A decade may have passed since the Roxas Night Market bombing, but for the survivors and families of victims, the memory remains vivid and so does the City Government of Davao’s commitment to stand beside them by providing annual educational assistance.
Currently, out of 35 children from the affected families, seven of those beneficiaries have successfully graduated, while 28 beneficiaries continue to receive their annual assistance to pursue their education.
On September 2, 2026, through a solemn candle lighting ceremony at the memorial marker, the Davao City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), Mayor Sebastian Duterte and Vice Mayor Rigo Duterte joined the families and survivors in honoring the 14 lives lost and 68 others injured in the 2016 bombing.
City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in his remarks during the commemoration, called on Dabawenyos to embrace compassion and discipline as guiding values for peace.
“Ang akoang gusto sa inyoha mga Dabawenyo, kanang mag binut’an lang ta. Mutuman lang ta sa mga balaod unya higugmaa ang inyohang isig ka tao kay kani mga ingani nga butang, malikayan na. Ilabi na nga mag likay ta og mga diskriminasyon, mag likay ta og mga samok nga pwede nimo buhaton sa imohang isig ka tao nga maghatag lang og sakit sa inyohang mga komunidad (What I want for Dabawenyos is simple: let us be good to one another, let us follow the laws and take care of our fellow Dabawenyos because tragedies like this can be prevented. We must also avoid discrimination and refrain actions that can harm our community,” he said.
Duterte also underscored that equality under the law must be practiced daily, not just to be spoken about.
“Pinaka importante patas gyud tang tanan pag abot sa balaod, patas tang tanan. So mao na ang atoang timan’an, kung mao na ang atoang behavior unya atoa ipractice, tanaw nako mag arang-arang ug mas mahimong malinawon atoang kinabuhi ug mas mulambo (Most importantly, everyone must be equal under the law. If we practice this mindset, I believe our community will grow stronger, more peaceful and more prosperous),” he added.
For Nicole Larisa, a previous beneficiary, who now works on the frontlines as a CCTV Inspector under the Public Safety and Security Office, the city’s continued support opened doors beyond the financial aid, saying that the chance to work in the government has allowed her to give back to the city.
“Nangutana sila Mayor kung unsa pa ang ilahang matabang sa amoa, ni ingon akoang tito nga kung pwede tagaan ko og trabaho sa government, maskin asa nga agency. Pasalamat gyud ko sa Ginoo kay na hatagan ko og job offer sa Public Safety, under kay Sir Sumagaysay. Maong dako kaayo akoang pasalamat sa mga Duterte ug kay Mayor Baste sa pag pa sulod niya sa akoa diria sa government (Our Mayor asked how else they could assist us. My uncle asked if I can be considered for a government job in any agency. I am also thankful to God that I was offered a job in the Public Safety under Sir Sumagaysay. I am also grateful to the Duterte family and Mayor Baste for giving me this opportunity to serve in the government),” she said.
The City Government of Davao urges Dabawenyo to embrace the culture of security and make conscious choices to respect, protect and uplift one another to keep the city safe and united. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: E. Morata