City Hall at 100: Araw ng Dabaw Rallies Community Pride Above Political Noise

DAVAO CITY (February 24) — As political noise hums in the background, Davao City is turning its attention to something steadier: a century-old City Hall and the community that grew around it.

The local government has earmarked P50 million for the 89th Araw ng Dabaw celebration this March, with this year’s centerpiece marking 100 years of Davao City Hall — a building that has stood through wars, leadership changes, and generations of Dabawenyos seeking public service.

Of the total budget, P41 million will fund events throughout the month, while P9 million is allocated for the security cluster to ensure safe and orderly activities citywide.

Willenito P. Tormis Jr., head of the City Tourism Operations Office, said the increase from last year’s budget is minimal — “probably less than P500,000” — but organizers made strategic adjustments to refresh the lineup and widen community participation.

Centennial spotlight

The most anticipated feature is the nightly 3D projection mapping show at City Hall from March 1 to 31, paired with repainting and structural enhancements of the historic façade. For many residents, the light show is more than spectacle — it is a visual reminder of institutional continuity.

In a period when public discourse is often dominated by partisan debates, the centennial celebration offers what some describe as a civic pause — a moment to reflect on shared identity rather than political divisions.

Community at the center

New additions such as Kanta ug Sayaw Dabawenyo and Salida Dabawenyo, an inter-school short film competition, shift the spotlight to students and grassroots performers. Organizers say these platforms are designed to amplify local voices and creativity.

The lineup also includes:

• Misa Pasasalamat and Pasiugdang Pagsaulog (Grand Opening)
• Araw ng Dabaw Trade Fair and Bazaar
• Kundiman at Harana sa Araw ng Dabaw
• Mutya ng Dabaw 2026 (Preliminaries, Interviews, and Coronation Night)
• Dabawenyo Ko school-based district tours
• Heritage Walking Tour – City Hall
• Pasidungog 2026: Garbo sa Dabaw
• The 54th Conferment of Datu Bago Awards
• RLC Ironkids Davao Duathlon
• BYD Ironman 70.3 Davao
• Parada Dabawenyo and Konsierto Dabawenyo

Beyond the marquee events and sports tourism draw, smaller community-centered gatherings — from employee appreciation day to local markets — reinforce the message that Araw ng Dabaw is not just a festival but a collective affirmation of identity.

City officials underscored that the celebration remains a collaboration between the local government and private partners, with sponsors and benefactors contributing to its staging.

As the 89th Araw ng Dabaw unfolds, the message resonates clearly for many residents: political seasons may come and go, but the city — and the institution that has anchored it for 100 years — endures.