Vice President Sara Z. Duterte has confirmed that she will be attending the celebration of the 86th Araw ng Dabaw next month.

In an interview Thursday, Duterte said that this early she is excited to join the face-to-face festivities after three years of conducting the event via online.

“As a Dabawenya, I am excited to celebrate the Araw ng Dabaw after the pandemic, and yes, I already committed to attend the Parada Dabawenyo,” the former Davao City mayor said.

According to the Vice President, the Parada Dabawenyo which will be happening on March 18 this year, has been a tradition for her to meet and greet with Dabawenyos and guests.

“Even when I was still the mayor, this event allowed me to have fun, meet, greet and thank the Dabawenyos, especially for their support to the local government,” Duterte said.

Meanwhile, the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) said that Dabawenyos who wanted to join the Parada Dabawenyo 2023 as a contingent can now access the forms online or can personally come to their office.

Jennifer Romero, the CTOO officer-in-charge, said that forms and guidelines for the Parada Dabawenyo are now posted on the official Facebook page of CTOO and at the Parada Dabawenyo 2023 page.

“Once they fill up the form, we will conduct an orientation before the date of the parade,” she added.

She said that applicants will have to submit their application forms and other requirements on or before March 6, 2023, the deadline for the application.

Romero likewise reminded that minimum health protocols will still be followed during the event. (PNA)