Councilor Susabel Reta, vice chairperson from the government sector of the executive committee, said widescreen TVs will be put up at the Rizal Park to give the parade spectators a venue to watch the much awaited fight. The parade will be held simultaneous with the fight dubbed as “Unfinished Business.”
The fight, which takes place at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, is expected to be seen around noon time, just in time the parade will be over. The fight is scheduled in the evening of March 15, which is actually already March 16 in the Philippines.
The executive committee assured that parade spectators would not miss Pacquiao’s bout. The boxer has been declared as the city’s “adopted son.”
Several events were lined up to highlight this year’s celebration of Araw ng Dabaw, which carries the theme “Kasaysayan balikan, ihanda kinabukasan” (Revisiting the past, preparing for the future).
Activities include a flea market, live band performances at the Rizal Park, a program at the People’s Park, opening of the Museo Dabawenyo and the usual Mutya ng Dabaw coronation night.
This year’s executive committee is chaired by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
The grand opening is on March 14 kicking off with a tri-people offering followed by historical vignette performances, people’s declaration of unity and cooperation, promenade to the Museo Dabawenyo and the Mutya ng Dabaw search.
March 15 will have the opening of the trade fair and flea market dubbed "Tabo," on site performances and merrymaking at the Rizal and People's Parks dubbed "Kasadya," a feature of Davao's outstanding performers with the Recognizing Outstanding Davao Youth (RODY) Project Specials called "Garbo sa Dabaw."
The Parada Dabawenyo starts at 8 a.m. on March 16 and after the socio-civic parade, showdown performances of street bands will also be featured, winding up with a music concert of national popular artists called "Pahalipay ni Mayor concert."
For the celebration’s opening salvo on March 14, secretariat head Patricia Melizza Ruivivar said the mayor wanted the state of the city address to be different, for it to come from the people so it will not appear to be self serving. Thus, it will be delivered by various sectors, among them representatives from the Christians, Muslims, indigenous peoples, women, business, tourism sector, children and the youth. (Rico Biliran / MindaNews)