ICT Davao Honors the People and Partners Behind Two Decades of Progress

Recognizing pioneering leaders, strategic partners, and institutions whose support has helped strengthen the region’s digital ecosystem.

October 6, 2026 by

ICT Davao

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ICT Davao Honors the People and Partners Behind Two Decades of Progress

How do you recognize the people and partnerships that helped shape Davao’s ICT community over 20 years? At its 20th Anniversary Celebration on September 18, 2026, ICT Davao, Inc. did so by honoring pioneering leaders, strategic partners, and institutions whose support has helped strengthen the region’s digital ecosystem.

Held at Red Lantern Seafood Restaurant in Davao City, the celebration carried the theme “Beyond Twenty: Advancing the Digital Frontier.” The anniversary brought the community together to reflect on ICT Davao’s journey and look ahead to the work still to come.

Recognizing the organization’s roots and leadership

The Founders and Pioneers Award was presented to the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., in recognition of its role in the beginnings of ICT Davao.

The Legacy Leadership Award honored five individuals:

Atty. Samuel R. Matunog
Mr. Xavier Eric B. Manalastas
Mr. Eriberto P. Barriga, Jr. (Posthumous)
Ms. Lizabel G. Holganza
Mr. Manolito C. Tee

Their recognition reflects the leadership and service that have helped guide ICT Davao through its first two decades.

Honoring government partners

The Strategic Partners – Government Award recognized the following public institutions:

City Government of Davao
Department of Trade and Industry – Region XI
Department of Science and Technology – Regional Office XI
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA)
Department of Information and Communications Technology – Region XI
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – Region XI
Commission on Higher Education – Region XI
Department of Labor and Employment – Region XI
Department of Economy, Planning, and Development – Region XI

Their inclusion highlights the importance of collaboration between ICT Davao and government in building an environment where the region’s technology sector can grow.

Celebrating industry collaboration

The Strategic Partners – Industry Award recognized three industry partners:

Davao Light and Power Company, Inc.
Ingenuity Software
National ICT Confederation of the Philippines

Strong industry partnerships help connect organizations, share experience, and advance opportunities across the ICT sector.

Acknowledging academe and individual leadership

The Strategic Partners – Academe Award was presented to:

University of the Immaculate Conception
University of Mindanao
University of Southeastern Philippines
Ateneo de Davao University

The Strategic Partners – Individual Award was presented to Ms. Myrna Y. Padilla, recognizing the contribution of an individual partner to the ICT community.

Moving beyond twenty

The awards at ICT Davao’s 20th Anniversary Celebration honored the people and institutions that have helped shape the organization’s story. They also underscored a shared commitment to continue building Davao’s digital ecosystem through collaboration among business, government, academe, and community leaders.

As ICT Davao moves beyond twenty years, it carries forward the relationships and collective effort celebrated at the anniversary. The next chapter will depend on continuing to work together to advance the digital frontier in Davao and across the region.