DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / March 5)—Former President Rodrigo Duterte, who also served as mayor for over two decades, will be the lone 2024 Datu Bago awardee.
Davao City Councilor Pilar Braga, who also chairs the Datu Bago Awards Organization (DBAO), said it is high time for Duterte to receive the award as the “most deserving Dabawenyo.”
When asked if the former president committed to attend, Braga said they had sent an invitation for him and his family to attend the ceremony on March 13, in Matina Enclaves Residences in Ecoland West Drive.
The Duterte clan raised in Davao City includes his children with his former wife Elizabeth Zimmerman: Sara, the incumbent vice president; Paolo or “Pulong”, the incumbent First District congressional representative; and Sebastian “Baste,” the current city mayor.
Veronica, or also known as “Kitty,” is his daughter with his current domestic partner Honeylet Avanceña.
“I pray that he will attend, because you know naman, former president Rodrigo Duterte is a very humble guy. He will just say, ‘naku, may mga award na naman’ (oh, awards again),” Braga said during the Aprubado sa Konseho press conference at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Tuesday.
“But whether he comes or not, the award is really intended for him,” she added.
Braga added that there had been five other nominations for this year, but they will be in consideration for next year’s award.
The Datu Bago Award, the highest honor given by the City Government of Davao, recognizes individuals who have demonstrated “exemplary leadership, outstanding service, and significant contributions to the welfare and advancement of the people of Davao City.”
In a press release, the DBAO said that Duterte’s tenure as mayor had witnessed “remarkable progress in various aspects, including peace and order, infrastructure development, social services, and economic growth.”
“The Datu Bago Award serves as a testament to Rodrigo Duterte’s enduring legacy and his profound impact on the development and advancement of Davao City. His dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to public service continue to inspire generations of leaders and citizens alike… thus, making him the pride and joy of every peace-loving Dabawenyo,” it said.
A known populist, Duterte had been mayor of this city for over 22 years from 1988 to 2016, before becoming president in 2016, replacing Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
In 2010, he was elected vice mayor, succeeding his daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio, who was elected as mayor. He also served as congressional representative from 1998 to 2001. (Ian Carl Espinosa / MindaNews)
