Davao City (13 July) -- The current economic crisis might affect the participation of some Mindanao groups during the Kadayawan Festival of Davao City.

Davao City tourism operations officer Id Acaylar cited the increase in the cost commodities and transportation as reasons for participating groups not to join this year's festival.

More particularly, he said, the increase in the fare could be the common reason for not joining.

He also said the current political turmoil could be another reason because most of the people are glued to the next scenario of the issue.

Although he said that traditionally the Kadayawan Festival is a crowd drawer, they are prepared even if the number of delegation this year could not be as big as that of last year.

Acaylar however said that they are working on a budget between P7 to P8 million for the different events to be undertaken.

He also said that they will not be getting the P700,000 which the city council has appropriated for the festival because they waived it in favor of the fees for the security personnel of the city government.

"Given all these we have to work harder to reach out to many people not only in Davao but also to its neighboring provinces within Mindanao," he said.

The festival events from August 6 to 28 will showcase new and traditionally held activities.

Among others he said is the hold of the Mindanao Exporters Congress, Mindanao Trade Expo at Central Bank.

SM City Davao, he said will host the Opening Program and Media Launch, and the Live Rock Technographix.

SM has been the regular host of the Mindanao Indigenous Dance Festival from preliminaries, citation and critiquing to final competition. It will hosts the Urog Etnika/Hiyas sa Kadayawan finals.

The Mindanao Festivals Expo, Tugtog World Music Festival and Search for Ginoong Festival will be held at the NCCC Entertainment Plaza while Gaisano Mall will host the Agongan ug Kulintangan and Putting Tabil film fest.

There will also be Flight of the Eagles from Magsaysay Park to Malagos, Indigay sa Lumadnong Dula, RMN Live Drama and RMN Kadayawan Open Cycling Competition at Rizal Park.

The Pasasalamat free concert of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte will also be held t the Rizal Park.

The Kapamilya Fiesta, RMN Pop Fiesta Live Concert and Agro Industrial Trade will take place at the PTA Grounds.

The Kaan Dawet will still be at the Millenium Park while the Tingog Kadayawan will be held at the Centennial Park.

There will also be a Davao River Festival at the Davao River and the RMN Banca Race at the Sta. Ana Wharf.

Acaylar said that all events of Kadayawan Festival is reflective of the living heritage of Davao and based on this year's theme "Subay Sulay Sa Buhing Kabilin". (PIA/pdbanzon)