The Aktibo Dabawenyo program, in collaboration with the Davao City Sports Development Division, has initiated a comprehensive series of grassroots summer sports clinics spanning six barangays, specifically designed for young athletes aged 8 to 16. This citywide initiative aims to cultivate athletic skills and uncover future talents for prestigious competitions such as Batang Pinoy.
Expansive Sports Training Across Districts
Offering training in five diverse sports—basketball, futsal, kurash, judo, and water-based activities including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and dragon boat racing—the program strategically covers two barangays in each of Davao City's three districts. Irene Lumanas, the program head for the Aktibo Dabawenyo summer clinic, detailed the locations during a recent Davao Sportswriters Association Forum, naming Talomo, Catalunan Grande, Calinan, Mintal, Buhangin, and Indangan as the participating barangays.
Basketball Clinic Kickoff and Futsal Sessions
The program commenced with a basketball clinic on April 7 and 8 in Barangay Sirib, attracting enthusiastic participation from young players. Accredited coaches, in partnership with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, conducted hands-on sessions emphasizing fundamentals like ball handling, shooting, and teamwork. Organizers highlight that these clinics are designed to foster discipline, confidence, and overall fitness while honing technical skills and sportsmanship among participants.
Futsal sessions are currently underway in multiple barangays across the three districts, with training scheduled every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., continuing until May 29. Venues include Catalunan Grande Elementary School, NHA Bangkal Phase 2 Covered Court in Talomo, Sto. Rosario Court in Buhangin, Barangay Indangan Gymnasium, and facilities in Calinan and Mintal.
Evolution and Future Goals
Originally launched in August 2020 as an online fitness initiative, Aktibo Dabawenyo has transformed into a robust grassroots sports development program. By 2023, it expanded to on-ground clinics through partnerships with local sports organizations. A mini-tournament is scheduled for May 30–31, bringing together participants from all six barangays to showcase their progress.
The overarching goal of the program is to identify and nurture athletes who can represent Davao City in competitions such as Batang Pinoy and other national events, ensuring a pipeline of skilled competitors for the future.
