The Office of the Vice President brought its 90th founding anniversary celebrations to Mindanao with a special pop-up exhibition that opened at SM City Davao Ecoland on Monday, November 17, 2025.
The traveling exhibit showcases the rich histories and contributions of all 14 vice presidents who have served the Philippines since the office was established in 1935. This regional stop represents part of the OVP's broader initiative to make government services and historical information more accessible to communities outside Metro Manila.
Davao Hosts Major Political Exhibition
The opening ceremony attracted significant local and international attention. Among the distinguished guests were officials from the OVP's Southern Mindanao Satellite Office, Davao City government representatives led by Acting Vice Mayor Rigo Duterte, and consular officials from Japan, China, and Malaysia.
Throughout the day, the exhibit drew diverse crowds including students, families, and local residents who explored the multi-panel displays and historical timelines. The interactive nature of the exhibition allowed visitors to engage directly with the vice presidency's evolving story across nine decades.
Generose Tecson, OVP Davao Project Manager, emphasized the educational purpose behind the exhibition. "Our vice presidents were ordinary people who did extraordinary things once elected," she explained. "Many Filipinos primarily know about our presidents, so we created this exhibit to raise awareness about what our vice presidents accomplished during their terms."
Nine Decades of Vice Presidential Legacy
The Office of the Vice President traces its origins to November 15, 1935, when Sergio Osmeña Sr. became the first vice president under President Manuel L. Quezon during the Philippine Commonwealth inauguration.
Over the past 90 years, 14 individuals have held the nation's second-highest constitutional office, each navigating unique political challenges and contributing to national development. The exhibit highlights how the role has transformed from primarily being about constitutional succession to an active institution engaged in public service and governance.
Mindanao has produced three vice presidents throughout history: Emmanuel Pelaez and Teofisto Guingona Jr. from Misamis Oriental, and current Vice President Sara Duterte from Davao City. Tecson noted that younger visitors particularly appreciated learning about these regional leaders who elevated Mindanao's representation in national government.
Bringing Government Closer to the People
The exhibition features various programs initiated by different vice presidents, including regional development projects, civic welfare initiatives, peacebuilding efforts, and community engagement activities implemented nationwide.
Through historical displays and interactive materials, visitors can trace how the OVP has adapted to meet changing public needs across different political and social eras. The exhibit also promotes transparency and civic engagement by presenting both the achievements and challenges faced by vice presidents throughout history.
Tecson expressed gratitude to local officials, international representatives, and Davao media for supporting the exhibit, reinforcing that the OVP serves all Filipinos, not just those in the capital region. The Southern Mindanao satellite office exemplifies this commitment to nationwide accessibility.
The Davao exhibition forms part of a series of regional activities leading up to the OVP's 90th anniversary celebration. As the institution marks this significant milestone, it continues providing essential services through programs like Libreng Sakay, medical and burial assistance, disaster response operations, and educational support handled by satellite offices across the Philippines.
