DAVAO CITY – Acting Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II launched a new grassroots initiative on Monday, July 28, relocating the traditional Monday flag-raising ceremony from City Hall to the barangays, kicking off with Barangay Talomo.

Duterte said city leaders should be present and active in the communities they serve for a more accessible and participatory form of governance.

“I stand here not just to attend a flag ceremony, but to bring the city government to your doorstep,” he told officials, employees, and residents of Barangay Talomo who gathered for the event.

“Public service starts with listening. If there are concerns in your barangay, this is your venue. If there are development projects you want to pursue, this is your chance to make them known,” Duterte added.

The consultation will enable residents to share their concerns, ideas, and appeals in a relaxed, face-to-face setting before local government leaders without the typical barriers of long lines and formal appointments.

To formalize the outreach, the Office of the Vice Mayor deployed a mobile help desk outside the barangay hall, staffed by city personnel ready to receive walk-in concerns and offer immediate support or referral.

“Do not hesitate to approach the Vice Mayor’s table,” Duterte told the residents. “We will do our best to listen, respond, and solve what we can. This is your city government, working for you and with you.”

Talomo residents warmly welcomed the initiative, many of who appreciated the city government’s effort to leave the confines of offices and directly engage with constituents.

“We’re happy to feel that the government isn’t just staying in the office but is truly reaching out to the people,” said resident Leonita, who praised the outreach as a hopeful step for the future of their barangay and the city.

With more barangay visits already in the pipeline, Duterte said that governance walks among the people and does not stay behind office walls in Davao City.