The Province of Davao del Norte kicked off the Kadagayaan Festival 2016 to celebrate bountiful harvest, in celebration of the 49th Founding Anniversary of the province.

Amid mild rain, outgoing Governor Rodolfo del Rosario led the opening of the Agri-Tourism Trade Fair that copiously displayed various products from the eight municipalities and three cities of the province.

The event was held back-to-back with the oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected provincial officials, spearheaded by Governor-elect Anthony del Rosario.

In his speech, the outgoing governor recognized the Dabaonon people for wielding efforts towards bountiful Davao del Norte.

“Panahon na usab sa kasadya ug pagmaya samtang atong iselebrar ug magapasalamat kita sa ubay-ubay nga mga grasya ug panalangin nga atong nadawat sa milabay nga tuig”, del Rosario said.

The province was hit by El Nino in the last cropping cycle. Yet, the governor lauded everybody for their resiliency against the evident loss in agriculture.

Davao del Norte declared state of calamity as it incurred Php 883.5 million loss in agriculture affecting 36, 449.45 hectares of farming land according to the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office (PAgrO).

“Saludo kita sa kalig-on sa mga Dabaonon. Bisan gani ang dakong kadaot sa El Niño sa atong mga pananum, wala kini nakadaot sa atong determinasyon nga maglipay ug mapasalamat sa daghang mga panalangin nga gibubo sa Guinoo alang kanato”, del Rosario added.

Nightly activities and competitions also commenced until July 1.

This year’s festivity is anchored on the theme “Padulong sa Bulawanong Tuig; DavNor magpabiling the Best!” which manifests the province’s transformation through the years as it is set to celebrate its golden anniversary next year.

The Alay DavNor Walk, band concert and the grand fireworks display are among the highlights to conclude the celebration.