Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. (PNA file photo)
CEBU CITY – Former president Rodrigo R. Duterte is the highest official in the Philippines to be conferred the Cebu City Council’s premier award, in recognition of his service to the country, a city official said Thursday.
Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said the Order of Rajah Tupas Award would be conferred on the former president during the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s gala night on Oct. 25.
He will be cited for several government initiatives during his term in Malacañang from 2016 to 2002 that contributed to the city's growth and development.
“The City of Cebu’s recognition and acknowledgment of former President Duterte for his heroic deeds, exemplary behavior, and extraordinary acts and service as a Cebuano and a statesman will serve as an inspiration for generations to come,” the resolution said.
The City Council adopted the resolution on Wednesday night.
Garcia said the award is fitting for the former president whose roots are in the northern city of Danao, about 49 km. from the capital.
Duterte is a nephew of the late Cebu City Mayor Ramon Duterte and a cousin of the late Cebu City Mayor Ronald Duterte.
“Former President Duterte, as a proud Cebuano, has been an inspiring figure for the Cebuano community, promoting their heritage, language, and culture on the national stage,” the resolution further read.
It cited the previous administration’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program, the passage of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, and the Universal Health Care Act as among the various measures that helped the city and its constituents.
The Order of Rajah Tupas Award is the highest award that the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Cebu City can give to recognize people who have rendered exemplary service to Cebu City and its constituency.
Instituted through City Ordinance 2671, the award is named in honor of the last King of Cebu who sacrificed his rule in the name of peace and to save the lives of his people. Rajah Tupas signed the peace treaty of Cebu between him and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, representing King Philip II of Spain, on June 4, 1565. (PNA)
