The longest and most colorful festival in the Philippines is indubitably Davao City’s Kadayawan Festival. It formally kicks off on 10 August with revelry of ethnic gongs and music festivities and ends on 20 August with dazzling and radiant floats festooned in an array of fruits and flowers.
August is the most abundant period of harvests and, as a tradition, the indigenous tribes in the city celebrate the season with festivities. And we celebrate with them.
Davao City is home to 11 ethnic tribes. A large portion of elevated and forested lands in the city are their ancestral domain, while a few of them inhabit the coastal area. Despite the diversity of cultures, they live in peaceful coexistence along with other pioneers from various parts of the country. The tribes are well represented in the City Legislative Department and as Deputy Mayors.
Let us refer to the City Tourism Office for the description of the various tribes that live in Davao City.
- Ata. They are shy and kind but are quick to anger. They are often referred to as people of the mountain as they prefer to live in upland areas.
- Bagobo Klata. They are forest dwellers and brave and feared warriors. They are known for their elaborate attire and fine artistry.
- Bagobo Tagabawa. They are the best dressed and said to be the most intelligent among the indigenous peoples. They dwell in the foothills of Mt. Apo which they call Apo Sandawa and is their place of worship and considered sacred.
- Matigsalug. The riverside dwellers. They are engaged in farming and are famous for the native rice variety. They fish and hunt and gather wild fruits for a living.
- Obu Manuvu. The oldest tribe in Davao City. They are known for their fine weaponry and jewelry. Planting cacao and vegetables is their source of livelihood.
- Iranun. Davao City has its share of the Iranun tribe who were originally from Illana Bay, better known today as the Moro Gulf, but they have spread to nearly all of Mindanao. They are descendants of Sultan Kudarat. They are known as the defenders of the nation as they fought against the Spanish colonizers.
- Kagan. This tribe inhabits the coastal areas of Davao. They are referred to as Davao Moros. They are a peace-loving people and are known to co-exist with other tribes.
- Maguindanaon. Known to be the first major Muslim converts in Mindanao. Courageous and resourceful, they are known for their bravery against the Spanish conquistadores. They live in many parts of Davao City.
- Maranao. The best dressed among the ethnic groups. They are famous for their wood and metal craft. They are referred to as “people of the lake.”
- Sama. A peace-loving tribe that values togetherness. Their forebears were said to have special powers as they could summon spirits called “jin” to do things for them.
- Taosug. They are from Sulu and are known for their bravery, yet are kind, hospitable, and helpful, and have a word of honor. They engage in trading and fishing, as among their means of livelihood.
Davao is home to the world’s most elegant eagle and the habitat of the king of orchids we call Waling Waling, or Vanda Sanderana to orchidists. On its fertile lands are a variety of crops, among these, durian, bananas, and pineapples which are the principal exports of the city. Mangosteen, pomelos, lanzones, dragon fruit and rambutan abound this season.
Numbeo ranks Davao as the most livable city in the Philippines. And this is made possible by the man who led the city against criminal and drug syndicates and ISIS and communist terrorists. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte is the one. The first President from Mindanao whose trust and approval ratings, and path of destiny the incumbent Vice President Inday Sara Duterte is bound to be heir to.
The 38th Kadayawan Festival is a celebration of life, abundance, and thanksgiving. Come join us.