Durian Prices Drop as Kadayawan Month Comes to a Close
Davao City, Philippines -- Prices of the durian fruit of Southeast Asia has dropped following a surge in supply for the Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival in Davao City. The fruit, along with other fruits season are selling like hotcakes in the streets of the city even after the Kadayawan highlights were staged.
Formerly only seasonal, the fruit is now made available year-round although supply is at its highest in August, in time for the Kadayawan Festival. The fruit can now be bought at at least P30 per kilo. Aside from durian, prices for other Davao fruits like mangosteen, marang and rambutan have also dropped due to abundant supply from the highland farms. Independent vendors and cooperatives are now selling fresh fruits at at least P20 per kilo. The durian fruit is a symbol of Davao City and it has since been a central attraction for visiting travelers. Durian is known to “smell like hell but taste like heaven", a reputation owed to its pungent odor.
Davao City recently concluded the 30th Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival August 23, 2015. The festival, headed by City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and tribal dignitaries, attracted over 100,000 domestic and foreign visitors. Official visitor arrival count will be released in September.
The abundance of fresh produce in Davao City is the central theme of Kadayawan which is a thanksgiving festival for a bountiful harvest. During the festival, the 11 tribes of Davao City come down from their enclaves in the highlands and riversides to share their preserved culture with the rest of the city. Other tribes from nearby provinces also come to participate in the different cultural events.
Highlights of the annual Kadayawan sa Dabaw include Hiyas ng Kadayawan Tribal Beauty Pageant, Lumadnong Dula (Tribal Games), Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan Street Dancing Competition and the Pamulak sa Dalan Floral Float Parade.