ShareThisDAVAO CITY – Tourism stakeholders are expecting thousands of visitors to visit this city the whole month of August for the most-awaited week-long Kadayawan sa Dabaw festival.
Jason Magnaye, chief of the City Tourism and City Investment Office (CTCIO), said aside from the Kadayawan scheduled on August 12-20, there are also three other big seminars and conventions that are slated next month.
Magnaye said for the Kadayawan alone, the city expects around 150,000 to 250,000 visitors for the whole month of August and at least 5,000 from the three conferences that have been scheduled in the city next month.
He said all tourism players like hotels and restaurants have already been briefed on the bulk of visitors set to visit Davao next month.
“We can expect more of this figure because they might bring other people like their wives, children or friends to come here to the city to celebrate,” Magnaye said.
He said the series of events can also be a good venue to market the city and attracts investors to pour in investments.
Local, national, as well as international visitors are expected to flock to the city to celebrate the festival of all festivals in the city.
Maria Felisa C. Marquez, festival director, said the City Government has allocated P3 million and its business partners committed a total of P9.5 million for the festival, totaling P12.5 million.
This year’s budget for the festival is higher compared to last year’s P11 million.
“We can assure the Dabawenyos can expect a merrier, more exciting and more colorful Kadayawan this year. We would like to maintain the participation of the public as well as the private sector in this activity,” Marquez said.
She said the whole month of August will be filled with activities, which will surely make the Kadayawan as the “Festival of Festivals.”
She said aside from the fact that there have been several activities that have been added this year the cooperation of the private sector is also very visible.
The highlight of this year’s Kadayawan is the revived Sayaw Mindanao and the floral float parade that makes the city famous across the country.
Dr. Maria Lourdes C. Monteverde, of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) who also represents the private sector, said this will be the first time that the city’s prime festival will be organized by the private sector.
Monteverde also confirmed the P9.5-million budget allocated for the festival from the private sector was generated from their sponsors.
She said they have local, national and even international sponsors who have been very supportive to their activities.