THE City Government of Davao feted 246 individuals, civic groups, and companies during the 85th Araw ng Dabaw “Pasidungog: Garbo sa Dabaw Awarding Ceremony” held virtually on Tuesday, March 1, 2022.
Of the 246 awardees, eight (8) were recognized as “Everyday Dabawenyo Heroes” while 238 were private firms and civic groups honored for their contribution to the city’s various programs.
Recognized as “Everyday Dabawenyo Heroes” were Mr. Kenneth Brian Cangke- a security guard who rescued a child and a grandmother from a burning vehicle; Ms. Melaine Mendez- an educator, an SK councilor, a freelance violinist and an entrepreneur who provided learning kits for kids whose parents struggled financially during the pandemic; Mr. Kenneth Howell Nazareno- the owner of a multimedia services business, who volunteered to help teachers produce videos for DepEd TV; Ms. Rhian Delalamon- an administrative assistant in a real estate company in Australia and a dedicated Bantay Dagat volunteer supporting a non-profit Bantay Dagat association advocating for coastal rehabilitation; Ms. Cecilia Lopez- a 59-year old teacher who spent-28 years in daycare service; Mr. Roberto Palmares Puentespina Jr., who was given a posthumous recognition for his exemplary initiatives on environmental and wildlife conservation and his efforts in pursuing a waste-free Philippines; and, Mr. Jovanie Mendoza- a patrolman who rescued a person who attempted to take his life on the Bolton Bridge on Valentines Day.
And the number 8 “Everyday Dabawenyo Heroes” was the group – Bantay Bukid volunteers who rescued tourists who cannot cross rivers after visiting a waterfall in Carmen, Baguio District. The group is composed of Mr. Feleciano Aggas Landim, Mr. Jefrey Mosqueda Mailan, Mr. Ronel Lamodin Ilando, Mr. Joseph Oban Manandoon, Mr. Merjhone Aggas Mailan, Mr. Michael Bangcas Mie, and Mr. Reno Embam Landim.
The 238 private firms and community civic partners were recognized according to their areas of contribution namely business development, urban infrastructure housing and resettlement; cooperative development; environment and solid waste management and beautification; public safety, disaster, and crisis response; social services; health; education; animal health, welfare, and productivity; tourism; arts, development management, economic development; and, infrastructure.
During the event, the city government also recognized 10 private firms as top ten taxpayers namely Davao Light and Power Company, Therma South, Inc, Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) Inc. Huawei Technologies Phils., Inc. Holcim Philippines, Inc., Samsung Electronics Phils., Corp, PHILSAGA Mining Corporation, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc., Supervalue, Inc. – SM Supermarket Davao, and Mindanao Shopping Destination Corp – SM Davao Department Store.
And, the top ten real property taxpayers – Therma South Inc, Davao Union Cement Corp., Accendo Commercial Corp., DSG Sons Group, Inc., Southernpoint Properties Corp, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., Dynasty Management and Development Corp., Redbank Realty & Devt. Corporation, Megaworld Corporation, LTS Malls Inc.
In her message, Mayor Inday Sara Duterte lauded the contributions of these Dabawenyos, business firms, and groups to the socio-economic growth and development of Davao City.
She commended the private sector as the city’s long-time partners in directing the future of the city to greater heights. She thanked the top business and real property taxpayers that enabled the city to materialize its plans and programs for the community and the organizations and individuals who made their mark in various fields of cooperation.
The mayor said that the Araw ng Davao is a tribute to every Dabawenyo for displaying selfless acts of generosity, kindness, and love for one another, and for making Davao the vibrant city it is today.
Besides the “Pasidungog, the city government also marked the 85th Araw ng Dabaw with varous activities to include a Thanksgiving Mass, Opening Ceremony, Tilaw Dabaw, Hugyaw Dabaw All Stars, Pahalipay by PLDT-Smart, and Pahalipay: G Dabaw by Globe.
More activities and contests with prizes are still open for Dabawenyos which can be found on the Araw ng Dabaw Facebook Page and the City Government of Davao Facebook Pages. (CIO)
