THE Davao City Government bared the official events and activities for the Pasko Fiesta 2016 celebration.
In I-Speak Forum on Thursday, November 17, at the Conference Room of the Davao City Hall, City Tourism Office (CTO) head Regina Rosa Tecson said this year's Pasko Fiesta celebration is still categorized to six themes, following Executive Order 43.
President Rodrigo Duterte, who was then city mayor, categorized the events as Pasko Fiesta sa Kahayag, Pasko Fiesta sa Kasadaya, Pasko Fiesta sa Kadasig, Pasko Fiesta sa Hudyaka, Pasko Fiesta sa Himaya, and Pasko Fiesta sa Empleyado.
The activities under Pasko Fiesta sa Kahayag (a craft and creative-based showcase) include Kahayag sa Dabaw, Parada sa mga Parol, a parade of the lighted Christmas lanterns, and Parol sa mga Barangay, a parol display contest.
Davao City administrator Zuleika Lopez said Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio urged the private sector to participate and light up its business and tourism establishments so the city will look more festive.
"We encourage the private sector to light up their several business and tourism establishments and come up with its own Christmas decoration, if possible thematic din. If it is not thematic, as long as it goes with the theme," Lopez said.
Tecson said that this year's Pasko Fiesta sa kasadya (spread of good cheers and joy) contests are Pasko Pahalipay Dabaw and Panayegon sa Dabaw while Pasko Fiesta sa Kadasig events are Banda Dasig, Koro sa Pasko, and Pasko Dabadaba.
Pasko Fiesta sa Hudyaka activities are tugtugan (Battle of the Bands), Yugyugan and Pasko Pahalipay ni Mayor, and the Pasko Fiesta sa Himaya, refers to thanksgiving ceremonies which include the Siyam ka Kaadlawon and Misa Pasalamat.
The Pasko Fiesta sa empleyado, which promotes creativity and camaraderie among the Davao City government employees, include activities such as the Pasko Kumbira sa City Hall, Christmas Tree, Indayog Pasko, and Kantahan sa Pasko.
Tecson also said there will also be Hulagway sa Pasko (Photo Contest), Pasko Pahalipay para kay Lolo ug Lola, and Pasko Fiesta para sa mga Lumad.
Tecson added the opening ceremony of the Pasko Fiesta will be on December 2.
Since the country's president is a Dabawenyo, Lopez said the city is expecting tourist arrivals from different cities and countries.
The Pasko Fiesta is an annual event in Davao City to lift the Filipino tradition of celebrating Christmas.
