Rains fail to dampen 69th Araw ng Dabaw

DAVAO CITY — Attribute it to their never-say-die spirit.

Despite the rains, thousands of Dabawenyos trooped to the city’s main thoroughfares for the civic-military parade of the 69th Araw ng Dabaw.

It started to rain as early as midnight and continued the whole day yesterday, almost forcing festival officials to cancel the parade.

But Mayor Rodrigo Duterte insisted on proceeding with the parade in spite of the rains, saying one should fulfill an obligation whether in good or bad weather.

"We cannot call off the celebration just because it’s raining. No rain, no floods and no explosion of volcanoes can stop us from celebrating as a people, as Dabawenyos. The celebration will go on rain or shine," said Duterte, who led officials and guests at the Rizal Park where the parade culminated.

"There are adversities and Dabawenyos are a people who do not run away from adversities. We fight adversities head on no matter what the prevailing situation is," he said.

Besides, Duterte said canceling the parade just because of the rains would not set a good example for the young generation.

"What will our youth say when their time comes... they are confronted with the same situation? That they back out just because it is raining or just because times are bad? That should not be the case," he said.

Duterte said no participant in yesterday’s event backed out, adding that everyone paraded despite the rains to the cheers of the thousands of spectators who lined up the streets as early as 6 a.m.

The grand parade capped the series of activities of the 69th Araw ng Dabaw. Musical concerts and extravaganza were held last night.

The festivities drew thousands of foreign and domestic visitors, resulting in full bookings for city hotels.