Ben Madilynn
For Raphael Emil Leo Ubarco, a 20-year-old resident, participating in this year’s parade was a celebration of his pansexuality. He expressed gratitude for the government’s role in embracing all citizens.
“I’m very thankful for this event organized by the government because it truly shows their embrace of all their citizens within Davao City, and I’m very grateful for that,” he said.
The Pride March is a cornerstone of Pride Month, dedicated to amplifying LGBTQ+ voices, celebrating their culture, and advocating for their rights.
This year’s parade was part of the new summer festival, Duaw Davao, organized by the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO). The festival, spanning from June 21 to June 30, included events like the Davao Music Fest, Duaw Davao SportsFest, Reyna ng Davao Coronation Night, Duaw Davao Pride Parade, Hugyaw Davao Night of Fun & Colors, Davao Tourismo Arts and Food Trucks Bazaar, Fiesta sa San Pedro: Paghiusayaw, and the Duaw Davao Inter-Barangay MLBB Tournament.
SunStar Davao’s Duaw Davao Festival special coverage is in partnership with the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) and sponsored by Santos Land Development Corporation, Converge, and Alsons Development. RGP
