THE Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU), through the University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council (UCEAC), resumed its Bergoglio Awards, which recognizes outstanding contribution of different institutions to the promotion of the common good through social justice especially for the poor, the oppressed, the marginalized, and the excluded, with six individual and institutional awardees and a special Tribute Award to AdDU President Joel E. Tabora S.J.
Launched in 2017, Bergoglio Awards went on a hiatus during the pandemic years.
The 2023 Bergoglio Awardees are: Joji Pantoja of Coffee for Peace cited for Excellence in Peacebuilding; Bantay Bukid of Panigan-Tamugan Watershed for Excellence in Environmental Stewardship; Luna Legal Resource Center for Excellence in Gender Equality and Human Rights; Bae Samira Gutoc for Excellence in Good Governance; Samahan ng may Iba’t Ibang Kakayahan sa Dabaw (Sakadab) for Excellence in Wealth Creation and it’s Equitable Distribution; Walter Rothlehner of Philippinenhilfe with a Special Citation for their altruism to the communities AdDU-CEAC serves, and; Fr Joel Tabora Sj - Tribute Awardee for being an exemplar in fighting for the Common Good through Social Justice.
The awards were given out last March 23, 2023 at the Bapa Benny Tudtud Auditorium in Ateneo-Jacinto. Aside from the plaques, the awardees received special editions of the Healing Hearts Bears (HHBs). HHBs are teddy bears crocheted by persons deprived of liberty at the Davao City Jail-Women Dormitory in a livelihood development and advocacy project initiated by SunStar Davao associate publisher Stella Estremera as Lawig-Diwa Inc. executive director thru a memorandum of agreement with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology 11.
Named after Fr. Jorge Mario Bergoglio SJ, now Pope Francis, the award honors the Pope, who has been characterized by humility and outspoken supporter of the world’s poor and marginalized people and has also been involved actively in areas of political diplomacy, inter-religious dialogue and environmental advocacy. SAE