Behind every podium finish, every medal, and every round of applause stands an athlete who has persevered in pursuit of a dream that transcends athletic glory. To honor their hard work, passion, and dedication, the City Government of Davao, through the City Sports Development Division (SDD), recognized 217 outstanding Dabawenyo athletes on August 1 during the Dabawenyong Kampyon 2026: Araw ng Parangal at Pasasalamat.
These athletes did not only bring home medals and awards from international, national, and Batang Pinoy competitions, but also carried with them the pride and honor of Davao City. Of the total awardees, 36 represented the city and the country on the international stage, while 181 competed in the Batang Pinoy games.
Beyond the symbolic recognition, the City Government also backed its gratitude with substantial incentives. During the annual Araw ng Parangal at Pasasalamat, both athletes and coaches received cash incentives, medals, and certificates.
International and national gold medalists, along with their coaches, each received P30,000; silver medalists, along with their coaches, each received P20,000; and bronze medalists, along with their coaches, each received P10,000.
For Batang Pinoy gold medalists, along with their coaches, each received P15,000; silver medalists, along with their coaches, each received P12,000; and bronze medalists, along with their coaches, each received P10,000.
The cash incentives were granted following the guidelines outlined in Ordinance No. 0102-22, Series of 2022, as amended by City Ordinance No. 0239-23, Series of 2023, which institutionalized the Davao City Sports Excellence Incentives Program.
During the ceremony, SDD Head Mikey Aportadera expressed his congratulations to the athletes, emphasizing that they were not in the room by chance, but rather because they have earned their spot.
“Each single person next to you has sacrificed something to be here. Everyone in attendance didn’t get to this moment by chance,” he said.
“All of you have set the standards of excellence and goals way beyond the field. You have proven what is impossible when talent meets unbreakable work ethic. I am truly and incredibly proud of each one of you, and what you have achieved, but most importantly, I am even more proud of who you have become,” Aportadera furthered.
He reminded the athletes that victories do not define them, but how they fiercely fight back after every setback—that is what reveals their true character.
“Commit to the process. Keep showing up. Embrace the struggle, and build your legacy one repetition at a time,” Aportadera said.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in a message read by Vice Mayor Rigo Duterte, also assured Dabawenyo athletes that the city government remains committed to nurturing disciplined, resilient, and values-driven athletes.
“As we continue to strengthen our sports development in the city, we remain committed to nurturing disciplined, resilient, and values-driven athletes who excel with distinction in local, national, and international sporting arenas,” he said.
“Today’s celebration is a testament to the remarkable dedication, sacrifice, and outstanding achievement of our Dabawenyo athletes and coaches during the Batang Pinoy 2025 and various international competitions where you have proudly carried the banner of Davao City along with your hopes, and the pride and honor of every Dabawenyo,” the mayor added.
Meanwhile, the Tancontian siblings, Sydney and Chino, renowned for prowess in martial arts such as Sambo and Judo, expressed their gratitude for the continued support of the city government to young athletes.
“Unang-una, daghan daghang salamat sa Davao City Sports Development Office ug sa Davao City Government for supporting us athletes. Dako kaayo ni siya’ng tabang para sa tana’ng atleta, not only sa amoa, kay maalala ko noong batang pinoy rin kami, pag magka incentive mi yun ang drive namin, isa sa mga maging motivation namo kay after namo mudula naa mi bag-ong cellphone or kung dili sa lain naa mi i-grocery naa mi pangbaon, so dako siyang tabang not only for us nga nagmature na pero sa mga kabataan na yung achievement nila dili gipabayaan, girecognize ang ilahang achievements. I think isa yun sa mga magagandang way para iimprove ang sports youth development diria sa Davao. Kaning mga ing ani nga mga awards, mao ning first step para magproduce pa ta og mga world class nga atletang Dabawenyo (First of all, a huge thank you to the Davao City Sports Development Office and the Davao City Government for supporting us athletes. This is a tremendous help for all athletes, not just for us. I remember when we were also in Batang Pinoy back then—when we received incentives, that became our drive, one of our motivations. For example, after we played, we’d get a new cellphone, or if not that, we’d have groceries and extra baon (allowance/food). So it really helps, not only for us who are more mature now, but also for the younger athletes, because their achievements aren’t neglected—they are recognized. I think that’s one of the good ways to improve youth sports development here in Davao. Awards like these are the first step for us to produce more world-class Davaoeño athletes),” Sydney Tancontian said.
Both Sydney and Chino won several medals in international competitions including Chino’s Gold for Judo at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games held in Thailand last year, and Sydney’s Bronze for Sambo at the Grand Prix de Sambo de Paris. CIO
Written by: J. Villaluz
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: M. Perandos