DATU Bago Awardees 2019 are set to receive the highest awards given by the Davao City Government on Friday, March 8, as one of the activities during 82nd Araw ng Davao.
During the city council session on Tuesday, February 26, Datu Bago Awardees president Councilor Pilar Braga announced the awardees who have contributed in the growth and development of the city.
The five Datu Bago Awardees are Koronado Apuzen, Ines Mallari, Mary Ann Montemayor, Datu Rodolfo Mande, and Antonio Partoza Jr.,
Koronado Apuzen is a lawyer who used the law to serve those who have less in life and have dedicated to promote the rights and welfare of workers, farmers, agrarian reform beneficiaries, and rural cooperatives through community-based farming methods for banana plantations.
Ines Mallari, is a third generation war-displaced Japanese descendant whose work for the war-displaced descendants was recognized during a meeting with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on January 28, 2016 in Manila and with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie, in Davao City on January 13, 2017.
Datu Rodolfo Mande, a Matigsalug tribal leader from Marilog, was recognized for continuously working to promote his indigenous culture and heritage as well as to ensure his tribe’s recognition and inclusion in the city’s economic, political, and social life.
Mary Ann Montemayor, a multi-awarded entrepreneur and socio-civic leader in the city is also set to receive her award. She was granted the Asean Woman Entrepreneur Award at the Asean Women’s Conference in 2018 as well as the Inspiring Filipino Entrepreneurs Award given by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Lastly, Antonio Partoza Jr. is a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist who is the man behind the famed Partoza Durian Farm and one that nurtures the Balay Pasilungan.
Aside from his famous durian, he is also known for his more than 30 years of service to Balay Pasilungan, a privately-funded homeless shelter for street children of Davao City.