The Kadayawan spirit is a statement

MADAYAW means “good,” and in a large Filipino city of almost two million people of varied backgrounds, this is an important statement to make.

Unlike most Filipino cities, Davao’s Kadayawan festival every second week of August is not a religious festival filled with piety and pilgrims. Rather, it is a public celebration founded by the city government to celebrate the ten indigenous tribes of the city, and is bigger than even the founding anniversary.

That said, the 32nd celebrations, unlike previous ones filled the city with more colorful decor and bunting, lights, and music.

Various corners of the political and cultural spectrum participate. A float from the Moro National Liberation Front is always welcomed along with the usual corporate floats, and those of civic organizations and community groups.

Indigenous dance competitions, a beauty contest and food fests drew in upwards of about half a million visitors, leaving no hotel room empty, and filling restaurant tables and taxi queues providing income for the city’s people.

Of course, vehicular traffic was heavy in many parts, owing to the higher number of vehicles brought in by visitors.

Also helping the tourist influx are the new direct flights from Davao to cities like Tacloban, Kalibo, Puerto Princesa and Dumaguete.

Various street parties and private engagements, extended mall hours and product sales bolster the festivities. With all the enjoyment, many wondered whether martial law remains in effect.

But what Kadayawan really celebrates is inclusion and thanksgiving, laying a welcome mat for all those who visit, encouraging them to stay longer, perhaps permanently.

True enough, thousands of Davao residents arrived as employees assigned to the city, only to take root and eventually leave their jobs to stay in the city for good.

The families they raise become part of the migrant landscape, with all its exciting features, such as abundant agriculture, robust trade and a flowering of professions that sustain life and living. It has always been a welcoming place for those seeking the build lives and fortunes, enabling many families to do so.

Kadayawan embodies the statement of welcome of the ten indigenous tribes that also attracted the multitudes to migrate to Davao , enriching what it offers to the world.

The inclusivity affirms the multiethnic nature of a city that has seen history and events fill it with migrants from all over the country, including a large Muslim population alongside Christians of many denominations.

Also living in davao are ethnic Indonesians, a sizeable ethnic Chinese population and a large number of expatriates from different pats of the globe. This diversity is Davao’s bedrock, and the reason for its dynamic economy

It is this inclusivity that creates the abundance and peace that sustains life challenging prejudice and conflict seen elsewhere.

This year’s event organizers therefore deserve warm applause. the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and others partner with the city government to make the celebrations successful. Such synergy is a model of publicprivate partnership for others to emulate.

Threatening Ulamas will only backfire on ISIS.

We heard the sad, yet disgusting news of members of the Islamic State threatening Ulamas who are critical of the group. This kind of bullying of religious leaders by terrorists will only erode support for ISIS. They are either too naive or lack the heart and mind needed to win people over.

That said, a few places near Marawi city proper have slowly comeback to life with the return of some residents. Classes in the Mindanao State university are set to commence. With his slow yet sure normalization trend continuing, we all look forward to the end of fighting. For reactions: