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October 27 is a non-working holiday in Davao Occidental

MALITA, Davao Occidental (PIA) -- The provincial local government of Davao Occidental has declared October 27, 2023, Friday, as a non-working holiday in the entire province, in celebration of the 8th Araw ng Davao Occidental.

Governor Franklin P. Bautista issued Memorandum Order No. 129, series of 2023, that declares a holiday a day before the culmination of the province’s founding anniversary on October 28, to provide ample time for the constituents to actively participate in the various activities and festivities.

“Let us seize this opportunity to showcase the vibrant culture, heritage, and achievements of our province, and encourage active participation of our constituents in the festivities and events organized for this special occasion,” the Order further states.

All provincial and municipal offices, national government agencies, academic institutions, and private establishments are covered by the Order.

Bautista also directed the heads of offices and agencies to ensure that “essential services necessary for public welfare and public safety, such as hospitals, emergency response teams, and law enforcement agencies, shall remain operational and adopt appropriate measures to ensure the continuous delivery of services during this holiday period.”

The parade of colors during the PAUGNAT 2023 Opening Ceremony held at the New Malita Gym, which brought together various government agencies from the province, showcasing a perfect amalgamation of talent, community spirit, and vibrant culture. (DavOcc LGU)
Photo by DavOcc LGU
Photo by DavOcc LGU

“This extended weekend will allow our constituents to fully engage in the celebrations, partake in local events, and strengthen community bonds,” he said in the Order.

Among the highlights of the celebration, which started on October 14, include various sports competitions, Paugnat sa Kusog (sportsfest) and tournaments, “Obra Pinta” on the spot art painting competition, pet’s day, cooperative day, SPED fun day, and among others.   

The Davao Occidental Provincial Health Office will also be conducting a free HIV screening on October 27-28, 2023 with complimentary condoms and lubricants.

The PHO emphasizes on its advocacy for vulnerable sectors to be informed, to get tested, to know their status and be part of a healthier community.

On October 27, there will be a Eucharistic celebration and opening ceremony, which will be followed by the Academe Day with different talent and arts competitions such as vocal duet, on the spot painting, modern dance, hip hop dance, and creative folk dance, to be participated by students and teachers.

An LGBTQIA+ parade and marching saludo will open the culmination activities on October 28 to be held at the provincial capitol grounds in Barangay Lais. This will be followed by a chardance competition and Ms. Q&A segment.

The culmination program will start with a motorcade in the afternoon, to be followed by a Eucharistic celebration.

Davao Occidental Governor Franklin P. Bautista (Photo by DavOcc LGU)

To cap the celebration, there will be a Governor’s night for the state workers of the province, to be highlighted with fireworks, celebrity guests, and band entertainment.

The province of Davao Occidental was created as the 81st province of the Philippines through Republic Act 10360 in 2013. It was inaugurated on October 28, 2016.

The province, carved from its mother province, Davao del Sur, is comprised of five municipalities, namely Sta. Maria, Malita, Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos, and the island municipality of Sarangani. (CLC/PIA-XI)

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Carina Cayon

Regional Editor

Region 11

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