The City Government of Davao, in partnership with the Datu Bago Awardees Organization, Inc. officially conferred on March 18, 2026 the Datu Bago Award to six outstanding Dabawenyos for their work that have significantly given impact to the lives of Dabawenyos in the areas of public service, tourism, community livelihood, rural banking, civic service and visual arts.
The recipients of the 54th Datu Bago Awards this year are Eduardo A. Bangayan for Public Service, Gene C. Bangayan for Tourism, Maria Cristina Floirendo Brias for Community Livelihood. Alex V. Buenaventura for Rural Banking, Manuel M. Orig for Civic Service and Welehito N. Pepito for Visual Arts.
Vice President Sara Z. Duterte graced the event and extended deep gratitude to the awardees as they have touched lives through service, leadership, and opportunities that they have created.
She said that the awardees mirror the same courage of Datu Bago who shined in face of challenges, to serve a huge purpose, and to build something lasting.
“Your achievements tell the story that people can relate to: that progress does not come overnight and it does not come from one person alone it comes from ordinary people choosing everyday to do something meaningful to Davao City. In many ways you carry the spirit of Datu Bago today not with weapons but with integrity, commitment and heart. To our awardees thank you for showing us what it means to stand your ground, to serve your purpose and to build something that lasts,” she said, adding that their success is not theirs alone but also all Dabawenyo who believes in a better future.
In a speech read by Davao City Councilor J. Melchor Quitain Jr., Davao City Mayor Sebastian Baste Duterte recognized the contribution of the awardees in the city’s strong navigation to progress for nearly nine decades, drawing strength from the collaboration of government, businesses, and individuals working together to build a resilient city.
Duterte said that the tireless efforts of the local heroes reflected the collective hope and aspiration of every Dabawenyo to make a difference.
“To our outstanding awardees which serves the foundations upon which our community thrives, may you continue to serve as a testament to Dabawenyo spirit- exceptional, disciplined, steadfast, and resilient. It is our hope that you remain pillars of progress and source of inspiration, motivating every Dabawenyos,” the mayor added.
One of the awardees, Manuel Orig extended his gratitude to the City Government of Davao, organizers, family members, friends and the company he served for 55 years which allowed him to be instrument of the realization of projects that now help Dabawenyos achieve sustainable power and water. His civic works also allowed him to start an awards program which recognize Dabawenyos achievements from all walks of life.
Welehito N. Pepito said that he is grateful for the unexpected award he received, from his passion to capture a historical moment.
He was recognized for his contribution on the visual arts and preservation of cultural history.
He painted the 1848 battle, and The landing of Don Oyanguren in Malipano which he visualized from the pages of Davao Journalist and documentor of Davao History Ernesto Corcino.
“[It is that] battle that defeated Don Oyanguren’s forces in Bucana, Oyanguren lost that battle. It is a legacy nga nagpabilin sa Davao city karon (It is a legacy that remained in Davao City until today),” Pepito said.
These two paintings, according to Datu Bago Awardees Organization, Inc. President Pilar Braga, one of those who presented the awards, will soon be donated to the Museo Dabawenyo for it to be viewed by the public for free. CIO
Written by: K.Cañedo
Edited by: A.Nawal
Photo: J.Faelnar
