Kadagayaan Festival 2017
Dabaonons fete history, creativity, resiliency
DAVAO DEL NORTE – Through vibrant sights, sounds and colors, the people of Davao del Norte celebrated their rich cultural heritage and bountiful harvest with a bang.
Sectoral leaders representing all sectors of the Dabaonon society, locals, spectators and guests converged for the opening of the Kadagayaan Festival 2017, touting the kind of solidarity that has led the province to great heights during 50 years of its existence and building strong foundation for progress.
Dr. Luz Taposok, Director of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and Governor Anthony del Rosario led the kick-off ceremony at the Festival Activity Area fronting the DavNor Capitol Park.
The two officials launched the Kadagayaan Agri-Aqua Trade Fair, One DavNor Tourism Fair and DavNor Singkwenta Exhibit, which will run until July 1, 2017.
They also turned over farm machineries worth P6.46 million from the Department of Agriculture to 34 farmer cooperatives and associations in the province.
Taposok challenged the people of Davao del Norte to renew their commitment for the continued progress of the ‘banana capital’ of the country.
“This is essential as you continue pursuing for regional prominence and increasing national relevance in this new era of socio-economic advancement,” she said.
Del Rosario, for his part, stressed the golden festival is more than just a celebration of heritage and bounty.
“It is about honoring our special history and identity that bind us as one Province, more about appreciating and taking pride in our rich diverse culture in taking on the challenges of the future,” he said.
Comparing the interplay of vivid colors that adorned the festival to the harmony of all sectors of the Dabaonon society, the governor praised the capacity of his people to shed their individual differences in attaining harmony, peace and development.
“Our brand of unity in diversity breaks down cultural and ideological barriers in advancing peace and development,” he beamed.
He said the Dabaonons’ endearing qualities of tolerance and solidarity is the best weapon of the province in “charting even new territories and getting over uncertainties in this increasingly globalizing world.”
The historic golden commemoration is firmly supported by the Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc. (Tadeco), as the official partner. While the major anniversary sponsors include Ulticon Builders, Inc., Med 13, Davao Light and Power Company, and RVE Farm & BEB's Trading.