The City Government of Davao formally recognized 140 awardees, including top taxpayers, top real property taxpayers, and the Hall of Famers from the private sector during the 88th Araw ng Dabaw’s Pasidungog 2025: Garbo sa Dabaw held at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier, March 13, 2025, Thursday. 

In his opening remarks, read by City Vice Mayor Atty. J. Melchor “Jay” Quitain Jr., City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte commended the awardees for their efforts in building a steadfast and resilient Davao City. 

“The contribution of all the awardees have enabled Davao to become a globally livable city and a center of excellence in governance, investment, tourism, climate change adaptation, disaster resiliency, and sustainable growth,” the mayor said in his speech.

All awardees were given a token and a certificate of recognition, handed over by City Administrator Atty. Francis Mark H. Layog, and the City Mayor’s Deputy Chief of Staff Atty. Jonah Margarette F. Presto. This year’s token featured an intricate golden sculpture of the soaring Philippine Eagle, designed by visual artist and 2017 Datu Bago awardee Rey Mudjahid “Kublai” Ponce Millan.

Awards were given to the Top 10 Taxpayers, Top 10 Real Property Tax Payers, and individuals and organizations who contributed to the city’s Economic Development; Urban Infrastructure, Housing and Resettlement; Cooperative Development; Public Safety, Disaster, and Crisis Response; Health; Animal Health, Welfare, and Productivity;  Environment & Solid Waste Management, and Beautification; Social Services; Education; Transport and Traffic Management; Arts; Tourism; and Business Development.

This year, the city added The Hall of Fame, a new prestigious category that honors awardees who have made significant contributions to Davao City for the last three consecutive years. The 11 recipients of the Hall of Fame award are (1) Alorica Teleservices Inc., (2) Davao City Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (DCCCII), (3) ICT Davao, Inc., (4) Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), (5) NCCC Mall of Buhangin, (6) Placewell International Services Corporation, (7) VXI Gobal Holdings B.V., (8) Rabies Research Team of UP Mindanao, (9) Toril Community Cooperative, (10) European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, and (11) Ms. Gene Bangayan. 

During the Message from the Awardee segment, Ms. Gene Bangayan shared that together with her husband, they have committed themselves to the growth of the city’s business, transport, and tourism sectors out of their belief in Davao’s potential and love for its people.

“This recognition is also a powerful reminder that even one’s small contributions, when made with passion and dedication, can truly make a difference,” Ms. Bangayan said.

In his closing speech, Atty. Layog lauded all awardees for their incredible achievements which signify their dedication to the Dabawenyo community. 

“The individuals and organizations are not only recipients of awards but are also embodiments of a true Dabawenyo. But let us not forget that this ceremony is not just about the accolades – it is also about the growth, and the spirit of collaboration that has led us here today.”

Davao City local government officials conveyed their gratitude to JICA Chief Representative Sakamoto Takema and the Japanese people for advancing development in the city through many projects, including the Davao Bypass Road network, flood control and drainage improvements, and the wastewater management master plan, among others. The city officials look forward to continuing their collaboration with JICA. They requested additional assistance to further boost development in the city and the Mindanao region, aligning specific infrastructure projects to JICA’s cooperation initiatives. Chief Sakamoto likewise expressed his appreciation to the officials for their support of JICA’s projects and commitment to expanding JICA’s cooperation in Davao, which he considers his second home.  

Mr. Sakamoto visited Davao City on 26-27 February 2025 to meet with Mayor Sebastian Duterte and other officials before his official term ends in March of this year. Among those present were Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain, Coun. Myrna Ortiz, DCIPC Officer in Charge April Marie Dayap, Atty. Francis Mark Layog (City Administrator), Engr. Ivan Cortez (City Planning Development Office Coordinator) and Atty. Tristan Dwight Domingo (City Administrator for Administration). Chief Sakamoto also underscored JICA’s achievements in the recent three years, particularly in project implementation, Official Development Assistance (ODA) for Davao big-ticket infra projects, and even trainings for Bangsamoro officials and staff in Japan.  

The European Union (EU) to the Philippines Ambassador Mariomassimo Santoro, paid a courtesy call to Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte, with his intent to discuss EU-Philippines relations and explore potential areas of mutual interest. 

The courtesy meeting took place at Arcadia Event Center, Matina, Davao City, on February 26. It was also attended by Mr. Frederic Grillet, Political Officer at the EU Delegation to the Philippines; Ms. Ada Pesämaa, Attaché in the Delegation of the EU to the Philippines; and Ms. Maui Tobias, Assistant to the Head of Cooperation (EU).

During the meeting, Ambassador Santoro said they pledge to support the city and the whole Mindanao not just in development assistance but to provoke and attract investors and tourists to go in the region. 

“We also wanted to help clarify the usual issue of European countries such as the negative advisory given in specific areas in Mindanao,” Mr. Santoro said.

He also emphasized the push for initiatives towards a ‘circular economy’ in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), just as the former European Union ambassador Luc Veron highlighted, remarking that as a developing country with a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, “the Philippines is uniquely positioned to leverage the opportunities presented by the circular economy and become a champion in sustainable business practices.”

Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte underscored the rapid growth and economic development of Davao which resulted to issues related to the same. However, the local government had considered it as a “good problem” as it signifies the flourishing and progressive industry the city has at present.

“The people of Davao right now are battling with congestion, it used to be a ‘laid back’ city with just the right amount of people, but ever since economic activities stimulated ever since the presidency of the former president, so a lot of people got interested in investing and goes here for job opportunities,” Mayor Duterte said.

Ambassador Santoro also said they eye to invest in agriculture such as assistance in value-adding and other processes, which is beneficial for Davao City for its vast area of land. He also discussed pushing for a ‘green economy’, which is an alternative to today’s dominant economic model, which exacerbates inequalities, encourages waste, triggers resource scarcities, and generates widespread threats to the environment and human health. 

Mayor Duterte said that the area of Calinan, Davao City could be a good start as an agricultural land to invest in as the area produces cacao and other agri-commodities.

In a separate note, Ambassador Santoro said he was well-impressed with how the students in Davao City universities have been knowledgeable and educated when it comes to politics and the governance in the country.

Mayor Duterte also expressed its support with the delegation’s plans to invest in Davao City’s agriculture sector, stating that the initiative will develop strong mutual cooperation among the two parties.

To expand its network in the areas of education in the city, the former Consul General of Japan in Davao and the former Ambassador of the Solomon Islands, Mr. Miwa Yoshiaki, together with his brother, Mr. Miwa Toyoaki, paid a courtesy call to Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte at Arcadia Event Center, Davao City on February 18.

During the meeting, Mr. Miwa Yoshiaki, the current president of the Mindanao-Japan Science and Science and Technology Platform (MJ-STep), expressed their interest in providing scholarships specifically to students enrolling in the field of Science and Technology. 

MJ-STeP, founded by Mr. Yoshiaki’s brother, Mr. Miwa Toyoaki, aimed to contribute to the development of academic and research exchanges and foster industrial growth in the Philippines and other countries. The scholarships are awarded to outstanding master’s or doctoral degree candidates and researchers in science and engineering. 

Four universities in Davao have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MJ-STeP namely: the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UP Mindanao), the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) and the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP). 

Host universities for MJ-STeP scholars are Kyoto University, Hiroshima University, Tohoku University, and the Institute of Science Tokyo. MJ-SteP also provides a scholarship for Japanese language teachers from Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku (MKD) in Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. 

The scholarship is awarded to outstanding master’s or doctoral degree candidates and researchers in science and engineering. Scholarships with a duration of 2 to 3 years are awarded annually.

On a separate note, Mr. Yoshiaki said they are keen on promoting business matching in the city, as this will unlock new opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and job creation, ultimately enhancing the city’s competitiveness and prosperity. 

He also pledged to support projects such as improving cacao and other agri-commodities, renewable energy, waste management, and flood-control-related projects.

In response, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte said the projects mentioned by the former consul general will be helpful for the city’s food security, as the city has an abundant land to utilize. 

“I want my people to be fed, educated, and also healthy. I’d like to focus more on agriculture and promote agribusiness, as this can generate revenue because we still have so much land that we can utilize,” Mayor Duterte said.

Meanwhile, Atty. Jonah Presto, City Mayor’s Office Assistant Chief-of-staff, said agricultural projects could be piloted within the 15 hectares of land located in Malabog, Paquibato, where soil analysis and crop rotation could be initiated.

Mayor Duterte said the city is willing to cooperate with the said projects, remembering that Davao City and Japan have a long history of friendship. 

A high-ranking official of the British Embassy in Manila, Philippines, recently paid a courtesy call to Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte, duly represented by Vice-Mayor Atty. J. Melchor Quitain Jr., as part of their initiative to visit local government units around the country and explore potential areas of cooperation. 

The courtesy meeting was attended by Mr. Andrew Bowes, British Embassy in Manila Political counselor, Ms. Noelle Agudelo, Political Support officer, and the Davao City Investment Promotion Center, Mr. Christian Cambaya, and held at Matina Enclaves, Davao City on February 17. 

Mr. Bowes explained that learning the city’s key priorities could help them voice their support on suggesting lifting travel advisories issued by their government against Davao and Mindanao.  The improvement of the travel advisory will help attract British tourists and investors to visit and explore Davao and the island. 

Davao City Vice-Mayor Quitain then emphasized that Davao City has been striving despite the challenges through the effort and collaboration of the private and public sectors.

Vice Mayor Quitain underscored that Davao City possesses fertile agricultural lands suitable for agri-business and production, which provides farmers with more livelihood opportunities and food in the market. He also emphasized that Davao has international direct flights, increasing industrial factories, and business conferences, which were also concluded as a “post-Covid 19” progress for the city. 

On the other hand, heavy flooding in some areas of the city, mass transportation, and traffic congestion, are some of the concerns that Dabawenyos continue to face. Vice Mayor Quitain stressed however that traffic could be a good indicator of progress as neighboring cities and regions regularly visit Davao City for leisure accommodation and other business transactions.

Mr. Andrew Bowes, Political Counsellor for the British Embassy in Manila, emphasized the United Kingdom’s (UK) strong interest in expanding investments in renewable energy—an area with significant potential for development in Davao City and the broader Davao Region.

With over 25 years of diplomatic experience across Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe, Mr. Bowes said that the UK plays a key role in helping the peace process in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and human rights.

The UK and the Philippines, both outward-looking island nations, share a deep commitment to democracy, trade, investment, and multilateral cooperation through the United Nations. Beyond strong government-to-government ties, the two countries foster dynamic engagements across all levels of civil society.

In addition, the United Kingdom is currently the largest European investor in the Philippines, and most European tourists who visit the Philippines come from the United Kingdom, with about 90,000 visitors yearly.

Distinguished delegates from Hitachinaka City, Japan, recently paid a courtesy call to Davao City Vice-Mayor Atty. J. Melchor Quitain Jr., expressed their keen interest in exploring opportunities for economic exchange and local expansion within the city.

The courtesy call was held on Thursday, February 13, on the 3rd floor of the new Councilor’s Lounge of Sangguniang Panlungsod, San Pedro St., Davao City. The delegation was led by Deputy Mayor Kouji Yoshidomi, accompanied by representatives from the Hitachinaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

During the meeting, April Marie Dayap, Officer-in-Charge of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center, highlighted the significance of this engagement in strengthening the ties between Davao City and Hitachinaka City.

“We are excited to explore new opportunities for collaboration, economic growth, and mutual development,” Ms. Dayap stated.

Deputy Mayor Yoshidomi echoed this enthusiasm, expressing optimism about the future economic relationship between the two cities. He recalled signing an economic friendship agreement between the Hitachinaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Mindanao Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2018, followed by another agreement with the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2019. However, he noted that these exchanges were hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This time, I visited to gain a deeper understanding of the current economic landscape in Davao after the pandemic and to discuss avenues for future exchanges between our cities,” the Deputy Mayor remarked.

Vice-Mayor Quitain warmly welcomed the delegation, expressing his gratitude for their visit. He emphasized that their presence paves the way for fruitful discussions and will further solidify the partnership between Davao City and Hitachinaka City.

During their visit, the delegation also participated in Emperor Naruhito’s 65th Birthday Reception, hosted by the Consulate General of Japan at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City.

Hitachinaka City, an industrial port city located 110 km north of central Tokyo and northeast of Mito City, the capital of Ibaraki Prefecture, boasts a strategic location near Tokyo with access to major transportation hubs, making it an attractive destination for businesses and investors. Historically developed as a company town for Hitachi group factories, the city remains heavily influenced by the Hitachi corporation. Beyond its industrial prowess, Hitachinaka also thrives in sectors such as commercial fishing, shipping, agriculture, and seasonal tourism. Notably, the city is renowned for its dried sweet potatoes, a specialty product made from locally grown produce, which has gained recognition for its quality and distinct flavor.