This is what I witnessed during the gathering at the Crocodile Park last May 7, 2016 for a Guinness World Record event. It was the first time I joined such huge event cum rally and I never regretted being there despite the epic walkathon that I had to endure after the gathering. I'm glad, too, that my teen son decided to join me.
On that particular Saturday before the national elections, tens of thousands of Dabawenyos near and far, young and old, came to show their support for our Mayor Rody Duterte who is now the 16th president of the Philippines. Most came in their red Duterte shirts and did not mind walking to the venue as traffic was snail-paced in the highway. Many from nearby municipalities came in the morning and braved the heat to wait for the main event in the afternoon.
Hundreds of young Dabawenyos also volunteered to help the organizers whether as a member of the food committee, registration or as stewards and marshals.
But apart from participating in the Guinness event and voting for the Mayor on election day, the people of Davao have various ways of showing their support to Digong. Some of their actions are even unmatched by other cities.
- They buy Duterte shirts at their own free will and not wait for freebies from the campaign teams. They would even wait for hours and stand in long lines just to be able to buy a piece or more of these shirts.
- They buy other Duterte merchandise such as key holders, ballers and caps.
- They put Duterte stickers and use Duterte plates on their vehicles.
- They hang Duterte streamers on their gates, houses and establishments.
- They join the motorcade and other gatherings including the Fun Run.
- They share food with those who need it.
- They offer free drinks outside their buildings for people walking to the venue during the event.
- They would defend Mayor Digong on social media and even during personal conversations.
- They join the campaign teams without expecting to be paid even it means being away from their family and children for months.
This sea of Dutertards who dominated the Crocodile Park grounds on May 7 is a testament of the love and support for Mayor now president-elect Rody Duterte.
Indeed, the support of Dabawenyos for Mayor Digong is solid as a rock and will forever be so even if he will already be in Manila to take on the presidency for the next six years. It is said that Duterte or Du30 was destined to become the 16th President of the Philippines based alone on the date of this year's national elections. May 9, 2016 if written in an equation would be 5+9+16=30 hence Du30.
Good luck and God bless you, Mayor Rody!!
