Every March 8th, the province of Davao de Oro celebrates its founding anniversary through its Bulawan Festival, a celebration of the gold-mining industry, and the rich heritage of the province.
The word "bulawan," which means "gold" in the local vernacular, is a fitting representation of the province's rich cultural heritage, indomitable spirit, and priceless natural resources.
Bulawan, a province with a rich history entwined with mining and agriculture, seemed like an appropriate theme for an event that aims to highlight the cultural and natural assets that characterize this region of Mindanao.
Gold district
The region is renowned for having abundant non-metal and metallic veins. In the past, it was well-known for the 1980s Mt. Diwalwal gold rush.
The majority of its small-scale mining enterprises are focused on extracting gold and other valuable metals like silver and copper. For this reason, Davao de Oro is often referred to as the Davao Region's Gold District.
Formerly known as the Anibina Bulawanun Festival, or just the Anibina Festival, it has been held every year since the province was established. The terms ani, which means harvest, and bina, which means gold veins, are combined to form the name.
Founding festival
The Bulawan Festival also honors the province's founding, a historic moment that took place under former President Fidel V. Ramos's watch.
Formerly a part of Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro was known as Compostela Valley. Davao del Norte's size made its division necessary, and dismantling it was considered the best way to address the timely provision of social and governmental services as well as to unleash the region's unrealized economic potential.
On January 30, 1998, Republic Act No. 8470 was enacted, formally establishing Compostela Valley. After being known as Compostela Valley, it was formally renamed Davao de Oro on April 17, 2019, following the enactment of Republic Act No. 11297, which was ratified on December 7, 2019.
What to expect
The Bulawan Festival is held in Nabunturan, the Davao de Oro capital. A day of activities for indigenous people, conferences, a variety show, concerts, sports, entertainment, job fairs, trade fairs, tourism expos, tree planting, conferences, and fireworks are just a few to expect on this occasion.
Jewelers from all over the province come together for the Jewelry Bazaar, demonstrating artistry, originality, and skill in jewelry-making. This event also usually lures tourists outside of the province to join the festival.
Among other events are the Bulawan King and Queen pageants, and the Bulawanong Pasundayag dance competition.
The Bulawan Festival, in all its changes, is a living example of the province's dedication to respecting its heritage, highlighting its cultural diversity, and presenting the golden assets that make Davao de Oro a brilliant gem in the center of Mindanao.
