The vibrant spirit of the Araw ng Dabaw celebration has been significantly amplified with the grand opening of the Araw ng Dabaw Trade Fair and Bazaar at Magsaysay Park, located on Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City. This event serves as a month-long exhibition dedicated to highlighting local culinary delights and entrepreneurial ventures, providing a dynamic platform for community engagement and economic support.
Event Details and Operational Hours
The bazaar operates daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., featuring an extensive array of stalls and attractions meticulously designed to bolster small-scale businesses. Maximo Macalipes Jr., the officer-in-charge of the City Economic Enterprise (CEE), has actively encouraged Dabawenyos to visit the trade fair at Magsaysay Park and immerse themselves in the festivities.
In a statement to Madayaw Davao over Davao City Disaster Radio on March 3, 2026, Macalipes emphasized the importance of community support, saying, "We encourage everyone to visit our Magsaysay Park because we also support our local entrepreneurs by allowing them to display their products and provide entertainment there."
Diverse Offerings and Entrepreneurial Participation
The bazaar boasts a diverse mix of vendors, including 11 food stalls, five accessories stalls, two printing stalls, 20 ornamental plant stalls, two gaming booths, and an inflatable park. This variety ensures a wide range of activities suitable for Dabawenyos of all ages, fostering a lively and inclusive atmosphere.
Among the participating entrepreneurs is Jackie Lou Villanueva, owner of Siam’s Snack Bar, who is joining the bazaar for the second time after her involvement in Pasko Fiesta 2025. Villanueva expressed her gratitude and enthusiasm, stating, "We sell snacks and drinks here, and I also invite all Dabawenyos to visit us at Magsaysay Park for the food bazaar. I would also like to thank the City Government of Davao for organizing these kinds of bazaars, which help us small entrepreneurs."
City Government's Commitment to Economic Empowerment
The Trade Fair and Bazaar underscores the city government's steadfast commitment to empowering small-scale entrepreneurs while enriching the month-long celebration of the Araw ng Dabaw. By providing a dedicated space for local businesses to showcase their products and services, the event not only boosts economic activity but also strengthens community bonds and cultural pride.
This initiative reflects a broader effort to promote sustainable development and support the growth of micro-enterprises in the region, aligning with goals of fostering resilience and innovation within the local economy.
