Davao city: The City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) announced Wednesday that the city government has allocated about PHP50 million to support the key events of the 89th Araw ng Dabaw celebration next month. In a press briefing, CTOO representative Mizzy Porol said the budget will cover the festivities scheduled from March 1 to 28.

According to Philippines News Agency, the celebration has been extended to the last week of March, unlike past celebrations which lasted for two weeks. Among the highlights of the month-long celebration is the Ironman 70.3 triathlon, set for March 20, 21, and 23. Another major event coinciding with the Araw is the centennial celebration of the iconic Davao City Hall, which will be restored to its original neoclassical fa§ade.

Porol mentioned that the city has sought assistance from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and other partner offices to help fund the restoration. This includes repainting the building back to its original white color, repairing windows, and installing lights to illuminate the fa§ade at night. Designed in 1926 by renowned architect Juan M. Arellano, the building was originally constructed as the Davao Municipal Hall when the city was still a town. Despite damage during World War II and renovations in 2017, its neoclassical fa§ade has remained intact, preserving its historical character.

Porol added, "We would like to invite everyone to celebrate with us. It is much more memorable this year since we will also be marking the City Hall's 100 years." Last year, the CTOO recorded more than 200,000 tourists during the Araw ng Dabaw festivities.