Reconnecting with Roots — Kadayawan in the height of indigenous dilemmas

The cries of cultural pride echo louder amid the noise of ethnic oppression.

Etched in the islands that comprise the Philippines are the colors of festivity that paint its diverse history and heritage. Festivals are integral components of the country’s national identity, channeling worship and gratitude through creative outlets of grandiose performances and jovial celebrations. Among the countless festive endeavors that take place in different corners across the archipelago, in the heart of Mindanao, one celebrates the vibrant hues of diversity and agricultural treasures — Kadayawan.

Held annually on the third week of August, the week-long celebration of Kadayawan Festival is a fundamental pillar of the traditions that comprise the identity of Davao City. Stemming from the Mandaya root word “Madayaw,” meaning good or beautiful, the celebration highlights bountiful harvests and indigenous representations, which open doors to further understanding of the native roots that foster Dabawenyo mores. 

Vibrant hues of heritage 

Regarded as the Fruit Basket of the Philippines, agricultural abundance plays a vital role in amplifying the city’s economic growth, boosting tourism, and shaping the lives of citizens. Its favorable climate and volcanic soil, as Discover Davao explains, allow it to be a dynamo of agronomy, signifying its title as one of the most spirited hubs of agriculture in the Philippines. From the intimidating aroma of durians and the citrusy variants of pomelo to the antioxidant-rich properties of mangosteens, Kadayawan celebrations encompass the inviolable part of bountiful harvests in shaping the vibrancy of Davao City.

Beyond fruitful baskets of harvest, Kadayawan also focuses the spotlight on the tribal roots of the city’s origins. According to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Davao City is home to 11 ethnolinguistic tribes that stem from both lumad and moro sectors. Each indigenous sector is woven into the colorful tapestry of culture that shapes the identity of Davao as a city.

Thanksgiving and appreciation for harvests and harmony are brought to life by a plethora of celebrations that commence the Kadayawan season. The traffic jams in the streets of Davao are replaced by bright arrays of parading floats with over-the-top designs adorned with decorative flowers and fruits, accompanied by the musical extravaganza of street performers swaying to upbeat rhythms. Wide selections of ethnically sourced and crafted products grace food fairs and markets, filling the Davao atmosphere with the melodies of polyphonic diversity.

However, amid the reverberating tunes of celebration, many indigenous cries of marginalization remain unheard.

Of diversity and discrepancies
According to the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), indigenous groups in the Philippines lack sufficient access to social services and economic opportunities. In line with the retention of their traditional ways of living in geographically isolated areas, the historical discrimination they continue to face is reflected by how even the standard process of acquiring birth certificates is a hurdle many of them have yet to overcome.”After giving birth, they had to take care of their children. They were not able to journey to the cities to get their birth certificates,” explained Manobo tribe leader Bae Dalayagan Gloria Penaso, signifying how the disposition of tribes heightens their sociocivic vulnerabilities. Moreover, territorial disputes in the height of infrastructural modernization add fuel to the fire that threatens marginalized indigenous communities. The International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA) reports that while IP groups settling in isolated areas disadvantage them in social and political affairs, the natural resources found in their communities make them a powerhouse for commercialization. Development aggression and land-grabbing maneuver their way into amplifying the imposed risks on indigenous peoples, putting the ancestral lands that shape their culture and tradition on the line.

Colorful cultivations of change
As ethnic groups grow more and more defenseless against the grapple of societal pressures, the indigenous representation reflected in Kadayawan celebrations proves to be more relevant than ever. Various programs in line with the festival shed light on the crucial role of tribal communities in shaping the Davao City of today.Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan, a major street dance competition, is among the most significant highlights of celebrating the Kadayawan festival. Characterized by bright costumes, energetic choreographies, and upbeat music, it reminds the modern generation of the traditional dances that reflect the indigenous sectors of the region.Additionally, the Kadayawan Village set up in the heart of the city hits two birds with one stone as it simultaneously uplifts indigenous traditions and provides opportunities for IP groups to earn income. Upon roaming around the village, visitors can immerse themselves by learning about their multifarious cultural norms and purchasing traditional crafts directly from the talented hands of indigenous craftsmakers. All in all, the celebration of the Kadayawan Festival goes beyond mere jovial celebrations or opportunities for economic growth. Weaving in each tribal performance, each joyous parade, and each displayed handicraft is the hope of indigenous peoples in letting Dabawenyos reconnect with their roots and make their unheard voices be heard.