Rigo honors UM's legacy of excellence

7/27/25, 6:45 AM

Acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II honored his alma mater, the University of Mindanao, for embodying its core values of excellence, honesty, integrity, innovation, and teamwork during its recent general assembly.

The event, which was held on July 26, 2025, celebrated the educational institution's decades of legacy and professional achievements.

Acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II honored his alma mater, the University of Mindanao, for embodying its core values of excellence, honesty, integrity, innovation, and teamwork during its recent general assembly.  

The event, which was held on July 26, 2025, celebrated the educational institution's decades of legacy and professional achievements.   

Speaking before UM President Dr. Guillermo P. Torres, Jr., Alumni Association President BGen. Leoncio A. Cirunay, Jr., and other distinguished members of the UM community, Vice Mayor Duterte expressed his deep gratitude for university's contribution to his personal and professional development.  

"Being an alumnus of this University makes us a well-defined person not just to ourselves and in the community, but also in the careers we’ve chosen to undertake,” he said.  

He emphasized that UM imbibed in him excellence, which is not just about being the best, but also about being humble and committed to lifelong learning, which he tries to embody as he serves the people of Davao.  Vice Mayor Duterte also pledged to keep on upholding the values of  honesty, integrity, and accountability that his school impressed upon him.  

"It is my guide as duly elected public servant of our beloved City, to value the utmost trust vested upon me by the people of Davao City. I will ensure transparency at all times by listening to the sentiments and needs of our constituents. Being accountable at all times to our people is of paramount consideration," he said.  

Recognizing the importance of innovation, especially in today's digital age, Duterte shared his vision of embracing technology to enhance public service and governance.   "As a young public servant, living at a time of rapid technological advancements, thinking outside the box must well be considered. 

We will always take the lead on advance ideas through the employment of present technology in the field of public service. I always believe that the people of Davao City deserve more," Vice Mayor Duterte said.   

He concluded his speech by highlighting teamwork as the cornerstone of both education and public service.   "As an alumnus of our beloved University, we value Teamwork. In the field of public service, it is imperative to have collaboration with other stakeholders. 

By serving the needs of our constituents, collective effort of every stakeholder through cooperation and collaboration, is integral to its success," he said.   He also called on his fellow alumni to continue serving their communities as they carry on the values taught by their alma mater.