The City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) of Davao City expects to welcome 250,000 visitors for the 2026 Duaw Davao, the city's month-long summer event. Willenito Tormis Jr., head of the CTOO, announced the target during a media briefing on May 28, 2026, at Rogen Inn.
Tourist Arrivals on the Rise
Tormis noted that from January to April 15, 2026, tourist arrivals increased by 17 percent. Building on this momentum, the CTOO aims to boost the number of tourists from 200,000 in 2025 to 250,000 this year. 'We are positive and optimistic that the events we have lined up will encourage more people to visit and explore Davao,' he said.
Private Sector Participation
With the expected influx of passengers, the private sector is gearing up its offerings to boost the city's tourism industry. Major malls and other participating establishments will hold month-long sales from June 1 to 30, 2026. Nicole Hao Bian Ledesma, president of the Davao Tourism Association (Data), reported that there are 10,000 to 11,000 accommodations in the city, excluding self-styled rental rooms and condominiums.
Bigger and Better Events
Tormis explained that similar to Araw ng Dabaw, some changes were introduced for this year's Duaw Davao. The celebration has been extended to a month-long event, featuring 18 activities for Dabawenyos. Highlight events include Reyna ng Davao, sports tournaments, the Pride Parade, and a cheerdance competition. The celebration will commence with the 176th Parochial Fiesta of the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Pedro.
The budget for this year's Duaw Davao is P21 million, similar to its 2025 allocation. This includes sponsorships and private partnerships but excludes non-monetary contributions. Despite the same budget, the CTOO prepared multiple events for residents and tourists to enjoy. Notably, the Hugyaw Dabaw event has been removed from last year and merged with 'A Night of Music and Colors,' while several new events have been added.
Safety and Security Measures
With the month-long activities, the Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) will deploy 8,200 integrated safety and security personnel throughout the event. Aysee A. Romanda, administrative officer of the PSSO, stated that out of the 8,200 personnel, 350 will be deployed daily to ensure that the activities remain safe and memorable. 'For all the activities of Duaw Davao, we will be placing a command post for these 18 activities to make sure that all of the activities are safe and secure,' she said.
Traffic Management
The City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) will deploy 216 personnel to manage traffic flow during the events, as some roads within the city will be partially closed. This number does not yet include personnel assigned outside the Poblacion area.
