DAVAO CITY — The Datu Bago Awardees Organization, Inc. picked two individuals to award the most prestigious distinction given by the city in its annual celebration of the city charter day.
The decision was concurred by City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
Datu Bago Awards committee members, Pilar Braga and Marina Ruivivar named the two men Jesuit Father William Joseph Malley and Teody Boyli Roxas Perez, Ph.D.
They said Malley notched the award for his “contribution to peace and development in the grassroots communities of Davao City through ecumenical spiritual training programs that promote interfaith dialogue among Muslims and Christians.”
Perez, on the other hand, was conferred the award due to his “promotion of Filipino and Dabawenyo culture and arts through his exhibited works internationally”.
Datu Bago Awards 2016 gives honor to an individual who has contributed to the development of the City of Davao with exemplary competence and dedication. The awardee best serves as a model of excellence and an inspiration to the residents of Davao.
The award is in memory of Datu Bago, one of the bravest Davao chieftains who fought against Spanish colonizers.
It is the highest award that the Davao City government bestows on its constituents.
The 45th conferment of Datu Bago Awards 2016 will be one of the major events during the celebration of the 79th Araw ng Dabaw. It is set on Saturday, March 12 at the Royal Mandaya Hotel.
Last year, eight people received the Datu Bago Awards.(davaotoday.com)
