DAVAO CITY - Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, on behalf of his father, Davao City First Congressional District, Rep. Paolo Duterte, participated alongside government officials, consular corps, deputy mayors, members of the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes, and private sector in the formal opening of the 39th Kadayawan Festival at Ramon Magsaysay Park on Thursday evening, August 9.

Before the program started, Rigo, fondly referred to as “Atong Amigo,” explored the Kadayawan Cultural Villages inside the park, met with the people at the tribal village, and sampled traditional delicacies demonstrating the respective tribes’ rich heritage. He also thanked everyone for their warm welcome and preparation for this significant event for all the Davaoeños.

“Ganahan ko sa mga balay kay traditional gyod siya apil ang ilang delicacies. Nagpasalamat ko sa mga tribu para sa ilang offerings para sa Kadayawan. Sa tanang Dabawenyos (I appreciate the houses' traditional designs and each tribe’s delicacies. I’m thankful for their offerings during the festival. To all Davaoeños), Happy Kadayawan sa Davao Festival,” Rigo said.

Rigo encouraged everyone to celebrate the festival with joy, hope, and prayers for the welfare of everyone, wishing the culture of the Davaoeños to continue to grow with discipline, respect, and a commitment to the rules and regulations that safeguard the entire community of Davao City.

Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte, meanwhile, acknowledged the people of Davao as the driving force for progress and the Kadayawan’s main feature. He said the true wealth and pride behind the city's development are the Davaoeños.

Mayor Duterte said the Kadayawan Cultural Village, one of the Kadayawan Festival’s highlights, reaffirms the diverse community’s unity as the entire Davao spotlights the traditions and ways of life of the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes. He added that Davao City has made great strides in honoring its cultural roots and celebrating its unique landscape and vibrant heritage.

“We must continue to do this every year, not just to drive the economy and bring in tourists but especially for the people of Davao to be familiar with our city’s rich culture and history and to live lives honoring and respecting this heritage,” Duterte said, as he wishes the Davaoeños and the visitors to have an enjoyable experience throughout the festival with the various activities.

Mayor Duterte also asked for everyone’s cooperation to abide by the security measures to avoid untoward incidents. He said: “Let us all remember that Davaoeños are known for their discipline. We can best exemplify this through major events like the Kadayawan Festival.