Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte called on Dabawenyos to respect the city’s culture, observe local laws and help maintain peace and order as he addressed the public during the Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan Grand Showdown on Sunday at the Davao City Bypass Coastal Road.
Duterte said Davao City’s identity is shaped by its diverse communities and stressed that unity depends on mutual respect regardless of a person’s social status, ethnicity or religion.
“Bisan unsa pa man ka, madato, mapobre, bisan unsa ka nga tribo, ma-Muslim ka, ma-Kristiyano, ug unsa man imong relihiyon, usara tang tanan Dabawenyo. Mao nang kita magkahiusa ug magpadayon sa kinabuhi nga malinawon ug malipayon,” he said.
He also reminded longtime residents that they have a role in helping newcomers understand Davao City’s culture and the responsibilities of becoming part of the community.
“Responsibilidad nato, mga Dabawenyo, nga tudloan nato sila kung unsa ang kultura diri,” Duterte said.
The mayor likewise urged residents to remain vigilant and report anything that could threaten public safety and peace and order.
“Pag may nakita, magsalita, di nato na kalimtan, mao na karon hapsay gihapon ug malinawon ang atong lugar,” he said.
Duterte reminded the public to observe existing city regulations, particularly those covering the consumption of liquor, smoking and the use of firecrackers.
“Balaod, dapat kabalo ta. Inyong mga kalat, basura ninyo, pamunita ninyo. Ayaw mo pagkalat-kalat kay nailhan ta nga ikaduhang pinakalimpyo nga syudad sa Southeast Asia,” he said.
Beyond public order and cleanliness, Duterte emphasized the need to protect the cultural heritage and ancestral lands of Indigenous communities in the city.
“Importante kaayo nga ampingan nato kay mao ning balay nila nga ilang gitugtan ta nga mahimo pud nga balay nato. Hidumdumi ninyo,” he said.
He noted that Davao City is home to people from different backgrounds, including its Indigenous communities.
“Naay Bisaya, naay Bol-anon, naa tay 11 ka tribo pa,” Duterte said.
He said the ancestral lands of Indigenous Peoples have become home to generations of Dabawenyos, making it important for residents to recognize and respect their connection to the land.
“Kay kanila, kita mga Bisaya ug mga uban pa diri nga dayo gikan sa Bisayas ug sa mga ubang lugar sa Pilipinas, hinulman kini nga yuta. Mao na, ampingan nato kini,” he said.
Duterte also extended his call for unity beyond Davao City, emphasizing the shared identity of people across Mindanao.
“Ug di lang ta Dabawenyo, Mindanawon tang tanan, usara ta’g dugo,” he said.
He said Davao City’s diversity should encourage residents to practice greater understanding and respect toward one another.
Duterte ended his message by urging Dabawenyos to respect their city, themselves and their fellow residents while observing its laws.
“Respetoha inyong lugar, respetoha inyong kaugalingon, respetoha inyong isigkatao ig tumana ang mga balaod,” he said.
