Mati City wins 5 national awards for social programs

DAVAO CITY — Mati City emerged as the top performer at Thursday's prestigious PaNaTa (Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon) Ko sa Bayan Awards, claiming five major honors from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for its innovative social programs.

Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat (third from right) displays the Gawad Paglilingkod sa Sambayanan award during Thursday's (March 27, 2025) DSWD ceremony in Davao City. (Robinson Niñal Jr.)

The coastal city in Davao Oriental province received the Gawad Paglilingkod sa Sambayanan for its Microenterprise Development Model, which has become a national benchmark. It also earned first place in the Serbisyong Mahusay category for its sectoral programs benefiting youth, seniors and children.

Additional accolades included first place in both the Gawad Serbisyong Mapagkalinga for compassionate service and Gawad Serbisyong Masigasig at the city level for dedicated implementation, along with second place honors in Family and Community Development.

Mayor Michelle Rabat accepted the awards during Thursday's ceremony at DSWD Region 11 headquarters, crediting the city's pandemic-inspired refocusing on essential services.

"These honors validate our commitment to governance rooted in compassion and integrity," Rabat told attendees. "The crisis taught us that true progress measures how we uplift the vulnerable."

The annual PaNaTa Ko awards recognize exceptional contributions to public welfare.

Mati's winning initiatives include a nationally replicated microenterprise program that has assisted 1,200 small businesses since 2022 and intergenerational community centers serving all age groups. (Che Palicte)