River festival not a contest

AN official said that the Davao River Festival this year will not be a contest but a mere presentation of different tribes in the city.

Festival director Reynan Librado said that since the event was just revived last year, they will still be focusing on the re-enactment of the history of the Davao River.

“This is an important event kay kani siya part sa history sa atong mga tribu (This is an important event because this is a part of the history of our tribes),” he said.

But Librado said they plan to make the future Davao River Festival a competition.

Davao River, according to Librado, was used as a trade center by the different tribes.

The indigenous tribes that will be showcased in

the festival are the following: Ata, Matigsalug, OvuManuvo, Klata-Djangan, Tagabawa, Tausog, Maguindanao, Maranao, Kagan, Sama and Iranun tribe.

The fluvial parade, which will represent the 11 tribes with decorated river floats, will begin at Bangkerohan river bank and will end at the Tionko field where the different tribes would meet.

This will be followed by “Panagtagbo” that will be a short cultural presentation for the tribes

The event will kick-off the Indigenous People’s Celebration of the Kadayawan Festival on August 15 at 7 a.m.