Davao City Gears Up for Pasko Fiesta 2025 with Renewed Filipino Spirit
Preparations for Davao City's much-anticipated Pasko Fiesta 2025 are intensifying, with large banners now adorning the City Hall Drive as of Thursday morning, November 20. The City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) has announced this year's celebration will operate with a budget of P44 million, a reduction from the P52 million allocated in 2024.
Budget Adjustments and Strategic Focus
During the ISpeak media forum at the City Mayor's Office, CTOO administrative officer Charlotte Parba clarified the financial planning. The office initially requested P32 million but later sought an additional P12 million, arriving at the final P44 million figure. Parba strongly emphasized that a lower budget does not equate to a less spectacular festival. "The lower budget shouldn't make the Pasko Fiesta any less vibrant; we should still aim to make it better," she stated.
The decrease is attributed to a practical approach to event planning. The CTOO decided to remove certain events, including the Year-End Party, recognizing that many residents prefer to welcome the New Year with their families. The Sayaw sa Pasko competition was also dropped due to a crowded schedule of other contests.
Despite these cuts, the spirit of the season remains undimmed. In a move to foster grassroots participation, the CTOO has revived the Paskuhan sa Barangay. This initiative will see all 182 barangays decorating the façades and immediate surroundings of their respective barangay halls.
A Celebration of Filipino Christmas
This year marks a significant thematic shift with "Paskong Dabawenyo, Paskong Pilipino" as the official theme, moving away from Western-inspired motifs. The new logo proudly incorporates iconic Filipino elements such as the parol (lantern), torotot (noisemaker), and a nipa hut.
The festivities will officially commence with the Pag-Abli sa Pasko at 6 p.m. on November 27 at Rizal Park. The opening program promises a vibrant showcase of local talent, featuring a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and the launch of a new Pasko Fiesta music video. Homegrown performers, including Jona Soquite, champion of "The Voice Kids" Season 1, are set to grace the stage.
A centerpiece of the decorations will be a 30-foot Christmas tree with Paskong Pinoy designs at Quezon Park, complementing the older decorations that will remain displayed across the city.
Boosting Tourism and Community Engagement
With preparations reportedly 70 to 80 percent complete, the CTOO is actively promoting the event to a wider audience. Charles Martinez, head of the campaigns and promotions unit, stated they are expecting approximately 100,000 visitors to flock to Davao City for the festivities. Invitations have been extended to neighboring towns, cities, and provinces.
"We are not just encouraging Dabawenyos but also tourists in other parts of Mindanao and the country to visit Davao City for our Pasko Fiesta," Martinez added.
To enhance the visitor experience, the CTOO has partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry for holiday promotions and sales in various establishments. The office is also leveraging its official Facebook page, providing frequent social media updates to keep the public fully informed about the event lineup. Dabawenyos and tourists alike are encouraged to join in and experience the unique joy of a Paskong Dabawenyo.
