DAVAO CITY—A survivor of abuse who took on the advocacy of raising awareness on VAWC (Violence Against Women and Children) has been crowned as the 52nd Mutya ng Dabaw.
26-year-old Rebeka Gail Celis was named as this year’s Mutya ng Dabaw at the coronation event held last Saturday (March 15) at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gymnasium.
Celis sees the Mutya ng Dabaw title as more than just a crown but a platform for meaningful change.
“My focus is expanding Project POWER, which provides legal education and mental health support to survivors of violence and underserved communities in Davao,” Celis describes her advocacy.
POWER stands for Protection, Outreach, Women’s Rights, Education and Resources. Celis says with the support of the City Government she is keen on expanding the advocacy to a wider audience.
Part of the responsibilities being a Mutya ng Dabaw is working with the local government of Davao City in carrying out their advocacies.
Survivor
“I experienced an abusive relationship in the past, which took both an emotional and physical toll on me. It was a challenging time, especially in finding the strength to walk away. The situation was difficult to navigate, as it’s often hard to separate pain from attachment,” Celis recalls the years of abuse from a former partner.
She says it took the support of family and loved ones along with professional guidance which enabled her to be healed and rediscover herself by pursuing her passions like pageantry.
Celis says that by competing in pageantry she will have the chance to remind others that there is life after the hardships.
“I want to tell them that what you’re experiencing is not your fault, and you deserve love, respect, and safety. It may be confusing, exhausting, and at times, it may feel like there’s no way out. But please, hear me when I say this—we are with you, and you do not deserve to live in fear or hurt,” Celis says of her message that she wants to impart.
She says that healing takes time and that each survivor has the power to reclaim their happiness.
“Keep believing in yourself, and when you’re ready, take that step. You are worthy of a life filled with love and peace,” the third year law student says.
Celis also plans to launch Project KABATAN-ONAN, a mentorship and skills development program for youth, that helps to equip them with leadership training, career guidance, and job readiness workshops.
“By providing our youth with access to opportunities this will empower them to build a brighter future,” Celis says.
Celis vowed to maximize this platform to create outreach programs that seek to uplift and empower Dabawenyos.
“To me this journey is not just about representing Davao City—it’s about serving it with heart, dedication, and action,” the new Mutya ng Dabaw says of her new task.
Aside from Celis, four other Dabawenyas were named to her court; Geologist Dana Gabrielle B. Tautho, was crowned as Diwa ng Dabaw, physical therapist Ybonne Ortega won the title of Sinag ng Dabaw, industrial engineer Katriana Batu is this year’s Pag-asa ng Dabaw, engineering student Angel Alicaba was crowned as Patnubay ng Dabaw. (PIA/RGA)
