Mindanao Times editor-in-chief Amalia Bandiola Cabusao is among the recipients of the 2017 Datu Bago Awards. MindaNews file photo by MANMAN DEJETO
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/13 November) — The Datu Bago Awardees Organization Inc. (DBAOI) is now accepting nominations for the Datu Bago Awards, the highest recognition given to Dabawenyos.
The award is bestowed on any Dabawenyo who has “contributed to the development of the City of Davao with exemplary competence and dedication and who best serves as a model of excellence and as an inspiration to the residents of Davao,” DBAOI executive director Maria Julieta R. Torres said in a press briefing Monday.
She said the search is open to persons of any nationality, living or deceased, born in or have been residents of the city for at least 10 years. But, for living nominees, they must accept the nomination.
Previous nominees may be nominated again if additional substantial information and documentation merit a reconsideration of an individual or entity.
The deadline for submission is on December 15 and awarding is set on March 18 in time for the celebration of the Araw ng Dabaw.
Criteria include outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the city; exemplary services rendered to the community in any field or endeavor; work related accomplishments that merit national and/or international recognition placing Davao on the map.
Nominees must be law-abiding, of good moral character and integrity and have a good reputation in the community.
DBAOI was issued with a Certificate of Incorporation by the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 2, 2016 to enable them to “participate in programs that encourage and develop leadership in various endeavors in the City of Davao and to foster a stronger and more active leadership and involvement of the members on matters of public interest.”
It also seeks to support the “social, economic and cultural development of the city and specially to influence its programs and policies one education and environment” and to “promote the right value and ethical standards in the activities of the organization.”
The Datu Bago Awards was named after Datu Bago, a local chieftain who defended Davao against Spanish aggression. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)
