DAVAO CITY – The City Government of Davao officially launched the Kadayawan Festival 2025 during the iSpeak Media Forum held this morning, July 24, 2025, at Rogen Inn, marking the ceremonial start of the city’s most anticipated celebration of culture, unity, and abundance.

With the theme “Kadayawan 2025: A Festival Rooted in Culture and Abundance,” this year’s celebration aims to elevate Davao’s identity by showcasing its vibrant indigenous heritage, multicultural harmony, and bountiful harvests. With enhanced cultural programs, creative collaborations, and stronger community participation, the city promises a more inclusive and meaningful festival.

Atty. Jonah Margarette F. Presto, Officer-in-Charge of the **City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO), announced an ambitious target to increase tourist arrivals by 50% from last year’s 200,000 attendees. “We are confident that this year’s Kadayawan will offer richer experiences that will resonate with both local and international visitors,” she said.

The media forum unveiled not only the official Kadayawan 2025 theme and logo, but also a preview of the exciting activities and innovations lined up for August’s month-long festivities. 

Joining Atty. Presto on the panel were key figures from Davao’s tourism and cultural sectors, including:

City Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, Chairperson, Committee on Tourism and Beautification

Ms. Gene C. Bangayan, Co-Chairperson, MICE Board Davao

Ms. Nicole Hao Bian Ledesma, President, Davao Tourism Association Executive Committee

Oscar Casaysay,!Officer-in-Charge, Davao City Office of Culture and the Arts

Maj. Jose Daniel M. Kimpo GSC PA (RES), Acting Operations and Coordination Officer, PSSO

The launch was also graced by the presence of Deputy Mayors representing Davao’s 11 ethnolinguistic tribes, including the Ata, Bagobo Klata, Bagobo Tagabawa, Matigsalug, and Obo Manuvu from the Lumad groups, as well as the Tausug, Sama, Iranun, Maguindanaon, Maranao, and Kagan tribes from the Moro community. Their participation reaffirmed the festival’s core message: unity in diversity. 

With stronger partnerships and expanded programming, Kadayawan 2025 is set to bloom brighter than ever—celebrating not only the city’s ancestral roots and harvest, but also its ongoing journey as a multicultural and progressive metropolis.

See you all this August—makig-kiay ug makig-labyog ta karong Kadayawan!

For official updates and schedules, follow the City Government of Davao and the City Tourism Operations Office on social media.