The city government gave recognition to 93 individuals and companies that have shown efforts toward the development of the city and the lives of the Dabawenyos.
The recognition was done through ‘Pasidungog,’ which is part of this year’s Araw ng Dabaw celebrations.
Among those recornized as one the ‘everyday heroes’ was Philip Duterte.
Duterte was a public school teacher assigned in Barangay Gumitan, the farthest barangay of the city. His determination to teach the Matigsalog tribe made him contract malaria.
He died of the disease and left behind two children. But his death served as an eye opener to the people of Barangay Gumitan to band against the killer disease.
In 2017, Barangay Gumitan was finally declared malaria-free, after the joint efforts by residents and the City Health Office against malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
Also recognized for his integrity was Ronie Caydan, a worker at the Davao International Airport who returned a bag full of cash and other valuables he found inside the airport toilet.
Dr. Mae Dolendo was recognized for her dedication to help children with cancer. She was the force behind Davao City’s House of Hope and the person behind the creation of the Children’s Cancer Institution.
Mayor Inday Sara Duterte said recognizing local heroes was in order as the city could not possibly reach its current status without their help.
“This recognition is important as we enter our 9th decade as a city because it serves to remind us that Davao would not be what it is today without Davaoeṅos and their friends helping each other,” Mayor Inday said. Davao City Information Office
