DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Davaoeños are gearing up for a big thanksgiving party for President-elect Rodrigo Duterte and his children, incoming Davao City mayor Sara Duterte Carpio and reelected Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte.

The party, dubbed “DU31: One Love, One Nation Thanksgiving Party,” will take place on June 4 at the Crocodile Park in Davao City.

“Davao is asking for [the party]. It is a thanksgiving of their whole family,” said Kat Dalisay, one of the event organizers.

The Dutertes have been informed of the event. Dalisay said there is an “80% chance” that the entire family will attend. The President-elect will likely be in Davao City at the time since he has said he would only fly to Manila on the day of his inauguration.

Because of the possible attendance of Duterte, Dalisay expects 100,000 to 200,000 people to show up at the party.

It will be held from 1 pm to 1 am. Entrance is free. The program will feature performances of local and Metro Manila artists. 

Davao City, Manila artists

The first part, from 1 pm to 8 pm, will consist of performances by “568 talents from all over Mindanao,” said Dalisay.

From 8 to 10 pm, the Metro Manila-based celebrities will take the stage. Television personalities like Vice Ganda and Carlos Agassi have confirmed their participation. Arnel Ignacio and Kat De Castro will be hosting this part of the program.

Musicians that helped out during Duterte’s presidential campaign are also expected to perform. Artist Jimmy Bondoc has said he will be there.

The dance party begins at 10 pm and will last until 1 am. Dalisay said Manila-based DJs like Joyce and Victor Pring, Katsy Lee, and Franco Zarate will be spinning together with Davao City DJs. 

Other businesses are ready to show their love for Duterte and his family. Dalisay said the Davao Baking Society will give out 5,000 Duterte cupcakes. 

“It’s like a very big birthday party for our president,” said Dalisay.

Given the rainy weather hanging over Davao City in recent days, Dalisay said she has offered eggs to missionaries for clear skies on June 4. 

“It’s always worked for my festivals,” she said with a chuckle.

“But it’s [pushing through], rain or shine. We advise people to bring raincoats,” she added.

Security issues 

Given the possibility of Duterte attending, security has been trickier to arrange, said Dalisay.

Organizers will have to coordinate with the Presidential Security Group. Dalisay said they have already been talking to representatives of 21 security government agencies, including the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

The agencies will deploy 4,500 personnel for the event, including members of the Air Force, she said.

Local police are also gearing up to provide security for the Duterte family and the attendees.

Philippine National Police Region 11 Director Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan advises party-goers to be ready to submit to strict security checks. He said they should be at the venue as early as 6 am.

He said that so far, the police have not heard of any security threat but that they are “preparing and anticipating for any possible threat.”

Medical mission, feeding program

Another component of the thanksgiving event is a medical mission and feeding program to be held at the People’s Park from 10 am to 1 pm.

The Doctors and Nurses for Duterte group will offer free check-up with a 911 emergency response unit stationed nearby. They’ve prepared for 1,000 patients, said Dalisay.

The feeding program, meanwhile, is ready to give 2,500 underprivileged persons “happy bags” that include hygiene materials and meals. – Rappler.com