Now in its 11th year, the LEAD Awards 2025 continues its proud tradition of honoring exceptional
Dabawenyos aged 40 and above who have made a significant impact on the city’s progress, pride, and
well-being. Founded by the Davao Jaycee Senate (DJS) and the Davao City Senate Foundation, the LEAD Awards remains the only institutional civic recognition in Davao that celebrates leadership, excellence, and enduring contribution across a wide range of fields.
According to Mr. Jason C Magnaye, the 2025, DJS President, “This year’s theme, “Honoring
Excellence, Inspiring Progress,” underscores the transformative power of individuals whose achievements
uplift communities and spark positive change. These honorees exemplify leadership rooted in purpose, a
deep commitment to service, and a legacy of impact that resonates far beyond their fields of work.”
“At the heart of the LEAD Awards is the belief that “service to humanity is the best work of life,”
reflecting the core values of the Jaycees. More than a recognition, the award is a call to action—to inspire a new generation of citizens to lead with integrity, work for the common good, and shape a better future for Davao”, Magnaye added.
Dabawenyos Making a Difference
Since the inception of the LEAD Awards, this defining phrase has captured the essence of what it
means to be a LEAD Honoree. “It is more than a line, it is a commitment to civic purpose and a visible standard for public leadership. Every recipient of the LEAD Award is recognized as a Dabawenyo who is making a difference, someone whose work has left a meaningful mark on the city and its people. Over the years, this phrase has become synonymous with the award itself, a lasting emblem of honor, service, and transformation”, said Mr. Manuel “Bobby” M Orig, Founder of LEAD Awards and 2003 President of DJS.
A Legacy that Inspires a Virtuous Cycle
Ultimately, the LEAD Awards aims to create a virtuous cycle of men and women who, inspired by
the achievements of the LEAD Honorees, will dedicate themselves to making Davao City a better place
to live and work. Through this enduring recognition, the Awards foster a culture where leadership, contribution, and personal integrity are both celebrated and emulated.
In honoring these individuals, the LEAD Awards shines a light on what is possible when purpose meets
action and reminds us all that the true measure of success lies in the lives we uplift and the legacy we leave behind.
LEAD Award is made possible through the generous support of individuals, organizations, and
corporations who share the belief that celebrating excellence is a powerful catalyst for community
transformation. Their contributions help sustain this noble initiative, ensuring that the spirit of service and leadership continues to thrive.
Since its inception, the LEAD AWARD has conferred upon 31 distinguished honorees.
HONOREES OF LEADERS AND ACHIEVERS OF DAVAO
2003
PRESIDENT: JCI Sen Manuel” Bobby” M Orig
LEAD Chairman: JCI Sen Leonilo “ Nilo” Claudio
- Mr. Antonio T. Uy – Public Service
- Ms. Joji Ilagan Bian – Business and Education
- Ms. Maria Margarita Moran-Floriendo – Community Service
- Ms. Carolyn O Arguillas – Journalism
- Mr. Joey Iñigo L Ayala – Arts and Music
2015
PRESIDENT : JCI Sen Jocelyn Tagle Ledesma
LEAD Chairman: JCI Sen Jesus “Toto” Mabaquiao
- PSupt Dionesio C Abude (Ret) – Public Safety and Community Service
- Ms. Lourdes Carmen “Bing” Dakudao-Locsin – Local Arts and Culture-Dance
- Dr. Leopoldo J. Vega – Public Health Service and Hospital Administration
2016
President: JCI Sen Richard Eric T. Tandoc
LEAD Chairman: JCI Sen Steve Lawrence M. Arquiza
- Mr. Alex V. Buenaventura – Development Banking
- Mr. Protacio T. Tacandong, CPA – Professional Service
- Ms. Perla P. Kwan – Education
2017
President: JCI Sen Jesus “Toto” Mabaquiao
LEAD Chairman: JCI Sen Luciano Dicky” Puyod
- Ms. Mary Ann “Baby” Montemayor – Tourism
- Ms Charita P. Puentespina – Agribusiness
- Dr. Guillermo B. Torres Jr. – Education
2018
President: JCI Sen Edeley Tarazona
LEAD Chairman: JCI Sen Louel “Wewe” Zambrano
- Mr. Dennis Uy – Business Entrepreneurship and Management
- Mr. Ireneo Dalayon – Agriculture
- Ms. Gina Marie Espejo – Business for Health and Wellness
2019
President: JCI Sen Luciano “Dicky” Puyod
LEAD Chairman: JCI Sen Adriano “Jun” Po
- Dr. Ronnie V. Amorado – Leadership Education
- Dr. Luz P. Acosta-Barrientos – Medicine
- Mr. Valente D. Turtur – Agribusiness
Suspended due to Covid 19 Pandemic
President: Steve Lawrence. M. Arquiza
2021
President: JCI Sen Gavin Tulio
LEAD Chairman: JCI Sen Dr. Bernie Al-ag
- Mr. Dominador Anino Lopez – Volunteerism
- Mr. Winchester Olivares Lemen – Environment
- Mr. Leo Tereso Abellera Magno – Education
2022
President: JCI Sen Anna Marie F Candari
LEAD Chairman: JCI Sen Florencio “Jun” Perez
- Ms. Felicitas “Joji” B. Pantoja – Peace Building and Marginalized Groups’ Upliftment
- PLT. Ma. Rosario Yambao-Suarez (Ret) – Volunteerism
- VADM Beethoven” Ben” N Sur PCGA -Volunteerism
2023
President: JCI Sen Danilo Marcos MC Gotera
LEAD Chairman: JCI Sen Anna Lorraine Lim-Santiago
- Lt Gen Greg T. Almerol PA – Peace and Order
- Arch Sherilla B. Porza-Sawah – UAP- Community Empowerment and Development.
2024
President: JCI Sen Lito Oasan
LEAD Chairman: JCI Sen Renauld N Candia
- Mr. Armando N. Blando – Advancement & Empowerment of IP Communities
- Ms. Noemi A. Amandoron – Advancement & Empowerment of IP Communities
- Mr. Agripino “Ping” Torres – Harnessing Cooperative Power for Community Development
