I read a post recently that seemed to suggest that Davao City’s progress and identity can be traced mainly to the Dutertes.

I think that needs a little clarification.

Davao is not about the Dutertes. Davao is about Dabawenyos.

I was born and raised here. I grew up seeing ordinary Dabawenyos—workers, entrepreneurs, farmers, professionals, drivers, teachers, vendors, public servants and business owners—do their part in making this city what it is today.

Yes, the Duterte administration left a significant mark on Davao, particularly in peace and order, infrastructure, discipline and public service. That contribution can be acknowledged.

But Davao did not become Davao because of one family. Dabawenyos built Davao.

Generations of Dabawenyos worked, paid taxes, opened businesses, raised families, volunteered in their communities and supported initiatives that made this city safer, more orderly and more progressive.

And that is precisely why rankings such as the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index should not be treated as a trophy of any political family. They are a recognition of an entire city and the people who make it work.

So, if we are going to celebrate Davao’s achievements, let us give credit where credit is due—to the Dabawenyos.

To every generation that helped build this city.

To those who came before us, those who are working today, and those who will carry Davao forward tomorrow.

Davao is not a Duterte city. It is a Dabawenyo city.

You are free to recognize the contributions of the Dutertes to Davao, but we should never forget the bigger truth.

The Dutertes are part of Davao’s story. Dabawenyos are the story.

I am proud to have been born and raised here.

This is our city. This is Davao. This is where life is here.

Diri ko natawo, diri ko nidako ug diri ko mamatay. Proud Dabawenyo.

— Paolo Duterte