Vice President Sara Duterte personally oversaw the Duterte family's cherished Christmas tradition, Pasko Pahalipay sa Taal, on Thursday, December 25, 2025. The event was held at their ancestral home in Bangkal, Davao City, and successfully served an estimated 45,000 beneficiaries despite the absence of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is in The Hague, Netherlands.
Peaceful Turnout and Orderly Distribution
According to the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), the annual gift-giving activity along Ulas Road leading to Taal Street concluded without any incidents. Police attributed the peaceful outcome to comprehensive security preparations and close coordination. Heightened police visibility, strict area security, and strategic traffic management were key measures implemented, especially as many participants began lining up before dawn.
One beneficiary, Judyrose Bigwas, shared her positive experience with Sunstar Davao. She noted the efficiency of the process, stating there were separate lines for men, women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), seniors, and pregnant women. "There were about four lines... which made the process fast and orderly," Bigwas said, though she expressed regret for not bringing her young son, as toys were also distributed for children.
Security Framework and Community Cooperation
DCPO Director PCOL Muarip personally supervised the security operations, conducting foot patrols and inspecting posts. He emphasized that the police force was guided by its D.A.V.A.O. Framework—Discipline, Action, Virtue, Accountability, and Order—to ensure public safety.
"The Davao City Police Office remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding our community during major events such as the Pasko Pahalipay sa Taal," Muarip stated. He credited the incident-free event to the shared responsibility between law enforcement, partner agencies, and the cooperative public.
Continuing a Family Legacy
Vice President Duterte engaged with supporters and beneficiaries, continuing the tradition started during her father's tenure as mayor. Each beneficiary received a package containing:
- Food packs with rice and canned goods
- A P300 gift certificate
- P200 in cash
The turnout this year, while slightly lower than the previous year's 50,000, was higher than the 2023 gathering of around 40,000. The event demonstrated the enduring nature of the Duterte family's Christmas outreach, with many netizens expressing gratitude online for keeping the tradition alive. Authorities highlighted the event as a model of strong coordination for maintaining peace and order during large-scale community activities.
