The Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) has announced that contingents of the 2026 Pride Parade are welcome to express their concerns during the event, but they are discouraged from turning the parade into a political platform.
Pride Parade as a Protest
Willenito Tormis Jr., head of the CTOO, stated during the media launch of Duaw Davao on May 28, 2026, at Rogen Inn: "The Pride Parade is a protest, as our LGBTQIA+ community says, but we want to protest in a way that they know what we are protesting for: the rights of the LGBTQIA+." This statement comes after the 2024 Pride Parade, where the local government prohibited participants from using foul language and expressing anti-government sentiments.
Theme and Guidelines
Tormis cited this year's Reyna ng Davao theme, "Visible in Every Voice," emphasizing that many voices should be heard. The guidelines posted on the Duaw Davao page state that participants must be guided by existing laws when expressing their advocacy, including chants and cheers during the parade. Participants are free to express themselves through clothing as part of their gender identity, creativity, or personal freedom, as long as it does not violate any law.
Prohibited Acts
- Throwing materials like flyers, candies, and caps that may disrupt the parade
- Using party poppers, confetti cannons, and firecrackers for safety and environmental reasons
- Performing dangerous stunts and acrobatics that may endanger participants
- Wearing military uniforms used by law enforcement agencies (agency shirts are allowed as long as it is not a full uniform)
- Bringing non-transparent water containers and using backpacks or knapsacks (transparent containers and clear bags are encouraged for safety)
Number of Contingents
Tormis reported that as of May 28, 91 contingents have registered for the Pride March, with numerous inquiries expected to push the number to 200. He emphasized that the parade is not exclusive to the LGBTQIA+ community but is open to everyone. The public is encouraged to attend, as the parade celebrates Pride Month every June. The 2025 edition had 104 groups, up from 98 in the city's first Pride Parade in 2024.
Awards
The CTOO announced the AAAAWARD (Alive, Alert, Awake, Enthusiastic Award) for the liveliest and most colorful contingent. Prizes are: first place P50,000; second place P20,000; third place P15,000. For the individual category (most creative, alive, alert, awake, enthusiastic attire), winners receive P20,000 for first place, P15,000 for second, and P10,000 for third.
Walking Parade
Similar to the 2026 Parada during Araw ng Dabaw, contingents are discouraged from using vehicles, as the event is a purely walking parade. This decision aims to save fuel amid rising global petroleum prices due to the Middle East conflict. The parade is scheduled for June 21, 2026, starting at 1 p.m. The route begins at Roxas Avenue, turns left to C.M. Recto Avenue, right to Bonifacio Street, then J. Camus Street, right to J. Palma Gil Street, ending at People's Park.
