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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.”