Celebrating Davao — 87 years of Glory

“We cannot celebrate the wonder of a city without giving a few moments of prayer and worship, telling ourselves that we cannot be like us today without the Lord guiding us and without the Lord blessing us.” – Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, DD

March 1 was the opening day for the celebration of Araw ng Dabaw, which is also celebrated during the Lenten season. The celebration started with the “Misa Pasasalamat” at San Pedro Cathedral which was attended by Dabawenyos. During the mass, Archbishop Valles wore a violet vestment, which would leave questions asking, “Why is he wearing a color that symbolizes penance and is worn during funeral masses?” He then emphasized that the color symbolizes our seriousness in taking stock of who we are—in this context, who we are as Dabawenyos.

The first reading from the Book of Genesis left us with a realization of how loved we are, but not in comparison to others because God has a purpose for giving this kind of love. We must learn to see the real reasons why God has been giving us these kinds of graces. Archbishop Valles challenged each of us to ponder: What can we give to the city? What can we contribute to the city?

The gospel reading from Matthew is a reminder that all of us are stewards of God, who is the divine owner of the vineyard. Everything is under his vision and plans. As Dabawenyos, we have roles that we play in the city, such as employees, officials, and citizens, yet, at the end of the day, it is important to pause and reflect on whether the way we shape the city is according to the owner of the vineyard, our Lord. We pray to God that all our plans and desires for the city will be according to His will in heaven. “With our constant want to make the city of Davao a city of the sons and daughters of God, then I believe we can proclaim life is here in Davao City”, Valles closed.

Following the solemn celebration was the grand “Pagsiugdang Pagsaulog” which officially inaugurated the festivities for the 87th Araw ng Dabaw at San Pedro square. The event was led by our City Mayor, Sebastian Duterte, Vice Mayor, Atty. J. Melchor B. Quitain, Jr., and attended by local government officials, and of course, Dabawenyos. With the showcase of local talents, the atmosphere was filled with excitement, enthusiasm, and joy in the faces of every Dabawenyo. Our lovely candidates for “Mutya ng Dabaw” also dazzled the crowd as they walked and introduced themselves as a symbol of hope and vibrant spirit of Davao City.

“Dabawenyo DCiplinado”, a celebration of the contribution of Dabawenyos to the rising economy of Davao City for the past 87 years was also launched during the event. It highlighted the importance of showing discipline, which is a key factor in achieving a more developed and progressive city. It also served as a challenge to each Dabawenyo, to continue showing and practicing discipline, in whatever we do. If we allow ourselves to be disciplined all the time, then there is no stopping us from achieving more as a city.

Closing the event was the “Konsierto Dabawenyo,” which starred OPM artists Juan Karlos and Aegis. Every Dabawenyo was looking forward to the performances and they did not disappoint. They performed their timeless hits and hyped up the crowd with their unmatched energy with Dabawenyos singing along with them. The night was an absolute success with each one embracing their identity as Dabawenyos— who are prouder than ever. (Jason Roi O. Bayla, HCDC Intern | Photos: DCH and Araw ng Davao FB Page)