Former President Rodrigo Duterte to receive Datu Bago Award on March 13

DAVAO CITY – Former President Rodrigo Duterte will receive the Datu Bago Award 2024 for his outstanding and transformative contributions toward the progression and growth of this city on March 13.

DUTERTE (Keith Bacongco)

The Datu Bago Awardees Organization Inc. has expressed pride in recognizing Duterte as the recipient of this year’s Datu Bago Award.

The Datu Bago Award, the most prestigious honor from the City Government of Davao, is given to people who have shown incomparable leadership, service, and significant contributions to the welfare and advancement of this city’s people.

Duterte, fondly known as Mayor Digong or Tatay Digong, had a major impact on this city during his more than 20 years as a leader. He had shaped the city’s landscape and improved the lives of its people through innovative projects and policies.

He received praise for implementing an anti-smoking law that helped enhance this city’s cleanliness. This city experienced significant advancements across multiple areas, such as peace and order, infrastructure, social welfare, and economic expansion.

Datu Bago Awardees Organization (DBAO) chairperson Councilor Pilar Braga said Duterte’s steadfast dedication to fostering peace and safety has transformed this city into one of the country’s safest and most desirable places to live, earning widespread recognition nationally and internationally.

She said Duterte’s focus on inclusive governance and empowering the community has cultivated a sense of harmony, strength, and advancement among the people here, guaranteeing that everyone participates in this city’s path to success and development, leaving no one behind.

His widespread popularity enabled him to serve seven terms as mayor, navigating around term limits by holding positions as congressman and vice mayor. His rise from legal profession to politician began when he was named special counsel at the Davao City Prosecution Office in 1977.

“Let us reaffirm our commitment to building upon his legacy and working together towards a brighter and more prosperous future for Davao City and its people as we celebrate Rodrigo Duterte’s well-deserved recognition,” Braga said.

Braga said the Datu Bago Award proves Duterte’s dedication, vision, and devotion to public service. She added that it will serve as a source of inspiration for future leaders and citizens, cementing his position as a source of pride and inspiration for the people here. — Ivy Tejano