A youth leader who was stripped of the title "Philippine Youth Ambassador of Goodwill" stood firm in claiming that the honor remains with him and cannot be revoked. This, after a resolution passed by the 20th City Council that officially stripped him of the recognition.
Marvelous Dainty C. Camilo, in a Facebook post, said that the award was given to him and 14 other youth leaders in the Philippines during their experience on the MS Nippon Maru. He emphasized that with or without commendation or applause he would continue to serve.
“It was given by the Office of the Philippine President through the National Youth Commission, together with the Cabinet of the Japanese Government. I must be clear that it stays with me and cannot be revoked by any local government bodies,” he said in a Facebook post on Saturday, July 5, 2025.
Camilo said that his 18 years of volunteering and leadership cannot be reduced to any award or recognition. He added that the organizations he co-founded, the communities he served, and the youth leaders he helped train are the true testaments to his journey.
He then questioned whether Filipinos are still protected by the Philippine Constitution when they choose to participate in the democratic process.
“Weren't the intellectuals who crafted the right to suffrage, the freedom of expression, and the freedom of speech for the Filipinos to participate a manifestation of caring for others? What I did was grounded in legal rights and care for others,” he said.
Camilo expressed his desire to empower youth leaders to speak out against incompetence and demand better governance. He stated that public servants are paid by the people and must work in the service of the people.
He encouraged all volunteer leaders to continue seeing the beauty in their work, not for recognition, but for the impact they make in people’s lives.
Camilo also expressed gratitude to all the local, regional, national, and international youth leaders and organizations who have stood beside him.
To recall, the 20th City Council of Davao officially revoked Camilo’s title of “Ambassador of Goodwill” on June 24, 2025, following the adoption of verified reports and observations detailing his alleged misconduct during the recent election period.
According to the Council’s resolution, Camilo exhibited acts of public disrespect and conduct that incited divisive behaviors described as "demonstrably inconsistent with the ethical expectations" of his honorary title and public role.
In response, DYESABEL Philippines issued a statement in support of Camilo, calling him “an exemplary Dabawenyo youth leader.” The organization also expressed deep disappointment in SK Federation Davao President Kristin Abdul Mercado and the 20th City Council for revoking the title.
“This title was jointly conferred by the Philippine and Japanese governments. To unilaterally revoke it is a breach of that shared recognition. The decision was made without consultation, without deliberation, and without a formal declaration of cause,” Dyesabel wrote in their Facebook post on June 25, 2025.
The group said that the Council’s action serves as an unjust warning to every youth leader who dares to speak truth to power. They also detailed Camilo’s credentials, noting that he is a council member of the Davao City Youth Development Council and co-founder of DYESABEL Philippines, having led various efforts ranging from environmental campaigns and civic education to grassroots consultations.
DYESABEL also questioned the status of the Local Youth Development Plan under the SK Federation and asked how many people it has reached or problems it has solved. The group reiterated their support for Camilo. RGP