Unfazed by tragedy, Davao City folk celebrate in style

DAVAO CITY — Unfazed by terrorist threats and determined to rise above the March 4 airport bombing, this city celebrated its 66th Araw ng Dabaw in style yesterday, capping it with a grand parade showcasing its strength and beauty and the diverse ethnic origins of its people.

"No bombing can make the Dabawenyo kneel in fear. Let us not allow these people to get the best of us. Come out and celebrate. This festivity is for all of us," Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said.

Dabawenyos heeded Duterte’s call, and several thousands of them trooped to the streets not only to watch the parade but also to take part in other activities the entire day, including concerts of known artists and bands in at least seven points around the city.

Although the event took time out to grieve for the loss of 22 lives and the wounding of 159 others in the blast that ripped through a crowded waiting shed at the airport, Dabawenyos basked in yesterday’s merriment.

Over 125 contingents from the private and government sectors participated in the parade. Tribal folk from the hinterlands, garbed in their native attire, also joined the celebration.

"This is the best way we can show these terrorists that we are not afraid," said Duterte, as he rallied Dabawenyos to return to normalcy and move on with the lives.

The March 4 bombing appeared not to have kept tourists from flying in to this city to take part in the Araw ng Dabaw festivities. They came in droves since last week

Hundreds of golfers from around the country also teed off for the annual Mayor’s Cup, while basketball stars took part in an exhibition game.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña arrived here last Friday, along with over 60 officials, who all wore button pins with the words "Cebu loves Davao," in a show of support for the Dabawenyos.

Several prominent political figures were also spotted in the crowd in yesterday’s culminating parade.

"I have been receiving calls from different people, extending their support to us. I am overwhelmed by the show of support of others who have come here. And I thank them all. But let us all remember that at the end of the day, it is still the Dabawenyos who should stand up on their own and make things happen," Duterte said.

With the battlecry of "Alsa Dabaw (Rise up, Davao)," over 30,000 city residents took to the streets last Friday for the biggest ever peace march and rally here.

Southern Mindanao police director Isidro Lapeña said elements of the Regional Mobile Group helped beef up security in yesterday’s affair.