MORE than physical attributes, Davao City Tourism Officer Generose Tecson said the next “Mutya ng Dabaw” must exude the values of a queen that embodies the characteristic of a true Dabawenya amid all the significant developments in the city.
Tecson, who was a guest in I-Speak forum held on Thursday, March 9, at the Davao City Hall, said the search for the 2017 Mutya ng Dabaw has a total of 29 candidates.
The annual search is part of the 80th Araw ng Dabaw celebration.
Tecson said winners should have the heart to work with her chosen advocacy and would not be merely going on an event to judge or became usherettes in City Government functions.
The city is being seen as the center of attention considering that former Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is now the President.
"Our ambassadress should be able to portray what a true Dabawenyo is all about. Kaya nga ngayon din (That's why now) even for our school kids we have a project na Dabawenyo Ako," Tecson added.
Julian Nicole Culaste believed that a Dabawenya must be tough enough to withstand the challenges that may arise in her life.
"A true Dabawenya is someone who is empowered and true for what she stands for and is strong and is someone who can really be decent and graceful under any debacle that they may face in life," Culaste said.
Patria Taasan, for her part, said being genuine in portraying oneself is an important aspect of a Dabawenya and having the compassion to serve the community with integrity and selflessness.
"For me, a Dabawenya is caring. It is our duty and responsibility as a Mutya ng Dabaw to serve the people who are in our city to be a responsible citizen and resident of Davao City," Taasan said.
Jovilyn Gavan, meanwhile, said a woman should have a clear picture of what she wants to be in her life and who is driven by her courage to go after what she believes in.
"I am a Dabawenya because I am a woman of substance. A woman doesn't have to be the smartest or to be the most beautiful in the world. A woman simply needs to have a knowledgeable mind that knows her purpose in life and her worth," Gavan said.
She added a Dabawenya has a "grateful heart that is willing to serve her fellow mankind and has an amazing soul that knows the real essence of a woman that she knows that she is fearfully and wonderfully made by God and I think I am her I am a Dabawenya and I am a woman of substance."
The coronation night will be on March 15, 7 p.m. at Almendras Gym Davao City Recreational Center.
LED screens will be put up at the People's Park and Rizal Park for live steaming of the event.