THE City Government of Davao paid tribute to its homegrown athletes and coaches during the Araw ng Parangal at Pasasalamat 2025 held Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang.
The recognition ceremony honored outstanding performances in the Palarong Pambansa, Batang Pinoy, Para Games, various international competitions, and the Bimp-Eaga Friendship Games.
Outgoing Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte led the tribute, expressing pride in the city’s young athletes and their accomplishments.
“As city mayor, I am genuinely proud to say your victories are not just personal—they are victories for all of Davao,” Duterte said, addressing the athletes and their families.
He recalled a time when Davao was often overlooked in national priorities. But through the years, he said, Dabawenyos built a city that now stands as a symbol of resilience and growth. The mayor highlighted 2016, when Davao produced a president, as a turning point that reshaped perceptions of Mindanao.
Turning to the youth, Duterte encouraged the athletes to continue striving—not just in sports, but in life—with the assurance of the city’s full support.
“Know that we will always be behind you,” he assured them, “not just as athletes, but as young Dabawenyos shaping the future of this city.”
Among the honorees were world-class athletes, siblings Sydney and Chino Sy Tancontian.
BIMP Eaga Friendship Games swimming gold medalist Lora Micah Amoguis, representing the Dabawenyo awardees who won medals in international competitions, recounted a stormy 2024 in her message.
Facing injuries, academic pressure, and homesickness, Amoguis still won gold in both Uaap Season 87 and the Bimp-Eaga Games. She swam through pain—most notably during the 200-meter individual medley and 4×100 freestyle relay—while battling a shoulder injury.
“I didn’t finish because I was fearless. I finished because I kept going—for them, for all of us, for Davao City,” she told the audience.
Amoguis moved from Davao to Manila in Grade 11 to pursue a scholarship with the Ateneo de Manila University, juggling pre-med studies with intense training. She spoke about sleepless nights, homesickness, and sacrifices her family made to help her chase her dream.
“My idea of a party is crying over deadlines,” she quipped, before urging fellow athletes to embrace failure and fight through setbacks. “This isn’t just my story—it’s the story of so many athletes who wake up before the sun, push through injuries, and hold on to a dream, even when it gets heavy.”
She ended by thanking her parents, coaches, and Davao City:
“If you ever need me to swim for you again, I’ll be ready—cap on, heart full.”
Gymnast Harvey D. Nuque, a 2024 Batang Pinoy multi-gold medalist, shared his journey from watching his sister train to becoming a national champion.
“I had no plans to join at first. But something changed in me,” he said.
He recalled losing several competitions in Grade 6, nearly quitting—until a teacher encouraged him to keep going. That push reignited his drive.
“I’ve trained with athletes who had no shoes, no gear—sometimes not even food. But they showed up. They’re the real champions,” he said, honoring peers who compete despite hardship.
Nuque thanked his family, coaches, and mentors for believing in him. He concluded with a message of hope and persistence. “You don’t have to be the loudest, the strongest, or even the fastest. You just have to keep going. Your story matters. And maybe, just maybe, your moment is coming next.”
Khristian Val Muñoz, a bronze medalist in shot put from the University of Mindanao–Matina, almost quit after a knee injury. But he pushed on, training after school to chase his dream of competing internationally.
“There was a time I badly wanted to quit. I lost all drive to keep training, especially after I injured my knee. But I pushed through because playing on the international stage has always been my dream,” said Muñoz during an interview with SunStar Davao on Monday, June 30, 2025.
He said discipline and consistency got him through. He now trains for the upcoming Kadayawan Sports Festival and University Games, urging young athletes to respect their coaches, stay focused, and work hard. Rovie Ann Remolleno, Davao del Sur State College Intern and Dia Mae M. Pandolo, Spamast Intern