32nd Kadayawan launched, festivities set Aug. 14-25
THIS YEAR’S Kadayawan festival logo was launched Monday, with the city government and private sector partners expressing optimism that the adverse impact on perception about security in Mindanao as a whole due to the Marawi crisis and martial law declaration would not dampen participation in the annual celebration.

“We will surmount any challenge as we always have; we will not allow our fears to cripple us,” said Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. President Ronald C. Go, this year’s festival co-chairperson, said the Kadayawan would be an opportunity to show that all is well in the city. “It is life as usual and it is business as usual in the city, and this is what we want to portray in this year’s Kadayawan celebration,” Mr. Go said. Ms. Carpio also said that the Kadayawan, a celebration of Davao’s cultural diversity and rich natural bounty, takes on a deeper meaning this year with the toll and lessons from Marawi. “Kadayawan is a recognition of, and a call for us to transcend boundaries, and show the world we are a diverse community working as one towards peace, inclusive growth and environmental protection.” The 32nd Kadayawan Festival will officially start on Aug. 14, with activities up to the 25th. — Carmencita A. Carillo CARMENCITA A. CARILLO