Davao City – October 6, 2025. The Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Davao City, in partnership with the City Council’s Committee on Indigenous Peoples, Cultural Communities, and Muslim Affairs, convened a Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Cultural Sensitivity and Respect at the SP Conference Room, Davao City. The event, themed “Building Unity in Diversity: Promoting Respect in the Age of Social Media,” gathered youth leaders, bloggers, government representatives, and cultural advocates to address the growing concerns over online discourse and cultural respect.
The dialogue stemmed from recent incidents on social media, particularly the misuse of the term “Baboy na Halal”, which sparked conversations on the need to strengthen religious and cultural awareness in digital spaces. The forum provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange perspectives and propose policy actions toward fostering inclusivity and accountability online.
SK Federation representatives and youth leaders echoed the call for education and digital literacy, suggesting that regular dialogues among cultural and interfaith groups be institutionalized. The group also proposed integrating Digital Citizenship and Cultural Sensitivity discussions into school programs to equip young people with awareness and respect for diversity.
Council representatives then discussed legislative directions, including:
- The drafting of guidelines for responsible social media use, particularly for bloggers and influencers.
- The possible revisiting of the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance (No. 0417-12, amended by 0497-18) to include stronger provisions on religious respect and online responsibility.
- The development of a new ordinance prohibiting acts of religious insult, misinformation, and cultural disrespect within the city’s jurisdiction.
- The launch of a “Davao Respect Digital Campaign” spearheaded by the SK Federation to promote positive online behavior and cultural harmony.
Hon. Kristine May John Mercado and Hon. Demetrio Bolo Jr. joined the dialogue, commending the collective effort of the participants and calling for sustained collaboration between government offices, youth organizations, and digital creators.
“This conversation should not end here,” one of the council representatives stressed. “It must translate into concrete measures that protect our communities and nurture a culture of respect.”
The meeting concluded with an agreement to draft resolutions and possible amendments to existing ordinances. The SK Federation Secretariat was tasked with consolidating all proposals discussed and submitting them for council consideration.
The Davao Bloggers Society, represented by Nep-C Ledesma and Glenn Magallano, joined the session alongside other media stakeholders to contribute insights on responsible online communication and cultural representation.
The dialogue reaffirmed Davao City’s commitment to inclusivity and understanding – a reminder that while voices may differ, respect remains the foundation of a united and progressive community.
