DAVAO CITY — The Davao City Justice Zone (DCJZ) has been recognized as one of the best justice zones in the country during the National Justice Zone Summit in September 2026. The recognition highlights the zone’s significant contributions to improving the administration of justice and its consistent performance in case disposal.
A Remarkable Rise in Case Disposal
Judge Rowena Apao-Adlawan, Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court and DCJZ Convenor, shared the milestone with the City Information Office. She cited Associate Justice Jaime Fortunato A. Caringal of the Justice Sector Coordinating Council, who noted that the DCJZ achieved the highest case disposal rate among all justice zones nationwide.
Data presented at the summit revealed that in 2018 the entire court resolved 11,458 cases. By 2025, that number soared to 19,640 cases, representing a 71.4 percent disposal rate. Simultaneously, case filings declined from 10,717 in 2018 to 10,139 in 2025. This dual trend of more resolutions and fewer filings signals a more efficient and proactive justice system.
Collaboration Across the Five Pillars
Judge Adlawan attributed the success to relentless support and effective cooperation among DCJZ members, the local government, and partner agencies. The DCJZ comprises the five pillars of justice, but its reach extends beyond them. It engages agencies like the Department of Health and the Commission on Higher Education to craft policies that serve the marginalized, including Indigenous Peoples and vulnerable sectors.
Part of the DCJZ’s thrust is developing more responsive justice services for the LGBT community, women, Indigenous Peoples, persons deprived of liberty (PDL), and persons restored to liberty (PRL). The banner program focuses on rehabilitation and reintegration, ensuring that former offenders receive support to rebuild their lives and avoid recidivism.
A Nationwide Model for Local Government Support
Judge Adlawan emphasized that the DCJZ is the only justice zone in the country with a structured secretariat whose personnel are paid by the local government. The City Government of Davao has institutionalized the DCJZ through an ordinance and allocates ₱3.5 million annually, supplementing ₱8 million from national principals like the JSCC, EU GOJUST, and other convergence partners.
This sustained funding and institutional backing demonstrate Davao City’s unwavering commitment to making justice accessible, especially to the less privileged. The city’s support enables the DCJZ to initiate locally-led reforms, strengthen the barangay justice system, and create policies that prevent prolonged detention and delays in case resolution.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration at the Core
The DCJZ’s flagship initiative centers on the rehabilitation and reintegration of PDLs and PRLs. Programs provide education, skills training, and psychosocial support to help individuals transition back into society. By addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, the DCJZ reduces repeat offenses and promotes safer communities.
Judge Adlawan extended her gratitude to the City Government of Davao for its consistent partnership, calling it one of the DCJZ’s greatest strengths. This collaboration between the judiciary, local executives, and community stakeholders exemplifies how coordinated action can transform justice delivery.
Continuing the Momentum
The recognition at the National Justice Zone Summit validates years of hard work and innovation. The DCJZ continues to pursue locally-led reforms, strengthen the barangay justice system, and ensure efficient, timely justice for all. The City Government of Davao remains steadfast in its commitment to making justice more available, particularly for the marginalized and vulnerable.
As the DCJZ moves forward, its model offers a blueprint for other local government units seeking to improve their own justice systems. The zone’s success proves that with strong partnerships, dedicated funding, and a focus on rehabilitation, justice can be both swift and compassionate.
