Davao City officials on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, attended the ribbon cutting and inauguration of Balay Dangupan’s Rodrigo Duterte Academic Building donated by the friends of the former president.
The academic building to be known as “Our Tatay Digong Classroom” is a safe and nurturing space equipped with a comfort room, TV, computer, mini library, mini storage room, and a playground for Balay Dangupan’s Crisis Intervention Center residents.
Acting City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, who led the ribbon cutting, emphasized in his speech that he was grateful for those responsible for the establishment of the building, especially that they are those who seek to continue the legacy and the cause of the former president on children’s welfare.
He urged the residents of Balay Dangupan who will use the building to use their time well to learn and achieve their dreams and aspirations. He urged the students to give their best and work hard.
“Pagtuon lang mo kay ako gusto makita puhon nga makaginhawa pud mo sa kinabuhi (Just learn because what I want to see is you succeed in your life),” the acting mayor said.
The soon-to-be 31-year old Balay Dangupan was established during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s mayorship in Davao. It provides psychosocial intervention, temporary shelter, education needs, and in-house face-to-face classes for children in crisis situations, primarily abused female children.
The center has produced successful former residents. Despite being professionals already, they often come back and provide inspiration to existing residents. These success stories only mark the quality and holistic intervention that the children in the center receive- which make them resilient and empowered to lead not just normal but successful lives.
Wednesday’s event was attended by Acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II, Davao City Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, City Social Welfare and Development Office Head Julie P. Dayaday, Balay Dangupan center personnel, Balay Dangupan residents, and honored friends and supporters of the former President. CIO