I was at Davao’s Gaisano Mall buying several things I need. I was waiting for a text message from someone I’m meeting within 20 minutes. Carrying the things I bought, I looked for a good place to sit and rest for awhile. I saw that McDonald’s stairs were clean and vacant so I decided to sit there while waiting.

After about 15 minutes, a group of five middle-aged people went towards the Kenny Roger’s dining area (very close to where I’m sitting) to rest too, with the only guy going towards the stairs I was sitting. He asked me if I mind. I said I don’t so he sat right next to me. After putting down his backpack, he started a conversation asking if Gaisano Mall have the most people coming in compared to other malls in Davao. I answered that most people who want to stroll the mall to get away from the sun usually go there ( since, in my observation, most of the people who go to SM City Davao are usually those who really want to buy things and not just stroll around).

Our conversation went on for several minutes. I discovered that they are from Zamboanga, came here for a seminar and will be going back the day after. He also mentioned that he is a music teacher in a college in Zamboanga and was considering living here in Davao. He really appreciate the security he is feeling here and went on asking about the people’s general view of the city under Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. He said that the City Mayor’s strategy in handling Davao City is benchmarked by other mayors in the country.

When it was time for me to go, I bid goodbye to him, forgetting to ask his name. I went on thinking about our conversation after. For me, it was a confirmation of my thoughts about Davao. People outside the city have been hearing a lot of good stuff about our city for quite some time now and I agree with them. Indeed, the way the Mayor is handling things is remarkable.

I can’t help but feel proud to be a Davaoeno and I feel lucky to have been living here all my life.

Source: Davao City Tagadabaw.com