DAVAO CITY – Acting Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II commended his alma mater, University of Mindanao, for upholding its core values of excellence, honesty, integrity, innovation, and teamwork.
The university’s general assembly on Saturday, July 26, celebrated its longstanding legacy and contributions to professional and academic development over the decades.
Vice Mayor Duterte, an alumnus of the university, addressed the gathering, which included UM President Dr. Guillermo P. Torres Jr. and Alumni Association President retired Brigadier General Leoncio Cirunay Jr.
The acting vice mayor expressed in his speech heartfelt gratitude to the university, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping his personal and professional journey.
“Being an alumnus of this university makes us not only better individuals, but also more capable professionals and engaged community members,” Vice Mayor Duterte said.
He emphasized that the value of excellence instilled in him at UM goes beyond striving to be the best—it is about humility and a dedication to continuous learning.
Vice Mayor Duterte said these principles guide him in his current role as a public servant in Davao City. He underscored the importance of honesty, integrity, and accountability, principles he vowed to uphold throughout his office.
“As a duly elected public servant, I take seriously the trust placed in me by the people of Davao City. Transparency, active listening, and being answerable to our constituents remain at the forefront of my commitment,” he said.
Addressing the role of innovation in governance, Vice Mayor Duterte highlighted the need to embrace digital tools and fresh ideas to serve the public better.
“In this era of rapid technological advancement, we must think beyond traditional methods. Utilizing current technologies in governance enables us to provide more efficient and responsive public service,” Vice Mayor Duterte noted.
Vice Mayor Duterte also pointed to the value of teamwork, describing it as essential to education and governance. Collaboration among stakeholders, he said, ensures that the needs of the community are met through unified efforts.
“In public service, working collectively with various sectors is key to delivering meaningful change. Teamwork is not only a value I learned at UM—it’s a principle I apply every day,” he added.
Vice Mayor Duterte concluded by encouraging fellow alums to continue living out the university’s values in their respective fields and to remain committed to serving their communities.
The acting vice mayor said the university’s general assembly served as a moment of reflection, celebration, and renewed dedication to the ideals that have defined the institution for generations.(By Ivy Tejano)
