by JMD Abangan

TAGUM CITY (26 June) -- Flaglets are up and buntings unfurled for the week-long ruby jubilee celebration of Araw ng Davao del Norte.

The celebration is being shared with the provinces of Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental all of which would turn 40 on July 1.

Their mother Province of Davao was divided into three -- Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental through Republic Act 4867.

Davao del Norte has continued to come up with innovations in staging its annual anniversary.

Guesting in Kapihan sa Kapitolyo, provincial information chief Artemio Palijo Jr. said this year's celebration would be simple yet meaningful while cultural presentation in-charge Ulysses Casas described it as festive and innovative.

Palijo explained that this year's celebration would not incur so much expenses because most of the activities would be using local resources and that they would be conducted in a such a way that would bring out lessons for participants.

"Meanwhile, it would be meaningful because it would encourage community participation," he said.

Bannering the theme, Davao del Norte:Moving on!, this year's anniversary started off with the 6th Banakon Trail from June 23 to June 24. the annual sporting event is a road bike race from Tagum City, passing through Carmen, Panabo City, Sto. Tomas, Asuncion then back to Tagum.

Marking the celebration's formal opening yesterday, was the Tyangge sa Kapitolyo, displaying locally-made agri-products and hand-made items including Ukay-ukay (second hand clothings) and jewelry.

Held right at the vicinity of the Provincial Capitol, the week-long Tyangge sa Kapitolyo is a distinct feature in this year's celebration, highlighted with various "basking performances" designed to entertain visitors as they shop around at the Tyangge.

"It will be open to the public," Casas said.

Casas explained basking performances as outdoor presentations, choral, cultural renditions of various musical and cultural groups in Davao del Norte.

Of public attraction also was the dog walk and dog show organized by the Tagum City Kennel Club which Casas, also the club's president, aimed not mainly for high-class dogs appreciation but to "raise awareness on responsible pet ownership."

Learning opportunities during the week-long festivity are the Agri-business Opportunities Forum featuring Jatropha Curcas, rubber production, tree growing, goat show and seminar on goat raising.

Added activities are the job expo and passporting services, an open house for provincial offices which encourages the public especially students to take a look at what goes on inside the provincial capitol.