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Today marks the City of Davao’s 74th Foundation Day.

Davao is a blessed city: a vast land that is rich, a climate that is enviable (if a bit too humid at times), and a people who — though not possessing a long history vis-à-vis the Philippines’ major tribes — do come together as Dabawenyos and celebrate it.

Davao holds many charms for her visitors and her residents, so much so that the former becoming the latter is a not-so-uncommon occurrence. The simple pleasure of having the conveniences of modern life in a city that has still retained its small-town allure is attractive to many who’ve become weary of big city life.

This, however, is causing Davao to grow very fast indeed. In effect, present infrastructure and local government services do not seem to be coping very well with the increasing demands of an exponentially-growing population. The new mayor, Sarah Duterte-Carpio, to be fair, does show promise of having a keen eye on the future. We would do well to stand by her and support her developmental efforts, but remain critical, in a constructive manner, as well.

In light of the calamities that continue to befall Japan, some of whose cities share a sister-cityhood pact with Davao, I am certain I speak for all Dabawenyos in saying that we deeply sympathasize with the Japanese people. I know that, through their discipline and unmatched sense of community, the Japanese will again be celebrating their many festivals again soon.

Below is an insipring photograph by renowned (and yet very personable) Dabawenya writer & photographer, Jojie Alcantara-Ng. It shows the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) edifice and the Monument of Peace and Unity, an evocative sculpture by Dabawenyo artist, Kublai Millan.

Monument of Peace and Unity

Malipayong Adlaw sa Dabaw kaninyong tanan!!

Here’s a copy of Executive Order #13, signed by City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, creating the steering committee that will oversee the organization of this year’s Kadayawan sa Dabaw festival.

These are very capable and dedicated people in the steering committee, and the private sector, as always, is very supportive. Ergo, we can expect an even grander celebration in August 2009! So, mark your calendars: Kadayawan sa Dabaw will be from 17 to 23 August 2009. Watch this blog for updates!

Davao City still enjoys the distinction of being the only city in the Philippines with an emergency response center available on call 24 hours a day. Just dial 911 on any landline or mobile phone (toll free) in case of emergency.

Recently, the Davao City 911 Emergency Response Center opened a new operations hub in the south — a stone’s throw away from where I live, in fact. The new center used to be a public market. And, for the life of me, I cannot fathom why the city government back in the ’80s decided to put a wet market in the middle of a residential district. Needless to say, it was a terrible idea. I’m glad that the city has found a much better use of the facility.

Here are some photos I asked Chattee Lara to take of the new center located in Juna Subdivision, Matina.

From their new base in Matina, these are the city’s services that will respond to emergency situations anywhere in the city: Emergency Medical Service, Urban Search & Rescue, Fire Auxiliary Service, and the K-9 Service.

Araw ng Dabaw will be upon us again in March 2009. This year is the 72nd anniversary of the city’s foundation day, and the theme is “Pagtupad sa Dakilang Pangako“. For more information about Davao City’s history, please see the relevant entry in Wikipedia.

Here is the Calendar of Activities, courtesy of the City Tourism Operations Office. The official date of Davao City’s foundation day is 16 March, but there are many events scheduled around this date (including the 2nd Davao Food Appreciation Tour).