President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. extended his greetings to the people of Davao City as they celebrate the Kadayawan Festival this week, urging them to honor their cultural heritage and embrace their colorful traditions.

In his message, the President emphasized the city’s remarkable biodiversity that sets it apart as it shows the connection between nature and people.

“It is where the bounties of our landscape interweave with the heritage of our people, exhibiting a harmonious fusion between nature and humanity,” he said.

The President also encouraged Davaoeños to regard the festivities as opportunities to further enrich their culture and tradition.

“Take to heart that this spectacle is more than just a feast for the senses — it is a call to immerse ourselves in the path of progress and embrace our roots that define our collective identity. By doing so, we can truly foster our traditional knowledge and strengthen the voices of our indigenous brothers and sisters,” Marcos said.

The President also stressed the need to sustain cultural legacy and conserve environmental resources for the future generations, reflecting his administration’s commitment to securing the well-being of every Filipino.

“Bound by our ardent love for our homeland, let us sustain our cultural legacy and conserve our environmental resources for the security and well-being of our younger generations,” he said.

“May this festivity further ignite our hearts to build a Philippines where everyone receives unconditional support to pursue their craft and create a life that they can genuinely be proud of,” he added.

The Kadayawan Festival is Davao City’s yearly event held every August to celebrate life and appreciation for nature’s abundance. It also showcases the rich culture of the indigenous groups living in the city. PND