Davao:No fireworks during Chinese New Year fest on January 26

By Grace L. Plata



THERE will be no fireworks during the Chinese New Year Festival on January 25-26 in Davao City.

Dabawenyos could only view the fireworks display on a wide-screen live from China when the clock strikes midnight.



Festival secretariat chair Patricia Melizza Ruivivar said Chinese Dabawenyos initially proposed a fireworks display in the city but Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte stood firm on the firecracker ban.

"Pwede naman but not within the jurisdiction of Davao City. Like what was done during the Asean Tourism Forum, the firecrackers were flown to Butuan, transported to Panabo and carried through a ferry to Samal. Kung meron mang ganun, it would be a private initiative. Davao City remains firecracker-free," Ruivivar said.

Ruivivar was quoted on a local television news last Thursday as saying “a fireworks display will form part of the celebration. There will be, but only onscreen.”

A street concert during the eve of the Chinese New Year will make way for the countdown.

"Meron din drum beating performances and the fireworks will be shown live complete with sounds. They aim to create an experience na parang andun din kayo. Kita at rinig lahat," Ruivivar said.

Aside from the night market, the festival will also include a free showing of Chinese films focusing mainly on history and culture.

"We have an alternative celebration. This is the most unique kasi nga walang fireworks talaga. Our guests include the Consul General of China and Ambassador Alfredo Yuchengco who promised to fund the 3rd Chinatown arc," Ruivivar said.

She added that a lavish celebration is fitting since Davao can pride itself for having the largest Chinatown area in the Philippines, dwarfing even the renowned Binondo in Manila.