Former President Duterte feted with Datu Bago Award

DAVAO CITY – Former President Rodrigo Duterte was bestowed the Datu Bago Award in a ceremony at the Arcadia Event Center in this city on Wednesday, March 13.

However, the lone awardee of this year’s 52nd Datu Bago Awards did not attend the event. 

The elder Duterte is known for his reluctance to accept awards. His son, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, was also absent from the event. 

Vice Mayor J. Melchor Quitain Jr. received the award on behalf of the former Chief Executive.

THE Datu Bago Awardees Organization Inc. honored former President Rodrigo Duterte with the 2024 Datu Bago Award on Wednesday, March 13. The award was received by Davao City Vice Mayor Jay Melchor Quitain Jr. on behalf of Duterte. (Ivy Tejano)

“We are giving it to him (FPRRD) whether he likes it or not,” said Councilor Pilar Braga, Datu Bago Awardees Organization (DBAO) Inc. president, Board of Trustees, and a 2003 Datu Bago awardee.

Braga said Duterte was conferred the Datu Bago award for his outstanding and transformative contributions to peace and order, progress, and development here.

She defended the selection of Duterte which some people saw as straightforward and unquestionable and others as a contentious decision requiring further discussion.

Braga said that Duterte’s unique standing sets him apart from others.

She said that for the Board of Trustees, it is time for Duterte, who led this city's transformation from a turbulent locality into one of the most livable and competitive cities in the Philippines, to get the recognition he deserves.

“During his long stint as our city mayor, he has refused to receive any award or recognition for himself, humbly saying that he is only doing his job and should not be rewarded for it.”

Braga recalled that Duterte would send someone else, a most suitable person from the sector or field, to be honored.

Duterte firmly believed that any accomplishments attributed to this city during his tenure were not solely his doing. These were the result of collaborative endeavors by residents, he said.

The DBAO described Duterte as this city’s humble servant and a strong leader who is genuinely original and a phenomenon that inspired and motivated other leaders to step up and do the work needed to build Davao City.

Braga said Duterte is a leader who communicates and involves everyone in local governance. She added that he would step back and allow others to lead in areas where he lacked expertise.

“Duterte is a leader who is firm and tough against abuse and discrimination but very generous to the vulnerable and those who need help. He breaks norms and surprises,” she added.

Though the former President is far from perfect, Braga said Duterte’s heart is truly for the people he serves. She added that even if he is not in public office and is now a regular citizen, the DBAO is honoring him with the Datu Bago Award in time for the 87th Araw ng Dabaw celebration.

Mayor Duterte congratulated his father in a speech read by Quitain. 

He said his father has dedicated his life to public service and deserved the Datu Bago Award for everything he has done for this city and the Philippines.

Mayor Duterte  said the city government proudly presents the  award and thanked him for his service in behalf of the people here.

He believed his father left a legacy of strong leadership and positive change here as mayor for more than two decades through his unorthodox yet effective methods.

“You extended your dedication to public service and made known the potential of Mindanao by assuming the presidency and becoming the country’s first and only president from Mindanao,” Mayor Duterte said.

Mayor Duterte said that Filipinos experienced the elder Duterte’s leadership brand with an administration marked by various infrastructure projects, economic reforms, and a firm stand on foreign policies.

He said his father’s presidency left a lasting impact on Davao City’s trajectory, Mindanao, and the Philippines.

“You have done so much for Davao City and the Philippines. Your genuine care for us is still evident as you live a private life,” Mayor Duterte said.

The Datu Bago Award, the highest accolade presented by the city government of Davao, is given to people who have exhibited incomparable leadership and service and substantial contributions to the well-being and progress of the people here.