Araw ng Dabaw kicks off

The 89th Araw ng Dabaw formally opened Sunday night, March 1, with a tribute to the centennial of Davao City Hall, highlighted by a projection show and cultural performances at Quezon Park.

- By IVY TEJANO

During the opening rites, the city displayed a 3D-mapping image of former President and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte on the City Hall façade, depicting him as the most iconic forefather.

The crowd clapped and chanted his name, repeated his famous line, "Ako'y magpabilin na inyong soluguonon (I will always be at your service)," and some shouted, "Bring him home."

A full projection presentation marking the 100 years of the City Hall will be shown hourly from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., from March 1 to 31, on the building's neoclassical façade.