For the first time in its history, the province of Davao Oriental’s festivities were transformed into a vibrant and colorful heritage festival in celebration of its 57th founding anniversary, featuring the first ever Kiay-kiay sa Kabilin on June 29, at the FGR Park and Baywalk, City of Mati.

The vibrant and talented performers of Caraga Mandaya Performing Arts Ensemble emerged victorious in showcasing the rich heritage, culture and traditions of the Mandaya tribe.

The first Kiay-kiay sa Kabilin (street dancing competition), which aims to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of Davao Oriental, was competed by six cultural dance groups across Davao Region. Below is the ranking and their prize for their well-deserved victory, which captured the hearts of the judges and audiences:

1st Place (P500,000) – CARAGA MANDAYA PERFORMING ARTS ENSEMBLE

2nd Place (P400,000)- KABILIN MINDANAW OF MALITA DAVAO OCCIDENTAL

3rd Place (P300,000)- MATIAO NHS SPECIAL PROGRAM IN THE ARTS

4th Place (P200,000)- CAGANGANAN DANCE ENSEMBLE

5th Place (P100,000)- LAMDAG CULTURAL ENSEMBLE- TRIBU BONSAYANON

5th Place (P100,000)- TRIBU BIMAMWA OF MARAGUSAN

The visionary leader and proactive Governor Niño Uy took the initiative to introduce a grand cultural festival as part of the province’s annual founding anniversary celebration in Davao Oriental. It is in the heart of the governor to put value on and celebrate the rich heritage and traditions of Davao Oriental, showcasing the diverse culture not just in the province of Davao Oriental but also in the entire Davao region.

The Provincial Government of Davao Oriental, under the dynamic leadership of Governor Niño Uy, will continue to preserve, conserve, and honor the unique traditions and practices that make Davao Oriental truly beautiful, not just in culture but also in nature. 𝑩𝒚 𝑵𝒆𝒍𝒕𝒐𝒏 𝑨𝒃𝒊𝒏𝒈 | 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒅𝒅 𝑩𝒂𝒚𝒓𝒐𝒏, 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒔 𝑱𝒂𝒚 𝑩𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒏, 𝑱𝑩 𝑹𝒂𝒊𝒏