Social Role of the Dabawenyos

SOCIAL ROLE OF THE DABAWENYOS

The Dabawenyos aware of the social role they have to play, put up an organization to embrace the natives of Davao as well as the migrants who decided to make Davao their home. They named it the “Hijos de Davao” born 1946.

The forerunners of this organization were the “Hijo’s de Mindanao” organized in the late 1920’s by the third generation descendants of the Davao’s first Christian settlers of 1848 whose prime movers were Atty. Arzenio Suazo and his brother Amadeo, Atty. Isidro Bastida, Atty. Pantaleon Pelayo, Sr. and Mr. Ruperto Lizada, the latter being the elected president. The “Hijo’s de Mindanao y Sulu” was organized in the 1930’s to include the Sulu Muslims of Davao. The “Davao Circle” was organized by Dabawenyos studying in Manila among whom were Atty. Tiburcio Cervantes, Engr. Carmelo Porras, Atty. Manuel Cabaguio, Atty. Rafael Santos, Carlos Gempesaw, Amado Rasay, Jose Sta. Marina and the “Tayo-Tayo” was formed by the teenage children of the “Hijo’s de Mindanao”. The “Tayo-Tayo” became the Youth Club of the period. The “Club Dabawenyo” was organized after war by Dabawenyo students who pursued their studies in Manila. The framework of this organization was laid by the group of Patria Garcia Montemayor, Solita Hizon Imperial, Emilio Palma Gil, Atty. Antonio Castillo, Dr. Julian Rodriguez, Jr., Nenita Belda Azarzon, Betty Castillo Cabreros, Jose Morada, Dr. Leon Garcia, Jr. Atty. Manuel M. Garcia and Dr. Tony Hernandez. The elected first president was Emilio Palma Gil and the first muse was Nena Garcia Pineda. These social organizations have pursued the “continued nurturing of relationship among Dabawenyos and the celebration of the feast of Davao’s Patron Saint (June 29), St. Peter.”

The early social organizations were based on regional origin while the present “Hijo’s de Davao” is based on residence. A ten-year continuous residence in Davao qualifies one to be a member.

The “Hijo’s de Davao” which was organized in 1964 undertook many projects. Among the noteworthy projects are: the construction, development and beautification of the Osmena Park in coordination with Davao Beautiful installed at both ends at the Gov. Generoso Bridge at Bankerohan, Davao City, permanent name markers with inscription “Governor Generoso Bridge”; built a Bagobo Statue at the Bangoy Airport, Davao City, to welcome visitors of Davao; formed the Hijo’s de Davao Cultural and Educational Foundation, Inc. a non-stock and non-profit corporation whose primary purpose is “to engage in activities and programs dedicated to the promotion, enhancement, preservation, and projection of the cultural heritage of Davao and the educational and social amelioration of Dabawenyos”; and  co-sponsored with the City Government the annual search for the Mutya ng Dabaw.