Davao City eyes 250,000 tourists for Kadayawan

DAVAO CITY – The Davao City government is targeting 250,000 tourists as it expands the 2026 Kadayawan Festival in August to 26 activities and increases support for the city's 11 ethnolinguistic communities. Willenito Tormis, officer-in-charge of the City Tourism Operations Office, said the city has allocated more than P68 million for this year's celebration, higher than last year's budget, as the number of festival activities increased from 16 to 26. Tormis said the expanded program includes the return of several activities requested by residents, as well as additional cultural performances, community-based events, and activities in malls and other venues across the city. He said the city increased funding for deputy mayors and their cultural communities to improve their tribal houses and support their participation in festival activities. Each will receive at least P700,000 for cultural village improvements and major events. According to the deputy mayors of the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes, preparations and renovations at the cultural village are ongoing, with most tribal houses expected to be ready before the official opening in August. "Kadayawan is for everyone," Tormis said, adding that the city wants more residents and visitors to experience the festival beyond the traditional venues by bringing activities closer to different communities. Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, chairperson of the Committee on Tourism and Beautification, said this year's theme, "We Are One KadayaONE," highlights unity of the city's diverse communities while honoring the traditions of the 11 ethnolinguistic groups. Ortiz said the festival also celebrates Davao City's harvest, tourism, local industries, and the resilience of Davaoeños. She encouraged residents to invite their relatives and friends across the country to visit the city and join the month-long celebration. The councilor also announced that the city is moving towards institutionalizing the cultural village, which is being developed as a year-round destination rather than...