
A TOTAL of 11 councilors of the 20th City Council officially bid farewell to the public during their final session on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Last-term councilors Pilar Braga, Conrado Baluran, Edgar Ibuyan Jr., and Jesus Joseph P. Zozobrado III received Plaques of Distinction for completing three consecutive terms of service from July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2025.
Meanwhile, non-reelected councilors Bernard Al-ag, Javi Garcia Campos, Jonard Dayap, Marissa Abella, Nilo “Small” Abellera, and Dante Apostol Sr. were honored with plaques of appreciation for their years of public service.
Councilor Wilberto “Nonoy” Al-ag was unable to attend due to an incident.
Heartfelt farewells
Each outgoing councilor took to the podium to deliver their farewell message.
Al-ag, who served for 15 years, expressed gratitude to his family, friends, colleagues, and constituents. “Despite our disagreements, I know in my heart our intentions were always for the good of Dabawenyos,” he said, adding that he would continue to serve the public in a private capacity.
Apostol, who spent 18 years in public service, said he never expected to stay this long. He shared that true public service is not about popularity but about helping people in tangible ways.
Abellera, who served 12 years, thanked those who supported him and said he drew strength from his colleagues across five council terms. He hoped the next council would continue the legacy of service driven by truth and integrity.
Baluran said his 18-year public service journey would continue through his son, Jopet Baluran. He urged reelected members to stay united and keep serving. He expressed special thanks for the opportunity to reach far-flung barangays.
Campos called his time in office one of the greatest honors of his life. He said public service taught him the value of listening, responsibility, and perseverance. Though he lost his recent election bid, he said he accepts the outcome with respect for democracy.
Dayap said the session hall had been a place of growth, learning, and camaraderie. He thanked his colleagues for making work something to look forward to.
Braga, the longest-serving councilor since 1992, reflected on her journey from a political neophyte to a veteran leader. She thanked her family, staff, the Dutertes, and Dabawenyos for their support over 27 years. “I may be bowing out of public office, but not from public service,” she said.
Ibuyan, who has served since 2016, thanked Dabawenyos for their trust, saying their confidence motivated him through difficult times.
Zozobrado emphasized the importance of policy work in representing all sectors, especially women, children, seniors, and marginalized communities. “Our work is never finished. Davao is growing, and growth brings challenges. My advice to new councilors: stay in the arena,” he said.
Abella was present but declined to speak.
Initially, only the graduating councilors were scheduled to deliver farewell messages, but Al-ag moved to allow non-reelected councilors to speak as well, and the motion was approved.
Outgoing Vice Mayor and incoming First District Councilor Melchor Quitain Jr. said he had mixed emotions about the farewell, noting that although they would miss working together, they’d still cross paths in the city. He also announced plans to create a coffee table book documenting the 20th City Council’s work and memories. RGP