Congratulations!

WE can now release that long withheld sigh of relief. Kadayawan sa Dabaw festival is officially over and it was one grand festival, indeed.

Dabawenyos can truly say that we hold the Festival of festivals, the best, most meaningful, and most festive.

Other organizers may not agree, but we all know Kadayawan is king as it has managed to weave into its very center the celebration of culture, heritage, and diversity of not just one event in the past or one tribal celebration of the past, but 11 tribes on top of the present-day people and revelers who are given equal importance.

Kadayawan not only celebrates the cultural diversity of Mindanao, it also underlines what Davao City has been regarded since it became a city -- a melting pot of people, culture, and beliefs as manifested in Kadayawan and that funny way our people has mangled both Bisaya and Tagalog and speak this unencumbered by grammar rules and syntax for as long as we are able to communicate our thoughts and be understood.

All this was there in our celebration, and we have the organizers to thank. The executive committee members were visible in almost every official activity, somehow saying to the people that they are in full control. Despite the jampacked schedules, Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte also made it a point to be present during the awarding of prizes in the different events, which again, added prestige to the occasions. Then there were the throngs of security forces, from the Task Force Davao to the Davao City Police Office and the Police Regional Office 11 even the Bureau of Fire Protection. Their presence somehow sent the message that it’s safe to celebrate, despite the threat of terrorism that looms over the land.

And who can ever forget that Cultural Village in Magsaysay Park. That was a work of genius and token of respect for the 11 tribes who have found a home in Davao City. We also have the private sector initiated staples in our festivals, the Mindanao Trade Expo at the Abreeza Mall, which brought the finest crafts of the island, and the Agri Trade Fair at the SM City Grounds in Matina, which ensured that those who go on an annual exodus for herbs and ornamentals were fully satisfied. It was one whole celebration that was participated in by all, and it was just grand.

Congratulations to all those who worked for the success of the festival, congratulations to the people for ensuring that the city remained safe and clean. And thank you to all those who joined us in this annual festival.