Thousands join Davao Day 2026, Rody Duterte's 81st birthday celebrations

Thousands of supporters joined the joint celebration of the 89th Araw ng Davao and the 81st birthday of former president Rodrigo Duterte in Davao City.

According to a "24 Oras" Weekend report by RGil Relator on Saturday, participants gathered for a solidarity walk along Roxas Avenue starting at 4 p.m.

The procession ended at Rizal Park, where a program was held in honor of Duterte’s birthday.

“For an 81-year-old, we have only one birthday wish for him—that he be granted another year of good health… We are thankful to God that Davao City has reached 89 years,” Vice President Sara Duterte said.

“Davao’s journey has not been easy. From being a troubled place and a stronghold of criminals and the NPA, it is now a peaceful and progressive city,” she added.

Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte also addressed the crowd, highlighting the resilience of Davaoeños.

“Our City Hall has stood for 100 years. That means Davaoeños have remained strong for a century… We have gone through many challenges,” he said, referring as well to recent developments involving the former president.

This year’s Araw ng Davao parade adopted a more formal theme and prohibited the use of petroleum-powered vehicles, partly in response to rising fuel prices.

Celebrations in The Hague

Meanwhile, supporters of the former president also gathered in The Hague, Netherlands, according to a report by GMA correspondent Sophia Balod Lorenzo.

Hundreds of supporters from various countries assembled at the so-called “Duterte Park,” leaving flowers, food, and gifts.

As part of the program, attendees planned to sing “Happy Birthday” and express messages of support.

Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, who was present, said his father remains in good health.

“Maraming salamat sa nurses at doctors na nag-alaga sa kanya. Healthy po siya, medyo tumaba na,” he said.

(Thank you to the nurses and doctors who took care of him. He is healthy and has even gained some weight.)—Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/MCG, GMA Integrated News