Five Dabawenyos will be conferred as this year’s Datu Bago awardees in time for the celebration of the 88th Araw ng Dabaw.
Datu Bago Award is the highest honor bestowed by the city government of Davao as recognition to individuals whose extraordinary contributions have shaped Davao City’s growth, enriched its communities, and left a lasting legacy of excellence and service.
Councilor Pilar Braga, chair of the Datu Bago Awardees Organization (DBAO), Inc., named this year’s distinguished awardees during the session at the City Council on Tuesday and they are the following: Luis Alfonso Ybanez Aboitiz (Posthumous)-Innovation, for pioneering corporate social responsibility initiatives at the Davao Light and Power Company, transforming community engagement, championing education by donating school buildings and learning facilities, and modernizing public safety through the city’s 911 emergency response system.
Perla Pichon Kwan (Leadership in Education) for pioneering academic excellence as founder of Precious International School of Davao and her contributions to educational literature.
Maria Antoinette Tiukinhoy Pamintuan (Creative Arts) for elevating Davao City’s global presence in the design industry and supporting local artists.
Protacio Tan Tacandong (Business and Finance) for upholding ethical business practices and fostering financial transparency that strengthened the city’s economic landscape.
Josefina Carriedo-Tionko (Visual Arts) for her advocacy in nurturing the city’s artistic community through leadership in the Dabawenyo Artists Federation Inc. (DAFI) and initiatives such as the Davao Artfest.
Braga also mentioned that a plaque of appreciation will be awarded to Oscar Ong for his unwavering humanitarian service.
Braga added that through Operation Care Abroad (OCA), Ong has spearheaded medical missions from the U.S. offering free, life-changing surgical care to indigent patients in Davao City and the Davao Region.
“His dedication has provided hope and healing to countless individuals, exemplifying the spirit of generosity and compassion,” she said.
Braga announced that Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, along with the Board of Trustees and members of the Datu Bago Awardees Organization, Inc., will lead the awarding ceremony on March 7, 2025, at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.
