Three years after the Covid-19 pandemic, Davao City conferred the Datu Bago 2023 that have contributed to the growth and development of the city.
Three Dabawenyos received the highest award given by the city government from different fields including journalism, performing arts, and visual arts.
One of the awardees was Antonio Ajero, a renowned journalist in the city who died in 2022. His award was accepted by his family.
"Super thankful po yong family namin (our family). I'm sure that my lolo is very happy above," Geraldine Ajero, granddaughter of the late Ajero said during the conferment at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on March 8, 2023.
Another awardee, Elenita Dumlao, a performing arts veteran said that she still can't believe that she is a recipient of the highest award given by the city.
"It's a big wow. I'm speechless. If everybody was proud of me, I am also very proud of myself for being Dabawenyo, and for being one of the awardees. I might have done something good," Dumlao said.
Meanwhile, Brenda Sofronia Barba said that she was humbled to be chosen as one of the awardees.
She said she hopes that the future generation will continue the legacy she started. KSD
"Move on, continue what I started, and don't end there. Keep on creating, keep on keeping the art alive in the city and in the whole world," she said.
