Kadayawan Family History Exhibit Draws Thousands of Davaoeños at Sangguniang Panlungsod

In celebration of the 33^rd Kadayawan Festival in Davao City, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in partnership with the City Government of Davao showcased a Family History Exhibit.  

The exhibit featured FamilySearch, the largest resource of genealogical and historical records in the world. The event ran from August 8-10 and 13-15 at the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Davao City.

The 6-day event concluded with 913 registered accounts and around 3,000 patrons who were given an introduction to FamilySearch, including Vice Mayor Bernard Al-ag and Councilor Marissa Abella who both came to visit. More than 300 volunteers from the Church assisted in the exhibit tours and online registration.

Visitors who have registered to the website will have a lifelong access to FamilySearch where they can continue building their family trees, store memories, and upload family photos.

On Wednesday, August 8, government officials, the media, Church leaders and volunteers attended the opening ceremony. Ms. Barbara Carla Echavia, Administrative Officer of the Office of the City Mayor; Ms. Hannah Cris Azcona Echavez, Chief of Staff of Vice Mayor Bernard Al-ag; Ms. Winnie Rose Galay-bulig, OIC of Museo Dabawenyo; and Ms. Charito Santos, Sangguniang Panlungsod Secretary joined Elder Ferdinand Pangan, Church Area Seventy, in a ribbon cutting ceremony.

According to Davao Administrative Officer Barbara Carla Echavia who spoke on behalf of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, she said, “On behalf of the City Government of Davao, let me congratulate The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for this Kadayawan Family History Exhibit – an endeavor that will allow us to not only reminisce about our past and remember stories about our family members but actually learn how we can keep these memories and stories for the future generation”.

The Davao City Mayor said that an exhibit is a timely event since Kadayawan Festival is the city’s way to acknowledge the past and celebrate the cultural heritage bequeathed to Davaoeños.  

Speaking to the people of Davao, Pangan, who also shared his address during the opening ceremony said, “Since we have centered our celebration with our first peoples, the aborigines, may we continually preserve the history, culture, and memories of these people including our very own lives and families through availing of the free service provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”.

Local congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have previously conducted projects supporting family welfare programs in the city. The recent Family History Exhibit marked its fourth year, following the 2016 event held at Abreeza Mall, Davao City. Its commitment to helping people connect with their ancestors is rooted in the belief that families are central to our lives and that family relationships are intended to continue beyond this life. An important part of acting on this belief is doing family history.

Other highlights of the exhibit were the displays of the genealogies of Jose Rizal, Fidel V. Ramos, and Jesus Christ. It also showcased the genealogical records of Mayor Sara Duterte & Vice Mayor Bernard Al-ag.

FamilySearch, as a non-profit organization, mainly relies on the support of volunteers throughout the world. These volunteers can provide personal assistance and knowledge of genealogy research. This help can be accessed for free through the Family History Centers worldwide.

In the Philippines, there are over 180 Family History Centers with over 1000 volunteer consultants and Church Service Missionaries.

Davaoeños who are interested in building their family trees may visit any of the following Family History Centers located around Davao City, upon appointment:

LDS Family History Center – Claveria

Ms. Barbara Insong

0929-230-9585

LDS Family History Center – Buhangin

Ms. Lourdes Santillas

0948-674-2838

LDS Family History Center – Mintal

Ms. Joy Mirasol De Dios

0998-581-0087