fruits; and Waling-waling, the queen of orchids. “Apo Duwaling” showcased the city as a peaceful destination to visit and to do business after the 1986 EDSA Revolution.

In 1988, former Mayor Rodrigo Duterte renamed the festival "Kadayawan sa Dabaw" to embrace the abundance of blessings Davao is accumulating, from the bountiful harvest of flowers, fruits and other crops, to the city’s growing distinct accolades (the long list can be viewed in www.davaocity.gov.ph), and restoration of the peace and order.

Celebrated every month of August, Kadayawan sa Dabaw focuses on the multicolored mix of Davao and Mindanao's indigenous communities as well as migrant settlers, whose identities make up the rich cultural heritage of this island. This year’s festival committee is run and organized by dynamic and creative sectors, under the new leadership of our young and first lady mayor, Honorable Sara Z. Duterte.

The week long revelry showcases highly participated activities such as the Indak Indak sa Kadalanan (street dancing competition won by Purok Sison Elementary School of Surallah, South Cotabato), the Floral Float Parade (Pamulakan Kadayawan, the first prizes went to LBC and Synnex Concentrix in the big and small float category, respectively), and Hiyas ng Kadayawan (a pageant unanimously won by petite Mernadeth Sicutan of the Ata Tribe). Other festival highlights are the agro-fairs, trade exhibits, sports activities, free concerts, various song and dance competitions, arts and culture exhibits, tribal performances, food and photo exhibits, and lots more. Visit www.kadayawan.com for more information.
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