DAVAO CITY — Rep. Paolo Duterte thanked Dabawenyos and investors for their continued confidence in Davao City, saying the city’s economic growth is ultimately measured not only by statistics but by the opportunities and improved lives of its people.

In a statement, Duterte expressed his gratitude to businesses and investors that continue to choose Davao as a place to invest, work and grow.

“To every Dabawenyo and investor who continues to believe in Davao City—daghang salamat,” Duterte said.

He noted that Davao City’s economy has reached ₱601.68 billion, while its unemployment rate remains lower than the national level. For Duterte, however, the figures represent something more personal.

“Every time a business chooses Davao, every time an investor puts their confidence in our city, and every time a Dabawenyo finds a job and provides a better life for their family, I see more than numbers,” he said.

“I see trust. I see hope. I see the Davao we have worked so hard to build together.”

Duterte said the city’s economic performance should be seen through its impact on ordinary families, workers and young people.

“The most important measure of progress is not found in statistics—it is in the families whose lives are improving, the workers who have opportunities, and the young Dabawenyos who can dream bigger right here in our own city,” he said.

He emphasized that Davao’s progress cannot be attributed to a single individual or government office.

“This progress did not come from one person or one office. It came from all of us,” Duterte said.

He likewise assured Dabawenyos and investors that their confidence in the city government would not be taken for granted.

“We will never take that trust for granted,” he said.

Duterte called on Dabawenyos to continue working together toward a city where residents can look forward to better opportunities and a brighter future.

“Davao’s greatest strength has always been its people. And our greatest achievement is moving forward together,” he said.

He ended his message with a distinctly Dabawenyo call for unity and civic pride:

“Padayon ta. Together, let us keep building a Davao where every Dabawenyo has a reason to believe that tomorrow can be better than today.”

“DABAWENYO DISIPLINADO! ACHUP BOULEVARD!”