In a move that has taken both supporters and critics by surprise, several mayors and a provincial governor from Davao — known as the stronghold of the Duterte family and the so-called DDS (Diehard Duterte Supporters) — have publicly expressed their gratitude to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for his recent assistance to the region.

The unexpected gesture, made during a recent government event in Mindanao, is being seen as a significant shift in tone from local leaders who were once firmly aligned with the Duterte camp. While relations between the Marcos and Duterte factions have become increasingly tense in recent months, the show of appreciation from the Davao leaders has ignited widespread discussion across political and social media circles.

According to reports, President Marcos visited the region to oversee new infrastructure projects and distribute aid packages to communities affected by recent flooding. During the event, several local mayors and the provincial governor personally thanked him for his continued support and attention to Mindanao’s development needs.

Governor [name withheld pending confirmation] was among those who delivered a short but heartfelt speech. “We may come from different political backgrounds, but when it comes to serving the people, we recognize the President’s efforts. We thank him for his concern for our province,” the governor said, drawing applause from the crowd.

Observers couldn’t help but notice the shift in tone — particularly from officials who, in previous years, had rarely praised the national government under Marcos’ leadership. For many, this marks a rare moment of political humility and a recognition that cooperation may now be more beneficial than rivalry.

One Davao City mayor echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Ang mahalaga, tuloy ang serbisyo para sa tao. Kung may tulong ang Malacañang, dapat nating pasalamatan. Hindi ito tungkol sa kulay o politika — ito ay tungkol sa pag-unlad.”

The statement has since gone viral, with netizens commenting that it’s refreshing to see local leaders “swallow their pride” for the greater good. “Finally, leaders are acting like real public servants,” one commenter wrote. “It’s not about loyalty anymore — it’s about results.”

However, not everyone is applauding the move. Hardline DDS supporters expressed disappointment online, accusing some officials of “betrayal” for thanking a President they once criticized. Social media pages affiliated with the Duterte loyalist base were filled with mixed reactions, ranging from cautious acceptance to outright anger.

“This is politics — everyone shakes hands when it benefits them,” one commenter wrote bitterly. Others, however, urged fellow DDS members to be pragmatic. “If the President is helping Davao, then let’s be thankful. It doesn’t mean we forget our loyalty, but we should recognize good work when we see it.”

Political analysts believe the gesture could be part of a broader effort by local officials to stabilize relations between the Marcos and Duterte blocs, particularly amid growing speculation of political realignment ahead of the 2025 elections. “This may be a strategic move,” said one analyst. “No one wants their city or province to be left behind because of political differences. Gratitude, even if symbolic, can open doors for cooperation.”

The Marcos administration, for its part, welcomed the appreciation from Davao’s local leaders. In a short statement, a Palace spokesperson said, “The President is grateful for the trust and partnership shown by local officials in Davao. Development has no color — it’s for every Filipino.”

The event concluded on a surprisingly positive note, with President Marcos personally shaking hands with several mayors and local leaders who had once been publicly critical of his leadership. The gesture drew applause from attendees and was quickly shared across television networks and social media.

For many political observers, the moment symbolized a rare instance of unity amid deep partisan divides. Whether this marks the beginning of a new political chapter or just a temporary truce remains uncertain — but one thing is clear: even in the heart of the DDS stronghold, respect and recognition for President Marcos are beginning to take root.

As one veteran journalist summed it up online: “When mayors and governors from Davao start thanking PBBM, you know something big is shifting in Philippine politics.