VP Sara's visit brings joy to park visitors butmomentarily holds back park-goers.
In the heart of Davao City, Magsaysay Park was the centre of attention during Vice President Sara Duterte's visit for the Kadayawan Festival on August 11, 2025. However, the temporary closure of certain areas within the park caused a stir among some visitors and netizens.
Mark Perandos, a Dabawenyo, expressed his frustration on social media about the closures and delays that occurred during the visit. He questioned whether Vice President Duterte was aware of the park's temporary closure due to her presence. Perandos suggested that people should still be able to celebrate Kadayawan despite the presence of VIPs.
Despite the temporary closures, the rest of Magsaysay Park remained open as usual. Visitors had to enter the park through the Sta. Ana Police Station gate, and the main entrance was closed during Duterte's visit. The tour included visiting traditional houses of Davao City's 11 ethnolinguistic tribes, with the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and then the Moro communities being the order of visit. Only the Pananam Tent and the Tribal Village were temporarily closed for security reasons.
Duterte joined a communal meal with dignitaries and deputy mayors representing each tribe during her visit. The engagement was her final event during her visit, which was also accompanied by diplomats from Malaysia and China.
The Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) Head Angel Sumagaysay clarified that there was no lockdown of Magsaysay Park. However, concerns about disrupting public access, ensuring security, and maintaining smooth event flow during VIP visits at cultural events are common. To mitigate these concerns, standard practices include advance public communication, clear signage and on-site staff, coordination with security personnel and local authorities, and offering alternative areas for public gathering or viewing.
Netizens shared their frustrations about the delays and travel distance on online platforms during Vice President Duterte's visit. Perandos, among others, expressed his thoughts on a better way to manage the park's closure during VIP visits. It is important to find a balance between ensuring safety and security for VIPs and maintaining public access during such events.
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