Christmas in Davao

Christmas in Davao

It’s impossible to say that it is quiet in Davao.  Always something is going on - and even if it is only the traffic, to get upset.

But so close to Christmas,  it would be better to emigrate temporarily. There are simply too many people and cars there. Although it is a nice in the evening, to admire the illuminated Christmas decoration: laterns, deers, stars and “snow” falling from the trees.

It is estimated that this year there are even more Lumads than last year and there  it were - according to official estimates - about 16,000 Lumads. These people are  again housed at the various basketball courts and receive food and medical care and are allowed  to ask for Christmas donations at every corner of the city - again this year.

Even at the City Bus Station there is a hive of activity. It is said that this Christmas and about New Year ca.700  buses come and go every day. And these  bring ca. 40,000 people in the city, because the malls offer great specials and nice entertainment.

Yes, here comes the  Christmas spirit and you do the best to spend these days t on the beach under palm trees with good food.

With best regards,

Ludwig from Davao

about 12,000 families leaving Davao today

about 12,000 families leaving Davao today

Since the beginning of December the lumad are back in Davao.( With lumad one thinks of about the 17 groups of indigenous people who live in the mountains around Davao.) Just as every year - since 2007 - they were brought from the  City Social Services and Development (CSSDO)  office in Davao City  to celebrate the Christmas season and to ask  the inhabitants for Christmas gifts. "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!". It is an officially allowed  begging.

The city provides them with sleeps in the 8  basketball arenas and fed them all the time. Also medical care is provided. You can hear them  from afar with their guitars brand "yourself" and with the drums, stretched with  a string  and beat  it in a crazy rhythm .

This year there were almost 12,000 Lumad families = 40,000 people, some in old costumes . And there were about 2,000 families  more than last year. Today, December 26, they are brought back again by trucks and a big Christmas celebration will take place - as it is common. "It's more fun in the Philippines!"

With best regards,

Ludwig from Davao