Despite security concerns, Davao’s Kadayawan festival pushes through without any hitches

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Despite security threats and austerity measures imposed by organizers for this year’s "Kadayawan sa Dabaw," the festival went on as planned. Arturo P. Boncato, Jr. of the Davao Tourism Association belied reports there was a significant number of cancellations in hotel bookings. Travel industry sources earlier expressed concern over recent hostilities on the island, specifically in North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte. Major security-related incidents generally exact immediate impact on Mindanao tourism arrivals. Unlike in previous Kadayawans, there were fewer non-Davaoeño visitors that arrived before the weekend, a couple of taxi drivers interviewed claimed. But Mr. Boncato, also marketing manager of Marco Polo Davao Hotel, said he actually had to decline walk-in visitors looking for rooms since Friday. Some of those who wanted to stay in hotels had to ask friends and relatives to let them stay in their houses, he said. Councilor Edgar R. Ibuyan, who was assigned to facilitate the street dancing competition dubbed "Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan," said this year’s events were a huge success. Mr. Ibuyan added there were first-time contingents such as Bislig City in Surigao del Sur. Laine S. Elechicon, city public information officer said the local government had decided to fund the trip of street dancers. Some of the groups that came to attend the event were from conflict areas in Central Mindanao such as the delegation from Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao. The local police and Task Force Davao, a military unit tasked to secure the city from possible attacks, saw to it that the city was well shielded from saboteurs. Davao City police chief Ramon C. Apolinario said his office has increased police visibility to scare off criminals particularly pickpockets. On the other hand, Task Force Davao intensified security in key locations particularly entries and exits to the city, the bus terminals and the international airport. The most notable difference was the failure of some big establishments to join the floral float parade, the last event in the weeklong festival. James A. Zimmerman, chairman of the parade, encouraged participants to use smaller vehicles to lessen fuel consumption. "We have to adjust to present conditions," he said. Dr. Lisa Brooten, a professor of Southern Illinois University who was here with her husband and seven-year-old daughter for a different purpose, said that it was fascinating to witness the event. "This is my first time to see a festival like this. I hope I can come back and spend more time in your city," Ms. Brooten said. Kadayawan started during the time of the late mayor Elias B. Lopez. It was called "Apo Duwaling" to showcase Mt. Apo, the durian fruit and the waling-waling flower. In 1988, the city government renamed the festival Kadayawan. — Carmelito Q. Francisco, BusinessWorld