DATU BAGO Board of Trustees chairperson, Councilor Pilar Braga, told this year’s awardees to continue their legacy to inspire the next generations to come.
“Your achievements uplift us all, and we are forever grateful for the passion, dedication, and impact you have made. As we always say, we rise by lifting others,” Braga said during the 53rd conferment of Datu Bago awardees 2025 on Friday, March 7.
Five individuals were conferred with the city’s highest prestigious award for their contribution to the city in the field of education, innovation, business, and the arts.
The awardees for this year were selected from 12 nominees through the selection committee of the Datu Bago Award Organization Board of Trustees. Nominations opened October of last year.
The 2025 Datu Bago awardees are:
- Luis Alfonso Ybañez Aboitiz (posthumous)
Aboitiz was recognized for his visionary leadership in corporate social responsibility, which transformed the lives of Davaoeños for bringing light to the city through Davao Light and Power Company, being the executive vice president of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, and for modernizing the city’s 911 system and innovating the public safety system.
- Perla Pichon Kwan – Leadership in Education
Kwan was recognized for her contribution in education as the author and founder of Precious International School of Davao, which has not only elevated Davao’s educational standards but has also earned recognition across Asia.
- Maria Antoinette Tiukinhoy Pamintuan- creative arts
Pamintuan was recognized for her creative visionary, whose designs received international awards and put Davao on the map as a hub of artistic excellence, through her metal and locally sourced material designs.
- Protacio Tan Tacandong- business and accountancy
Tacandong was commended for his contribution in business and accountancy whose integrity and expertise have strengthened the region’s economic foundation, serving as the former president of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce, member of the Mindanao Business Council and Philippine Business for Social Progress and Rotary Club.
- Josefina Carriedo-Tionko- visual arts
Tionko was recognized for her initiative in uniting local artists and establishing the Dabawenyo Artists Federation Inc or DAFI, through platforms such as the Davao ArtFest, ensuring the city’s creative spirit continues to prosper.
Special awards were also given to Oscar Ong, founder and head of Operation Care Abroad, who brought doctor-volunteers to the city and provided free, surgical care to indigent patients in the city, particularly in Southern Philippines Medical Center.
Braga said the Board cannot recognize Ong as one of the Datu Bago due to Ong’s residency status, but she emphasized that the special award is not less of a recognition of the latter’s contribution to the health and wellness of Davaoeños.
“Their contributions serve as an inspiration to all of us, reminding us that we each have a role to play in building a brighter future for our community,” Braga stressed.
