History
The City of Davao (Tagalog: Lungsod
ng Dabaw; Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Dabaw) is the largest city
on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines, the country's
largest city in terms of land area, occupying 2,444 square
kilometers (recently the city of Puerto Princesa with a
total land area of 2,539 square kilometers has been disputing
this title). It is also one of the Philippines' most progressive
cities. Its international airport and seaport are among
the busiest cargo hubs in the southern Philippines. Davao
City is also one of several cities in the Philippines that
are independent of any province, though it is usually grouped
with Davao del Sur for statistical purposes. The city is
also the regional center for Davao Region (Region XI). Davao
City has a population of 1,650,337 (2007 census). Metro
Davao can also be dubbed as The City of Royalties or The
Royal City, because of the presence of the kings and queens
of the nature present in Davao. The Queen of Philippine
Orchids which is Waling-waling, the King of Exotic Fruits,
which is Durian, The King and Grandfather of Philippine
mountains, Mt. Apo, the largest eagle in the world and the
King of Philippine skies which is the Philippine Eagle,
and the City itself which is one of the largest cities in
the world in terms of land area. In recent years, the sprawling
urban Metropolis of Davao has emerged as the business, investment
and tourism hub for the entire southern Philippines. The
city boasts of some of the finest beaches and mountain resorts
in the country, and proximity to the Philippines’ most captivating
diving spots as well as its highest peak, Mount Apo. Asiaweek
ranked Metro Davao among the 20 Most Livable Cities in Asia,
above Metro Manila and Metro Cebu and the number one as
the most livable city in the country. Foreign Direct Investment
Magazine conducted a study which named Davao City as the
10th "Asian City of the Future". Metropolitan Davao Metropolitan
Davao is one of the three recognized Metro areas in the
Philippines together with Metro Manila and Metro Cebu. Metro
Davao comprises the following cities and municipalities:
Davao City, Tagum City, Panabo City, Island Garden City
of Samal, Digos City, and the Municipalities of Carmen and
Sta. Cruz.
Culture
and Heritage
Easy assimilation
is an integral essence of multi-cultural Davao. Being a
chartered city, it has grown appreciating differences in
culture and tradition by numerous ethnic groups that integrated
easily to the local tribes already present during its infancy
as a city. Like most cities in the country, Catholics largely
populate Davao. Christian churches and chapels dot the city’s
landscape along with some temples, mosques, and other places
of worship. Another Spanish influence that remains up to
this day is the observance and celebration of barrios (or
villages) of the day of their respective patron saint called
“Fiesta”. It is in these celebrations wherein songs, dances
and other forms of arts and merrymaking from various cultures
have evolved creatively into the sights and sounds of Davao
now. Such showcases point to its ultimate climax as the
celebration of all celebrations - the weeklong Kadayawan
sa Dabaw Festival.
Geography
and Physical Characteristics
Mt.
Apo overlooks Davao City. The land area of Davao City is
2,443.61 square kilometers. In terms of land area, it is
considered as one of the largest cities in the world. It
is divided into 3 congressional districts, which are further
divided into 11 administrative districts containing a total
of 184 barangays. Almost 50% of its total land area is classified
as timberland or forest. Agriculture utilizes about 43%.
This is reflective of the fact that agriculture is still
the largest economic sector. Big plantations that produce
banana, pineapple, coffee, and coconut eat up a large chunk
of the total land area.
Location
Approximately 588
statute miles southeast of Manila and 241 statute miles
to Cebu City. Traveling by sea, its location from Manila
and Cebu is 971 and 593 nautical miles respectively. It
is the capital of the Davao Region and is the biggest urban
Market in the growth polygon called BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines
East Asian Growth Area) Presently, built-up areas used for
residential, institutional, commercial, and industrial purposes
represent about 10% of the total land area. Under the approved
land use plan built-up and settlement area will cover 15%
of the total area while agricultural will be maximized with
67.19%. The remaining 17.68 will be devoted for forest and
conservation.
Accessibility
Inside the Davao International Airport
Davao City is very accessible and is the gateway to the
BIMP-EAGA. It has regular air, sea, and land linkages to
major points in the country and overseas. Flight time to
Manila (the country’s capital) is 100 minutes, to Cebu City
50 Minutes. It has daily flights to Singapore - serviced
by SilkAir, Cebu Pacific Air with a daily flights to HongKong
and Singapore and weekly chartered flights to Manado, Indonesia.
The city can also be accessed by plane from Zamboanga City
and Iloilo City while Cagayan de Oro City in Northern Mindanao
is linked to the city by the scenic BUDA or Bukidnon-Davao
Highway. Its international seaport served as an important
shipping hub for both cargo and passenger vessels. Like
most cities in the Philippines, there is an abundance of
buses, jeepneys and taxicabs which makes getting around
Davao City quite easy.
Climate
Davao City is typhoon-free.
The city enjoys a weather that remains balmy all year round.
It is characterized by a uniform distribution of rainfall,
temperature, humidity, and air pressure. It has no pronounced
wet or dry season. Weather predictability makes it highly
conducive to agricultural production. Temperature ranges
from 20 to 32 degrees Celsius and average rainfall is up
to 2,000 mm yearly.
Language
Cebuano is the most
widely spoken language in the city, while Tagalog comes
a distant second. Bisalog, an informal mixing of the above
languages, is spoken as well. Japanese is spoken by the
Japanese Filipino community and Chinese is spoken by the
Chinese Filipino population. This fusion though is not generally
held acceptable in any formal level. English is the medium
of instruction in schools and is widely understood and spoken
especially in the business community and also for all official
documents.
Religion
The most dominant
group is the Roman Catholic at 83.83%, other Christian groups
comprise 15% and the remaining 1.17% belongs to other non-Christian
faiths (Islam, Buddhism, etc).
Economy
Davao City is the
"Crown Jewel" of Mindanao in terms of economic activity.
It is the single most important economy in the island, being
the third biggest metropolitan area in the country next
only to Manila and Cebu. Like the rest of the country, Davao
City operates on an economic system that is market-oriented,
although pricing mechanisms remain regulated in a few sectors
(particularly on basic commodities) to protect consumers.
The competitiveness of the market has been enhanced through
the dismantling of protection for "infant industries" and
the breakdown of industries with monopolistic or cartel
tendencies. On the international front, the economy has
been opened up to global competition, through a tariff reduction
program and the loosening of restrictions on inward foreign
investment. The result is a diverse economy, featuring a
sound mix between the agricultural (roughly 45%), industrial
(15%) and service (at around 35%) industries. Poverty reduction
has become the main goal of the local government which is
being addressed through programs and projects one of which
is the encouragement of inward investments to industries
that are labor-intensive. Fortunately for Davao, private
investments has Davao City’s economy is steadily growing
in the last two decades. The City has shifted counting investments
from millions in the 80s to billions in the 90s and up to
the present millennium. Among Asian cities, Davao has maintained
its competitive position in attracting investments and in
penetrating new foreign markets owing to its resilient exports
base, peaceful business climate, better quality of life,
and rich pool of skilled workforce. With over 1.2-Million
people as primary market base, the city is conducive to
business as evidenced by the presence of the country’s top
200 companies. Inflow of investments has been remarkable
in the last ten years. Export in the City is now billion
dollar industry with a growing niche market for its products.
The stable banana and flourishing pineapple industries are
among the country’s leading export commodities. A net exporter
since 1987, Davao City largely contributed in making the
Philippines as the world’s top 3 banana exporter. Primarily
an agricultural area, almost all kinds of fruits thrive
in Davao including the exotic Durian. Other major agriculture-based
exports are pomelo, mango, coconut, papaya, mangoosten,
and even flowers. The productive linkages between established
businesses and Davao City community reinforced the competitive
quality of life in a city that has consistently maintained
single digit inflation rate since 1993. Along with flourishing
investments and exports, the low inflation rate serve as
concrete illustration of the remarkable gains from Davao
City’s sustained competitiveness nurtured by high level
of responsiveness of the local government which put priority
focus in facilitating business-friendly initiatives and
in ensuring a peaceful and prosperous environment.
Government
Main article: Districts
of Davao City Unique to the local government set-up of the
city is the designation of a deputy mayor by the city mayor.
Although an appointed official only, the deputy mayor serves
as a direct link to the city mayor, especially for people
living outside the city proper. The deputy mayor also serves
as the city mayor's representative in community events.
The functions of the position are considered complementary
to the functions of the city vice-mayor, given the large
territorial jurisdiction of the city. The city is politically
subdivided into 184 barangays. The current mayor of Davao
City is Rodrigo Duterte, a former government prosecutor
and congressman. He is assisted by city vice-mayor Sara
Duterte, his daughter. The City Government of Davao is now
proposing to add two more Congressional Districts.
Security and Civil Defense
The city government has invested millions
of pesos to ensure the security of people living and working
in Davao City. Aside from the usual forces of the Philippine
National Police, a special military task force has been
formed to insulate the city from terrorist attacks and other
forms of criminality. The Task Force Davao, as it is named,
is affiliated with the Philippine Army and is headed by
an army colonel. The city government also maintains a 24-hour
emergency response system patterned after the 9-1-1 systems
in Canada and the United States. People can dial the 911
number to report emergencies and criminal incidents. A curfew
is also observed in the city. All business establishments,
in particular bars and discos, are mandated by a city ordinance
to refrain from selling alcoholic drinks by 2:00 AM. Also,
motorcycle drivers with no helmets and motorists with defective
lights are not allowed to enter or drive in the city. Regular
checkpoints in key parts of Davao City and at the city boundaries
are conducted 24 hours to ensure the strict implementation
of traffic rules. The use of fireworks and other similar
pyrotechnics, as well as smoking, is strictly prohibited
in most of the city. Even outdoors, if you are under a roof
of any kind, you are prohibited from smoking. Violators
are made to pay hefty fines, perform community service,
serve jail time, or a combination of the three. Littering
is also prohibited.
Foreign Relations
The influx of foreign visitors and
the presence of expatriates and migrants in the city have
prompted the governments of Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia and
the United States to open consular offices in the city.
The US Embassy in the Philippines opened a virtual consulate
where inquiries regarding visa issuances, foreign relations
concerns and travel to the United States can be made on
the Internet by e-mail and chat. The virtual consulate website
[1] is maintained in coordination with Ateneo de Davao University
and Holy Cross of Davao College.
Physical Infrastructure
The presence of basic infrastructure
within the city such as airport, seaports, roads, bridges,
telecommunications, condominiums, malls and first class
hotels has sustained the economic growth in the last 10
years. Due to the city’s unprecedented growth, a clamor
for higher capacity infrastructures resulted to a number
of modernization projects now ongoing to meet the demands
of the new millennium.
Airport
The Francisco Bangoy International
Airport (Davao International Airport) is the busiest airport
in Mindanao. Expansion and modernization began in 1998.
Today, the new DIA (opened in December 2003) has begun accommodating
wider-bodied jets such as the Boeing 747, the Airbus A340
and the Airbus A330.
Roads and Bridges
Construction of more roads and bridges
are also underway. The construction of the City’s third
major road - the Buhangin underpass was completed in the
1st quarter of 2003. A Traffic Management and Computerization
Scheme was also implemented. Davao City is ranked no. 5
among cities in Asia with better traffic flow based on vehicles
per kilometer of city road.
Seaports
Davao City and the Port of Davao has
2 government international seaports in (the Sasa Wharf and
the Sta. Ana Wharf) and 9 privately owned ports. In addition,
the Toril international Fish Port Complex accommodates small
and large-scale fishing activities as well as provide among
others cold-storage facilities.
Telecommunications
Communication links within the key
business areas are adequate. With the deregulation and privatization
policies of the Philippine government, the number of telecommunications
player is projected to increase as well as offer affordable
telecommunications services to subscribers/clienteles.
Internet Service Providers
There are 6 Internet Service Providers
operating in Davao City offering dial-up, dedicated and
DSL types of service. The City has over a hundred Internet
cafés operating in strategic areas where one can surf, chat,
play games, send and view e-mails, and engage in e-commerce
using the latest computer innovation and technology.
Tourism
Tourists' Spots
* Battle Memorial -– A historical marker
of the longest-fought battle between the troops of the
American & Filipino forces and of the Japanese Imperial
Army which took place in Mintal, Tugbok
District. (Mintal Elementary School)
* Camp Domingo Leonor -– Quarters of the
Spanish and later American soldiers in the 1920s.
(San Pedro St.)
* City Hall of Davao –- The former municipal
building constructed in 1926. (San Pedro St.)
* Crocodile Farm –- The only crocodile
park in the region provides home to locally bred crocodiles
including the country's biggest crocodile named Pangil (or
fangs) measuring over 18 feet in length.
One can take pleasure from viewing, horseback riding around
the park, or feeding the young fierce
reptiles.
* Davao Museum -– Houses artifacts of Davao's
indigenous tribes and photographs of the city's
historic events and history of its pioneering families.
(Insular Village I, Lanang)
* Davao Historical Society Museum -– Features
the historical and indigenous collections of
the Davao Historical Society (Magsaysay Park)
* Fort of Datu Bago -- Site of the bastion
of the Muslim hero Datu Bago who lorded over the Tagloc
River, the old name of Davao River. (Junction of Washington
St. and Quimpo Blvd.)
* Furukawa Plantation -– The abaca plantation
in Daliao which was acquired from the Bagobos
as a result of the Otha Public Land Act in 1903. (Toril)
* Gap Farm -– The GAP Farm has deluxe cottages
and campsites, Olympic size swimming pool,
picnic area, horseback riding facilities, convention hall,
and a World War II cave among others.
Its garden is filled with exotic flowers and tropical fruits.
Located in Barangay Ma-a.
* Japanese Museum –- The museum features
historical accounts of the Japanese community
residing in Davao before and during the war including their
tools which they used in the abaca plantations,
currencies, publications, among others. (Calinan)
* Japanese Peace Memorial Shrine -– During
the "Ubon Yasumi, " Japan's version of All Souls'
Day held in August, Japanese war veterans and their kin
take a pilgrimage to visit this memorial
shrine. (Mintal)
* Japanese Tunnel -- A restaurant with
a free entry to a tunnel that the Japanese created in the
time of the Japanese Revolution. (Ma-a)
* Lon Wa Buddhist Temple -- The biggest
Buddhist temple in Mindanao is set in environment
of candle trees and bamboo with an imposing statue of the
Buddha and his life depicted in wood carving.
(R. Cabaguio Ave.)
* Memorial to a Brave Son -- This memorial
marker was built in recognition of the gallantry of
Armando Generoso, who died in the very site of the bridge
while defending it from the Japanese invaders
during World War ll. (Gov. Generoso Bridge)
* Mindanao Taoist Temple –- Houses the
holy icons of the Taoist religion. (J.P. Cabaguio Ave.)
* Mintal Historical Marker -– A memorial
to Col. Yamada who defended Mintal during the
war. It is also the site of the visit
of McArthur, Stillwel and Eichelberger. (Mintal)
* Monument of Peace & Unity -– Unveiled
during the celebration of the Philippine Centennial
in 1998, the monument depicts the peaceful relationship
of the migrant and indigenous inhabitants
of Davao in the last 100 years. (San Pedro St.)
* Mosques -– Islam is also one of the major
religions in the city with several places of worships
found in Bankerohan, Quezon Blvd., Panacan, Quimpo Blvd.,
among others.
* Museo Dabawenyo -– a government owned
museum located at cor. pichon st and claveria st.
* Old Japanese Houses -– The site of old
Japanese homes, warehouses and abaca processing
and drying plants before and during World War II. (Mintal,
Tugbok District & Toril District)
* Osmeña Park -– Formerly known as the
Plaza, this was the site of the settlement of the early
Davaoeños. (San Pedro St.)
* Ottha Kyosaburu Memorial Shrine -– A
memorial obelisk built in honor of Otha Kyosaburu
who invoked the Public Land Act No. 926 of 1903. (Mintal
Elementary School)
* Uyanguren Landing Site -– The landing
site of Don Jose Oyanguren y Cruz of Guipuzcoa, Spain,
the Spanish conqueror who later became the Governor of Davao.
(Rodriguez Park, Quezon Blvd.)
* San Pedro Cathedral –- One of the oldest
churches in Mindanao, the original structure of the
church was built in 1847 in honor of St. Peter, the city's
patron saint. The old altar is preserved
at the right wing of the cathedral. (San Pedro St.). It
is the ecclesiastical seat of the Archdiocese
of Davao.
* Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague
-– A local mecca of the city's Roman Catholic devotees.
(Shrine Hills, Matina)
* St. Mary of Perpetual Rosary -– A shrine
built in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary which features
series of steps which leads to the main chapel. (Cabantian,
Buhangin District)
* Talomo Beach –- Sunken warships during
the Second World War can be found just 200 meters
from the shore. (Talomo District)
* Eden Nature Park -- A very popular mountain
resort located in Eden, Toril District, some 40
min away from the city center. It is situated 3000 ft above
sea level, giving it a cool and moderate
climate. It is 95% man made with pine trees dotting the
landscape. It covers 40 hectares worth
of developed land.
* Philippine Eagle Center -- Home to the
Philippines National Bird, The Philippine Eagle (previously
named Monkey Eating Eagle), the largest eagle in the World.
It is where they are bred in captivity
in order to increase their population and prevent extinction.
Located in Malagos, a 45 min drive from
the city center. Aside from being a temporary home for the
Monkey Eating Eagle's, it also hosts some
other exotic animals native to Davao's forest.
* Paradise Island and Beach Resort -- A
very popular white sand beach resort located in Samal
Island. It is a 5 min boat ride away from its drop off point
at Lanang. Aside from its unspoiled waters,
it also has a zoo as an added attraction.
* People's Park -- On December 15, 2007,
Mayor Rodrigo Duterte led local officials in opening
the P 72-M People’s Park (old PTA Ground) in Davao City,
which features a mini- forest
and large sculptures representing indigenous groups in Southern
Mindanao.
Shopping Centers
* Aldevinco Shopping Center
* Chimes Mall
* City Triangle
* DAMOSA Market Basket
* Davao Central Warehouse Club
* Felcris Department Stores
* Gaisano Mall of Davao -- J.P Laurel Avenue
* Gaisano Grand CitiMall -- Ilustre Street
* NCCC Mall of Davao -- corner McArthur Highway
and Ma-a road
* NCCC Mall (Main)- R. Magsaysay Avenue
* SM City Davao -- Quimpo Boulevard
* Victoria Plaza Mall -- J.P Laurel Avenue, Bajada
Socio-cultural Environment
Health and Hospital
The average life expectancy of Davaoeños
is 70 for females and 65 for males. There are about 31 hospitals
with a total of 1,963 beds in Davao City. Very affordable
medical services are made available to poor residents through
the Davao Medical Center, which has the most hospitals beds
at 600. Davao Medical Center On the other hand, hospitals
such as the Davao Doctors Hospital, San Pedro Hospital,
Brokenshire Memorial Hospital, Ricardo Limso Medical Center,
and Davao Medical Center are training hospitals that also
offer specialized medical care services. Davao Regional
Hospital in neighboring Tagum City, also offers the same
quality specialized physician training and health services.
Psychiatric hospitals, psychotherapy clinics and counselling
centers are also found in the city, directed and manned
by internationally-trained counselors, psychologists, psychometricians
and psychiatrists. In Davao City, there are currently six
large tertiary hospitals: Davao Doctors Hospital, San Pedro
Hospital, Brokenshire Memorial Hospital, Davao Medical School
Foundation Hospital, Ricardo Limso Medical Center, and Davao
Medical Center.
Education
The
government provides free education at the primary (grade
school) and secondary (high school) levels. Government scholars
from all over the island enjoy free college education in
state-run universities such as the University of the Philippines,
Mindanao and the University of Southeastern Philippines.
The literacy rate of the country is 93.9%. Davao City on
the other hand has a higher literacy rate at 98.05%. The
city has contributed much to the country’s ever increasing
pool of masters and doctorate degree holders helping the
Philippines gain the distinction of having one of the highest
numbers of Masters in Business Administration (MBA) graduates
in the world. The city is considered the Center for Learning
and Education in Mindanao Island. Currently, it has 374
elementary schools, 65 secondary schools, and 46 colleges
and universities.
Banks
Currently, there are around
141 banks (including branches), 37 financing companies,
and 466 lending firms operating in the city. These can handle
financial/monetary transactions from the most basic to the
most complicated.
Cargo and Courier Forwarders
Postal requirements
are served by 18 post offices citywide. Forwarders, truckers,
custom brokers, international couriers, and messengerial
companies offer overnight mail and freight/cargo services.
The Press
Aside from
the 24 national daily newspapers available, Davao City also
has 20 local newspapers, 9 broadcast TV stations, 15 AM-band
radio stations, and 19 FM-band radio stations. These numbers
reflect the extent of press freedom being enjoyed by the
print and broadcast media as well as provide wide range
of choice for residents and visitors alike.
Achievements and Recognition
* Most Competitive Metro City in the Philippines, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2008
* Most Livable City in the Philippines, 1996-1999
* Destination of the Year, 1997 Kalakbay Awards
* Most Child-friendly City in the Philippines, 1999, 2000
* Most Outstanding Regional Peace and Order Council, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2005
* Most Peaceful City in East and Southeast Asia, 1998-2005
* Best Police Office in the Country, 1999-2005
* 2nd place, LGU Literacy Award in the Philippines, 1999
* 2nd Best City Health Office in the Philippines, 1999
* The Cleanest and Greenest City in the Philippines, 1999-2005
Sister Cities
There are 7 sister cities in Davao
as designated in Sister Cities International, Inc. (SCI):
* Keelung, Taiwan
* Bitung, Indonesia
*
Manado, Indonesia
*
San Juan City, Philippines
* Tacoma,
USA
* Koror, Palau
*
Nanning, China
