June 7, 2026 (Danao City)—  A total of 591 outstanding Danawanons are recognized during the Garbo sa Danao 2026 Awarding Ceremony, one of the major highlights of Danao City’s 65th Charter Anniversary celebration, underscoring the role of individual achievement and civic contribution in the city’s continuing development.

Under the anniversary theme, “Danao City at 65: Where Connections Lead Communities,” the ceremony pays tribute to individuals and organizations whose accomplishments have brought distinction to the city and contributed to the welfare and progress of the community.

This year’s honorees represent a broad spectrum of achievement, including graduates with Highest Honors, bar and board examination passers, sports achievers, academic topnotchers, postgraduate education achievers, and the city’s Top 10 taxpayers. Collectively, the awardees reflected excellence in education, professional practice, athletics, entrepreneurship, public service, and community engagement.

Adding pride to Danao City’s growing list of academic achievers, three Danawanons secured spots among the top performers in the recent Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET). Leading the group is Top 8 placer Ferree Anne Alvios of Barangay Looc, joined by fellow Danawanons who earned Top 9 and Top 10 rankings from Barangays Taytay and Poblacion, respectively. Their remarkable achievement reflects not only personal dedication and excellence but also serves as an inspiration to the youth and a testament to the city’s commitment to nurturing quality education and future educators.

The Garbo sa Danao Awards traces its beginnings to 1994, when the City Government first institutionalized recognition for graduates earning Latin honors. Over the years, the program expanded in scope to acknowledge a wider range of achievements. In 2005, recognition was extended to elementary and high school valedictorians, now classified as graduates with Highest Honors. Subsequent enhancements included increased incentives and the inclusion of topnotchers and postgraduate achievers in 2019.

In 2021, the city further broadened the program by recognizing bar and board examination passers, who received plaques and cash incentives in acknowledgment of their accomplishments.

A significant milestone in the program’s evolution came with the implementation of Ordinance No. 2025-18-218, which opened the awards to individuals nominated by fellow Danawanons for exemplary contributions to society. The ordinance expanded the recognition framework beyond academic and athletic accomplishments, embracing achievements in leadership, innovation, community service, cultural preservation, and other areas that contribute to the city’s development.

The awarding ceremony highlights the diverse ways in which citizens contribute to public life and community advancement, reinforcing the importance of recognizing excellence not only as personal success but also as a catalyst for collective progress.

In his message, City Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III congratulates the awardees and encourages them to continue using their talents, knowledge, and skills in service of their families, communities, and the city as a whole.

He emphasized that the achievements of the honorees serve as examples for future generations and contribute to Danao City’s aspirations for inclusive growth and development.

The mayor also reflects on his 25 years in public service, citing several landmark infrastructure projects realized during his tenure, including the Danao City Terminal, Danao Fishport, City Boardwalk, and Civic Center.

He calls on the new generation of achievers and all Danawanons to become responsible stewards of these public investments and ongoing development initiatives, emphasizing the importance of preserving and sustaining them for the benefit of future generations.

Unlike previous anniversary celebrations, this year’s observance adopted a more modest approach, with city officials implementing austerity measures in consideration of prevailing economic challenges faced by many Filipino families. The streamlined celebration reflects the local government’s effort to balance meaningful commemorative activities with fiscal responsibility.

Beyond the awarding ceremony, the city’s 65th Charter Anniversary celebration will also feature a series of environmental initiatives aimed at promoting ecological stewardship and community participation.

Scheduled activities include a River Cleanup Drive on June 10, a Coastal Cleanup Drive on June 17, and a Tree Planting Activity on June 25, reinforcing the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability alongside social and economic development.

As Danao City commemorates 65 years since its chartering, the Garbo sa Danao Awards remains a defining feature of the anniversary celebration. More than a recognition program, it serves as a reflection of the city’s enduring belief that its people are central to its growth, resilience, and future.

The recognition of 591 awardees this year underscores the breadth of talent, dedication, and achievement found across the city, affirming the vital role of Danawanons in shaping Danao City’s continuing story of shared progress, responsible citizenship, and community building.