Davao City is in the thick of preparations for its annual Christmas celebration, the Pasko Fiesta 2025, with authorities announcing key traffic adjustments to ensure the smooth flow of major holiday events. The city's spirit is already visible, with large tarpaulins now adorning the Davao City Hall along City Hall Drive, signaling the start of the festive season.
Traffic Advisory: Road Closures for Banda Dasig and Parada sa Pasko
The Davao City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) has issued a public advisory regarding temporary road closures for two flagship events: the Banda Dasig and the Parada sa Pasko. The closures will be enforced under City Ordinance No. 130-25, series of 2025.
The affected roads, which will be closed starting 1 p.m. on December 7, 2025 until the programs conclude, are:
- Roxas Avenue (from Quezon Boulevard to Ponciano Rotonda)
- C.M. Recto Avenue (from San Pedro Street to Roxas Avenue)
- Bonifacio Street (from C.M. Recto Avenue to Iñigo Street)
- Iñigo Street (from Bonifacio Street to San Pedro Street)
- San Pedro Street (from C.M. Recto Avenue to Iñigo Street)
In a Facebook post, the CTTMO also requested motorists to avoid parking on these streets starting at 8 a.m. on December 7 to allow for parade preparations.
Additional Adjustments for 'Siyam ka Kadlawon' Events
Further traffic regulations are scheduled for the traditional dawn masses and events. From December 26 to 24, 2035, between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m., vehicle clearing and regulation will be implemented along Bolton Street for the "Misa de Aguinaldo" at San Pedro St. and "Pamainit sa Pasko."
During these hours, the CTTMO will prohibit entry from:
- C.M. Recto Avenue going to San Pedro Street.
- Rizal Street corner Bolton Street going to San Pedro Street.
- Pichon Street corner Bolton Street going to San Pedro Street.
Celebrating 'Paskong Dabawenyo' with a Reduced Budget
This year's festivities carry the theme "Paskong Dabawenyo, Paskong Pilipino," aiming to showcase a blend of national traditions and Davao's unique festive culture. The season was officially launched with the lighting of a 30-foot giant Christmas tree at Rizal Park on November 27, 2025.
However, the celebration will proceed with a leaner budget. The Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) confirmed the Pasko Fiesta 2025 budget is set at ₱44 million. This is ₱8 million less than the ₱52 million allocated in 2024.
The office initially sought ₱32 million but later requested an additional ₱12 million. The budget reduction has led to the removal of several events, including the Year-End Party. Despite the cuts, organizers assure the public that the festive spirit will remain high, with plenty of activities still lined up for residents and visitors to enjoy.
