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city government of davao

China donates 580 wheelchairs to boost mobility for Davao PWDs

by Contributor May 21, 2026

written by Contributor

BY RHUELLA SALDUA/UM Intern

THE CITY Government of Davao formally received donations of 580 wheelchairs from the People’s Republic of China in a ceremonial turnover at Rizal Park, Davao City, on May 20, 2026, which underscored humanitarian cooperation and enduring friendship between the two communities.

The ceremony highlighted the shared commitment of both governments to improve the welfare of persons with disabilities by promoting accessibility, independence, and social inclusion.

The 580 wheelchairs will be distributed to qualified beneficiaries across the city, with the City Social Welfare and Development Office, in coordination with the Persons with Disability Affairs Office, leading the distribution process.

Speaking on behalf of the People’s Republic of China in Davao City, Consul General Zhao Xiuzhen described the donation as a gesture of goodwill and solidarity.

“These wheelchairs are symbols of respect, friendship, and care,” Zhao said. “In China, we believe that the true progress of a society depends on putting people first and ensuring that no one is left behind.”

She said that mobility is not only about physical movement but also about freedom, participation, and hope. Zhao also noted that shared values between the Chinese and Filipino people, emphasizing kindness and cooperation as key foundations of international friendship, and that the donation aims to help elderly individuals and persons with disabilities engage more actively in their communities.

“We hope that through these wheelchairs, our disabled and elderly friends can go out, enjoy the sunshine, interact with their neighbors, and experience more of life,” Zhao said.

Representing the city, Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government, highlighting the long-standing relationship between Davao City and China.

“Our relationship with China has always been more than just a partnership; it is a friendship nurtured through years of collaboration, cultural exchange, and shared aspirations,” Duterte said.

He cited previous initiatives supported by China, including infrastructure projects such as the Bucana Bridge and other programs that have benefited thousands of Davaoeños.

“Today, we add another milestone to that partnership with the donation of 580 wheelchairs for our PWDs,” he said.

Duterte assured beneficiaries of the city government’s continued support, including financial assistance programs and livelihood initiatives aimed at improving their quality of life.

He noted that subsidies for PWDs are expected to be released starting July 17, 2026, supported by a city ordinance that ensures regular funding.

“The government is here for you, and we will strive to ensure that your needs are heard and addressed,” Duterte said.

A total of 15 selected beneficiaries, mostly from the Poblacion area, were present during the turnover ceremony to receive the wheelchairs. The remaining 560 wheelchairs will be distributed through coordinated efforts between CSWDO and PDAO, ensuring that assistance reaches qualified recipients across the city of Davao.

The turnover ceremony concluded with a renewed call for collaboration in advancing programs that improve the lives of vulnerable sectors in Davao City.

May 21, 2026 0 comments

Sports

Davao City student-athletes to receive ₱25-K scholarship aid per semester

by Nova Mae Francas May 10, 2026

written by Nova Mae Francas

THE CITY Government of Davao has formally established a scholarship program for underprivileged student-athletes, who will receive financial and academic support when they compete at the regional and national levels.

Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte signed Executive Order No. 15 on May 5, 2026, creating the “Atong Taga-an og Oportunidad ang Nangandoy nga Atleta” (ATO NA) program targeting qualified, underprivileged athletes from junior high school through tertiary levels.

The city acknowledged the need to invest in human resources and cultivate skilled Davaoeños through scholarship programs for underprivileged students.

“Davao City has a considerable number of student-athletes who participate in regional, national, and international sports competitions, such as the Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) and the national Palarong Pambansa, who are seen to benefit from a scholarship program to support their studies and hone their skills,” the EO stated.

Each qualified scholar may receive a maximum of ₱25,000 per semester or academic year, depending on their level and type of scholarship.

The order establishes two tiers: a full athletic scholarship at the tertiary (university or collegiate level) and a partial scholarship for tertiary, junior, and senior high school.

Full athletic scholarship in tertiary (university or collegiate level) can avail P20,000 per semester covering tuition and miscellaneous fees; and P5,000 per semester to cover sport supplies and equipment subsidies.

Meanwhile, the partial athletic scholarship for tertiary can avail P5,000 per semester to cover sport supplies and equipment subsidies, and the same amount for junior and senior high school, but for the academic year.

The scholarship grant is strictly for the matriculation, tuition, other school fees, sports supplies, and equipment subsidies of the student-athlete.

Coverage for the tuition and miscellaneous fees shall be paid directly to the academic institution upon receipt of the full statement of account for every semester or at the beginning of an academic year.

The student-athlete will directly receive the coverage for sports supplies and equipment subsidies upon presentation of official receipts

To be eligible, applicants must be bona fide Davao City residents for at least three years and enrolled in a school within the city recognized by DepEd, CHED, the Alternative Learning System, or TESDA.

Applicants must have represented Davao City in regional or national sports competitions in the last two years and carry an endorsement from a recognized sports club, athletic coach, or the National Sports Association of their sport.

Academic requirements are strict: tertiary-level applicants must carry no incomplete or failing grades from the prior school year, while junior and senior high school applicants must have no grade below 80% in any subject.

Applicants currently receiving any other scholarship, financial aid, or grant from any institution are ineligible.

A residency exemption applies to athletes who have lived in Davao City for only two years, provided they have represented the city in competitions for two consecutive years, and their school is located within Davao City.

Applicants will be evaluated through financial need/ indigent status (30%); athletic potential and commitment (30%); endorsement from coach/ school/ barangay (10%); academic standing (15%); and interview/home visit assessment (15%).

The scholarship is valid for the entire duration of the academic program, provided that the student/athlete maintains strict compliance with all academic, athletic, and conduct-related requirements.

It covers only the prescribed number of years required by the chosen degree or program: five-year degree programs are valid for five years; four-year degree programs are valid for four years; and two-year programs are valid for two years.

The senior high school program is valid for two years, and the junior high school program is valid for four years.

The Department of Education-Schools Division of Davao City welcomed the initiative as a strong manifestation of the city’s commitment to empowering young Dabawenyo athletes.

“This scholarship program significantly supports the holistic development of learners by reinforcing the importance of balancing academics, discipline, leadership, and athletic excellence,” Reynante Solitario, DepEd Davao City Schools Division superintendent, told TIMES.

Solitario said many of the student-athletes face financial and personal challenges while striving to excel both in the classroom and in competitions.

“The ATO NA Scholarship serves as an inspiration and motivation for learners to persevere, dream bigger, and continue developing their full potential. It also strengthens our shared vision of nurturing resilient, healthy, and future-ready learners,” he added.

Photo from Davao City Sports Development Office

May 10, 2026 0 comments

News

SP honors EBSU scholar, Top 6 in PLE 2026

by Contributor April 14, 2026

written by Contributor

BY CLIFFORD JAMES L. DANDUAN/UM Intern

‎‎RECOGNIZING his outstanding achievement, the 21st City Council approved a resolution on Tuesday, April 14, commending Luigi Ballota Libarios, the lone Davaoeño topnotcher in the March 2026 Physician Licensure Examination.

‎Notably, the Brokenshire graduate Libarios placed sixth in the licensure examination with an average rating of 88.75%. The milestone served as a double victory for him, as he previously placed fifth in the 2019 Physical Therapists Licensure Examination with a 85.40% rating.

Councilor Lorenzo Villafuerte proposed the resolution in recognition of the “rare and commendable feat” of the Davaoeño topnotcher, who is also an EBSU scholar under the city’s Medical Education Assistance Program.

In his speech, ‎Villafuerte emphasized that Libarios’ success reflects his intellect and perseverance, as well as serving as an inspiration and a source of pride for Davaoeños.

‎”‎His accomplishment is not only a testament to his intellect and perseverance, but also a source of pride for Davao City. May his success serve as an inspiration to our aspiring professionals, reminding them that with discipline, sacrifice, and unwavering determination, excellence is always within reach,” he stated.

‎‎On the other hand, Libarios also delivered a speech thanking the City Government of Davao and local officials for continuing to support programs that benefit the people, such as the Educational Benefit System Unit (EBSU).

‎‎He said that he is a living testimony of how the city’s program works. He was also aware of his opportunity, considering that countless students had to stop their education for financial reasons.

‎‎In an exclusive interview, Libarios encouraged future applicants to persevere, highlighting that his experience applying for the scholarship program was not easy.

‎‎”I was hesitant at that time when I applied because the requirements themselves are long, and not all of the public offices are willing to give easy requirements. But again, continue to strive hard because I applied to EBSU not just once, twice, but thrice. First, I applied to college, and I was rejected. Second, I didn’t get accepted. But on the third try, I was accepted by EBSU, and luckily, they accepted my application,” he shared

‎Now, Libarios intends to teach first before proceeding with his training. ‎”I’m planning to go down the path of academics first, and then I’m planning to do training soon,” he shared.

‎Photo by BING GONZALES

April 14, 2026 0 comments

News

85 city government retirees honored

by Nova Mae Francas October 5, 2025

written by Nova Mae Francas

THE CITY government recognized 85 retirees during the Pagpupugay at Pasasalamat 2025 on Friday, Oct.3.

Acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, in his speech, recognized the dedication of the honored retirees to public service that was instrumental to the city’s development.

“After years, even decades of working in the City Government of Davao, let this day be a reminder that all your hard work and efforts are really acknowledged and will not be unnoticed,” Duterte said.

Ermelinda Gallego, who was one of the retirees, served as the city’s budget officer for 47 years.

She was the oldest in terms of public service.

“Working in this administration is the best experience. To our colleagues and supervisors, thank you so much for giving us support,” Gallego said in a message.

Melody Herrera, Davao City Human Resource and Management acting head, said the annual event is the city’s way of extending appreciation to the efforts of the retirees, which helped the city in its progress and good governance that it continues to uphold.

Each retiree received a plaque of appreciation from the city government for their relentless service.

October 5, 2025 0 comments

Education

DepEd, Davao City target to construct more classrooms

by Nova Mae Francas July 4, 2025

written by Nova Mae Francas

THE DEPARTMENT of Education-Davao City and the local government of Davao bared plans to establish more classrooms in city schools to address the classroom shortage.

Reynante Solitario, DepEd-Davao City schools division superintendent, revealed there are ongoing talks with the city government for the plans.

“This is part of the discussion in the Local School Board, kami ni Mayor Baste amo syang ginahisgutan paunsa maresolba nga problema,” Solitario said on Thursday in an interview with city-run disaster radio.

Initial plans were discussed during the ‘Parangal sa mga Atleta,” where Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte led the recognition of outstanding student athletes of the city.

“Not enough and atong Special Education Funds nga mo-provide sa atong classroom needs sa Davao City Division,” Solitario added.

To note, during the inaugural speech of Duterte, he emphasized investing in the education of children, especially addressing the classroom shortage.

Solitario said that at present, there are 4,053 shortages in all city schools, considering the ratio of 1 classroom to 30 pupils in the elementary level.

“We are hopeful that na ma realize na ang programa ni mayor just here waiting for that, and we assure our schools can provide documents needed for the establishment of new classrooms,” he stressed.

As of July 3, enrollment in the division has not yet achieved 100% compared to the previous enrollment school year figures, noting a 91% rate for public and private schools.

Solitario attributed this to the students transferring to other divisions or regions, as transferees are allowed to enroll pending their documents, which need to be requested from their previous school.

He, however, emphasized that late enrollees are still accepted despite the school year already starting three weeks ago on June 16.

Davao City schools are implementing shifting of classes to accommodate the students, but in terms of teachers, Solitario said the division received 300 items who are already deployed in various schools in the city that need augmentation.

July 4, 2025 0 comments