Davao City Hall Illuminates for 89th Araw ng Dabaw and Historic Centennial
The City Lighting Ceremony on Saturday evening transformed Davao City Hall into a radiant spectacle, officially launching the 89th Araw ng Dabaw celebration. City officials, employees, and guests gathered at the grounds to witness the ceremonial switch-on, which initiated a month-long series of festivities. The building's facade was bathed in vibrant colors, continuing an annual tradition that highlights Dabawenyo pride and unity.
Projection Mapping Showcases Culture and History
A stunning projection mapping display illuminated City Hall, turning the landmark into a dynamic visual experience that narrates the city's culture, history, and achievements. The 3D presentation features representations of indigenous groups such as the Ata, Maguindanaon, Obu-Manuvu, Matigsalug, Bagobo-Klata, Kagan, Iranun, Sama, Maranao, Tausug, and Bagobo-Tagabawa, celebrating Davao's rich cultural diversity.
The show also highlights various government agencies, including the Davao City Police Station, Davao City Fire Stations, Central 911, and health stations, emphasizing their crucial roles in ensuring peace, safety, and community support. In a poignant segment, a 3D tribute to former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte appears with the quote, "Ako magpabiling inyong sulogoon" ("I will remain your servant"), adding depth to the production.
Running every hour from 6 to 10 p.m. until the end of March, this display offers residents and visitors a chance to witness the city's transformation through lights and storytelling.
Musical Tributes and Mutya ng Dabaw Unveiled
The opening production paid homage to past and present Araw ng Dabaw theme songs, featuring performances by Popong Landero with "Bahaghari Tayo" (2003), Maan Chua with "Dabaw, Dabawenyo" (2021), Jeremy Sarmiento with "SadyaDabaw" (2023), and Hulyo Ray Asidor with "Dabawenyo ko". Dancers from Davao City National High School – Special Program of the Arts added vibrancy to the celebration.
Simultaneously, the search for the next GanDabawenya commenced with the unveiling of the Top 20 candidates for Mutya ng Dabaw 2026. The candidates, including Christine Bermudo, Khean Rosales, and others, represent diverse parts of Davao City and advocate for positive community change. The coronation is set for March 20, 2026, at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gymnasium.
Centennial Celebrations and Commemorative Stamp
This year's festivities are particularly significant as they mark the centennial of Davao City Hall, designed in 1926 by renowned architect Juan M. Arellano in collaboration with Tomas Mapúa and Antonio Toledo. Originally known as the "Presidencia," the neoclassical structure has served as the heart of local governance for a century, witnessing the city's evolution into a strong, safe, and disciplined community.
A commemorative stamp was unveiled to honor this milestone, led by City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II and officials from the Philippine Postal Corporation. Authorized under City Ordinance No. 0182-26, the stamp pays tribute to a century of public service.
Calls for Unity and Enhanced Security Measures
Representing Mayor Sebastian 'Baste' Duterte, Vice Mayor Rigo delivered a message emphasizing that the celebration, themed "Dabawenyo ko, nilambo, nagkahiusa," goes beyond festivity to highlight core values like discipline and unity. He urged residents to adhere to local ordinances, such as bans on liquor and smoking, to sustain peace and progress.
To ensure public safety, 8,500 security personnel from the Davao City Police Office, City Transportation and Traffic Management Office, and other agencies have been deployed. Strict protocols, including transparent bag checks and CCTV monitoring, are in place to maintain order during the month-long events.
Niña Tanjay, Reyna ng Kapayapaan 2025, praised the city's preparations, noting enhanced unity and special showcases by the City Tourism Office to commemorate Davao's progress.
