68TH ARAW NG DABAW
MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MAYOR

As our beloved city turns 68 years old today, let us take some time to give honor and thanks to those who came before us – the indigenous peoples who toiled this great land; the proud Muslim tribes who started our trade and commerce; and the pioneering migrants from all over who built this city from their blood, sweat, and tears.

These great people who cleared the path for succeeding generations of Dabawenyos are who we remember today. It is their vision, their struggle, and their hard work that we celebrate each Araw ng Dabaw.

And each celebration is also a challenge to the Dabawenyos of today and a dedication to the future generations.

It is a challenge to all of us now to keep the pioneering spirit of our ancestors alive and to continue to blaze new trails in this city we all share and love. We must be mindful of the fact that every choice, decision, and action we make today will impact – positively or negatively – the lives of our children and grandchildren.

We therefore dedicate each Araw ng Dabaw to our young Dabawenyos, who look to us for leadership and nurturing. They are counting on us to make the right choices now for the best possible future we can give them. Because, after all, Davao City truly belongs to the future.

Mabuhay ang Dabawenyo!

RODRIGO R. DUTERTE
City Mayor