ATO NA program equips Dabawenyo athletes
The long hours of training, the discipline to balance academics with competition, and the sacrifices made by Dabawenyo athletes are now being given a greater purpose with the launching of the city’s Atong Taga-an og Oportunidad ang Nangandoy nga Atleta (ATO NA) Scholarship Program, dedicated to student-athletes.
The ATO NA scholarship program was formalized by Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte under EO No. 15, Series of 2026, to recognize the growing number of young athletes who have represented Davao in prestigious events such as the DAVRAA Meet and the Palarong Pambansa.
Michael Denton P. Aportadera, head of City Sports Development Division's (SDD), said that the scholarship is more than just a financial aid as it is a recognition of their victory and a testament that the city will stand with them as they chase their dreams.
“Kaning scholarship, gusto namo ishare sa inyohang tanan kay aron kamo makapadayon sa inyohang kinabuhi, dool mo sa inyohang pamilya ug mahimo mo nga proud nga Dabawenyo. Ang tanan ninyong mga medal na madaogan, it will forever be there to remind you nga kamo nahimo mong atleta sa syudad sa Davao nga kami tanan mga Dabawenyo, sainyong kadaogan, daog pod ang syudad sa Davao (This scholarship, we want to share with all of you so that you can continue with your lives, be close to your families, and be proud Dabawenyos. All your medals will forever be there to remind you that you have become athletes of the city of Davao. We, all Dabawenyos, share in your victories, when you win, the city of Davao wins too),” he told Madayaw Davao over Davao City Disaster Radio on May 12, 2026.
To qualify, applicants are required to submit a scholarship application form from the Sports Development Office, a certificate of residency issued by the Barangay Captain, a medical certificate that will signify the applicant’s fitness to engage in physical activities, Good Moral Character, a certificate of enrollment to be submitted one week after classes begin.
Applicants must also submit their PSA birth certificate, certificate of indigency or eligibility from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the latest Income Tax Return of parents or guardian from BIR, endorsement from a school, sports club or National Sports Association, Photocopy of latest report card, and proof of participation such as medals or recognitions.
The Scholarship provides financial assistance of Php 20,000 per semester or academic year for Tertiary Level to cover the tuition and miscellaneous fees, plus Php 5,000 for sports supplies and equipment subsidies.
Partial scholarships provide Php 5,000 per semester for tertiary athletes and Php 5,000 per academic year for junior and senior high school athletes.
Tertiary students must have no incomplete or failing grade in the previous school year, while junior and senior high school athletes must have no grade below 80 percent in any subject.
Justine Marie D. Adovo, Executive Program Director I, ATO NA Scholarship In-charge emphasized that for years, Dabawenyo athletes have balanced schoolwork with rigorous trainings while representing the city in competitions across the nation, and the scholarship now recognizes these efforts by ensuring that their hard work extends beyond the podium into their education and future careers.
“Para sa atoang mga athletes, padayon lang. Kabalo ko lisod, kapoy sa training, pressure sa competition. Kinahanglan pa nimo i-balance imong studies, imong personal life, imong training. Pero, ayaw mo undang sa inyong pangandoy. Naa ang city government mutabang sa inyoha, sa inyohang pagskwela, sa pag dula. Kani nga scholarship ang proof nga nakita ug gi value sa Davao city ang inyohang hardwork and dedication (For our athletes, just keep going. I know it's hard, tiring with the training, pressure from the competition. You still need to balance your studies, your personal life, and your training. But, don't give up on your dreams. The city government is here to help you, in your studies, in sports. This scholarship is proof that Davao City has seen and valued your hard work and dedication),” she added.
For more information on the ATO NA Scholarship Program and other SDD activities, Dabawenyos may visit the City Sports Development Division’s official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/citysportsdevelopmentdivision. CIO