Duaw Davao 2026 gears up for record crowds with P21M budget and 18 events
Davao City is preparing for Duaw Davao 2026, a month-long festival set to attract a record number of visitors. Organisers have allocated a P21 million budget and planned 18 events, starting with the 176th Parochial Fiesta of the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Pedro. Security and traffic measures are already in place to handle the expected crowds. The City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) aims to draw 250,000 tourists to this year’s festival—up from 200,000 in 2025. Early signs are promising, with a 17% rise in tourist arrivals recorded from January to April 15, 2026. The city currently offers 10,000 to 11,000 formal accommodations, not including private rentals or condominiums.
To ensure smooth operations, the Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) will deploy 8,200 personnel across the festival. Traffic management will also be reinforced, with 216 staff from the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) assigned to key routes. Nicole Hao Bian Ledesma, president of the Davao Tourism Association (Data), supports the initiative. The festival’s budget remains steady at P21 million, matching last year’s allocation.
Duaw Davao 2026 will run for a full month, featuring cultural, religious, and entertainment events. With stronger security, traffic control, and a growing tourism sector, organisers are confident the festival will boost local visitor numbers. The event officially kicks off with the historic San Pedro Cathedral fiesta.
