Patmei Ruivivar, City Hall’s chief of staff, said Proclamation 1470 declaring March 17, 2008 a special non-working holiday in Davao City was signed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, as authorized  by the President, on March 5.

This year’s theme for the 71st Araw ng Dabaw is “Kasaysayan Balikan, Ihanda Kinabukasan” (Learn from the Past, Prepare for the Future).

It is the first time in his 16th year as mayor (1988 to 1998; 2001 to present) that Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is chairing the Araw committee. (MindaNews)