VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte paid tribute to the resilience of her fellow Davaoeños during an interview with the media at the Parada Dabawenyo on March 28, marking the 89th founding anniversary of Davao City.
The Vice President highlighted the city’s dramatic evolution, recalling a past when the region was defined by instability.
“Davao’s journey has been long and difficult,” Duterte said. “From the days when it was chaotic—a stronghold of criminals and the NPA—it is now a peaceful and prosperous city.”
Duterte attributed this transformation to divine blessing and the collective discipline of the people.
She expressed her gratitude to the community for participating in the month-long festivities designed to “give honor to our most beloved city.”
The ‘Araw ng Davao’ Spirit
The Parada Dabawenyo serves as the centerpiece of the city’s annual celebrations, showcasing the diverse culture and economic growth that characterized the region over the last nine decades.
The Vice President’s presence at the event underscores the Duterte family’s deep roots in the city’s political and social fabric.
As Davao marks its 89th year, the local government continues to focus on sustaining the “peace and order” model that the Vice President credited for the city’s current status as a premier urban hub in Mindanao.
