Davao City

Davao City

Davao City, officially the City of Davao, is a large city in the Davao Region, Philippines. It is the biggest city in the country by land area, covering 2,443.61 km² (943.48 sq mi). As of the 2024 census, it is also the third-most populous city, after Quezon City and Manila, with 1,848,947 people.

Even though Davao City is part of the province of Davao del Sur, it is run separately from the province. The city has three congressional districts and 11 administrative districts.

Davao City is very important as the regional center of the Davao Region and the main trade, commerce, and industry hub of Mindanao. It is also called the Durian Capital of the Philippines. Nearby, you can find Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines, which can often be seen from the city.

Etymology

The name of Davao City comes from the Bagobo people. The word davao is a mix of names three Bagobo groups used for the Davao River. The Obos called the river Davah, the Clatta called it Dawaw, and the Tagabawas called it Dabo. For the Obos, davah meant a place near the river, surrounded by hills.

History

Precolonial era

The area now called Davao City was once a forest home to Lumadic peoples such as the Bagobos and Matigsalugs, along with other groups like the Aeta, Maguindanaon, and Kagan. The Davao River was called Tagloc River by the Bagobos, Maguindanaons, and Tausugs who lived near its mouth.

Maguindanao era

A Maguindanaon leader named Datu Bago was given control of the Davao Gulf area by the Sultan of Maguindanao for helping fight the Spanish. He moved there in 1800 and built a fortress called Pinagurasan in 1830, which grew into a small city. By 1843, he was crowned Sultan, ruling Davao Gulf independently.

Spanish era

The Spanish began exploring the Davao Gulf area in the 16th century but did not control it until 1842. They wanted to increase their income after losing colonies in the Americas. In 1848, Spanish forces led by José Cruz de Oyanguren landed and took over the area, founding the town of Nueva Vergara. Later, it was renamed Davao.

During the Philippine Revolution

When the Philippine Revolution ended in 1898, local representatives from Davao attended the Malolos Congress. However, American forces took control later that year.

American period

Under American rule starting in 1900, Davao grew quickly as a center for agriculture. Many foreign businessmen, especially from Japan, settled there and turned forests and grasslands into large farms. The Port of Davao was built to export goods.

Second World War

During World War II, Japanese forces occupied Davao from 1941 to 1945. The city was heavily bombed.

Postwar growth

After the war, Davao became an important agricultural and economic center again. It grew peaceful and progressive through the 1950s and 1960s.

Social unrest, martial law, and the 1980s

In the late 1960s and 1970s, Davao faced unrest due to political tensions and economic problems. Many ordinary people spoke out against the violence and worked for peace.

After the People Power revolution

After the 1986 revolution that removed President Marcos, new leaders took over in Davao. Rodrigo Duterte served as Mayor of Davao City for many years before becoming President of the Philippines.

Geography

Davao City is about 946 kilometres (588 miles) southeast of Manila. It is on the northwestern shore of the Davao Gulf, across from Samal Island. From the city, you can see tall mountains like Mount Apo and Mount Talomo.

The city covers a large area of about 2,443.61 square kilometres (943.48 square miles). The land is hilly in the west and slopes down toward the southeast. Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines, is in the southwest part of the city. The Davao River flows through the city and empties into the sea.

Davao City has a tropical rainforest climate, so it is warm and wet most of the year. Temperatures stay above 26 °C (78.8 °F) all year, and there is plenty of rain, especially in the summer. The area has many birds and special plants, like the beautiful waling-waling flower and the large Philippine eagle. Even though the region is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, Davao City only has small earthquakes.

Main article: Barangays of Davao City

Demographics

As of the 2024 census, Davao City has a population of 1,848,947 people. The area around the city, known as Metro Davao, had about 2.77 million people in 2015. This makes it the third-largest group of cities in the Philippines and the biggest city in the southern part of the country called Mindanao. In 1995, the city reached over one million people, becoming the first city outside the main group of cities called Metro Manila to do so.

Residents of Davao City are often called Davaoeños. Most are from families that moved from places called Visayas, especially a group known as Cebuanos, with some from Luzon. There are also people from many different backgrounds, including groups that have lived in the area for a long time, called Lumads. Other groups include Tagalogs, Kapampangans, Ilocanos, and people from Moro groups such as Maguindanaons and Maranaos. There are also smaller communities of Chinese Filipinos, Japanese Filipinos, and more recent visitors from countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Japan, and Korea.

Cebuano is the most commonly spoken language in Davao City, but Filipino (Tagalog) is used in schools and many jobs. Other languages spoken include Chavacano Davaoeño, Hiligaynon, and several local languages. Many people mix Tagalog words into their Cebuano speech because of influence from schools, media, and families.

Most people in Davao City are Roman Catholic Christians. Islam is practiced by some, and other Christian groups make up a part of the population. There are also smaller groups that follow other religions such as Sikhism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, animism, and those with no specific religion. The city is also the origin of the Restorationist Church called the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Economy

Davao City is part of the East Asian Growth Area, a group working together for better economic growth in Southeast Asia. The city has the largest economy in Mindanao and southern Philippines.

Agriculture is very important in Davao City. The city grows many fruits, such as pineapple, coffee, mangoes, pomeloes, bananas, papayas, mangosteens, and cacao. The city is known for exporting these fruits. It is also home to Malagos Chocolate, a famous chocolate brand, and is a big exporter of cacao. Local companies and big international businesses have offices and factories here.

The city has many shopping centers. Some well-known malls include Gaisano Mall of Davao, Abreeza, and SM Lanang Premier. New malls are being built, showing the city's growing commerce.

Culture and heritage

Davao City has many traditions from different groups of people. Because of its Spanish history, the city has many churches. Each village celebrates its special feast day with music and dancing.

The biggest celebration is the Kadayawan Festival in August. It started as a harvest celebration and now shows the cultures of the tribes around Davao City. During this time, people dance, have parades, and show art from local artists.

The city also has a Chinatown where many Chinese people live. There is also a place where Japanese people used to live, and you can still see some Japanese buildings and a small temple there. Davao City has many different foods, like grilled meat and a special dish called kinilaw, made from fish mixed with vegetables and vinegar. Durian fruit is also very popular in the city.

Tourism

The Philippine eagle, the country's national bird and the largest eagle in the world, lives only in Davao. You can find beautiful orchids called waling-waling and tasty fruits like durians, marang, rambutans, pomeloes, and mangosteens here. Popular places to visit include the Philippine Eagle Foundation and Nature Center, Mount Apo, Gap Farming Resort, the Davao Crocodile Park, Malagos Garden Resort, Eden Nature Park, and People's Park in the city center, famous for its sculptures and dancing fountain. Just off the coast lies Samal Island, part of Metro Davao, known for its beautiful beaches.

The city holds two big yearly festivals: Araw ng Dabaw (Day of Davao) on March 1, marking when the city was founded, and the Kadayawan Festival in August. In December, Pasko Fiesta sa Davao brings colorful Christmas lights and fun activities all around the city. Starting in 2024, a new festival called Duaw Davao (Visit Davao) is held every June. It highlights the city's attractions and includes music, art, color events, and sports.

The city welcomed many guests and enjoyed great benefits from tourism.

Government

Davao City has 182 barangays, grouped into three areas. The city government plans to add one more area to better serve more people.

The city is led by Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Z. Duterte and Vice Mayor Rodrigo S. Duterte II. Each of the three areas has its own representative. The city council has members from each area to help make decisions.

Transportation

Davao City has many ways to get around. On the roads, you can use multicabs, jeepneys, tricycles, buses, and taxis. Multicabs and jeepneys have special routes they follow. Tricycles help people travel on smaller streets, and taxis have their own routes too. In the mountains, people often ride habal-habal motorbikes.

The city has special taxis that can use electronic cards for payment, and they have computers to help drivers find their way. There are many buses that go to other places in Mindanao and to cities like Pasay, Tagbilaran, Ormoc, and Tacloban.

There are big plans for new roads and trains in Davao City. One idea is a monorail called the Davao People Mover, and there’s also a big bus project to make travel easier.

By sea, Davao is linked to other cities by large ferries. The city has busy ports, including the Port of Davao, which is the busiest in Mindanao.

In the sky, Francisco Bangoy International Airport serves the city. Since 2024, it has flights to places like Quanzhou, Singapore, Hongkong, Bangkok, and Doha.

Utilities

Davao Light and Power Company provides electricity to the city. It is an Aboitiz company and the third-largest electric company in the country. The company uses a gas power plant in Bajada and a coal power plant in Toril.

The Davao City Water District supplies water to the city. The water comes from mountain springs in the west and from underground and surface sources. The water moves through wells, sumps, and reservoirs. The biggest water system is in Barangay Dumoy.

Healthcare

Davao City has many hospitals and medical centers. Some of these are the United Davao Specialists Hospital, Davao Doctors Hospital, and the Southern Philippines Medical Center. There are also special hospitals, like the Tebow CURE Hospital, which helps children with bone problems. Another important center is Ecoland Medical and Wellness Center, which offers basic health services.

The city was also the first in the Philippines to have a smoke-free policy. This started in 2002 and helps keep the air clean and protects people’s health.

Law and order

Law and order in Davao City is kept safe by the Philippine National Police and a special military group called Task Force (TF) Davao. This group works to protect the city from harmful activities and is connected to the Philippine Army.

The city has rules to keep everyone safe, like a curfew for young people and rules for businesses. Motorcyclists must wear helmets, and cars need proper lights to drive in the city.

The city has a special center called the Public Safety and Security Command Center that helps watch over important areas using cameras and manage traffic signals.

The city works hard to make sure children are protected and has received awards for being a good place for children to live. It also has rules about health and safety, like anti-smoking laws and fire safety measures.

Sports

Davao City has many places where people can play and watch sports, such as the Davao City Recreation Center and Tionko Football Field. The biggest sports center is the Davao City Sports Complex, which hosted the 2019 National Games.

The city has local teams for sports like football and basketball. The Davao Football Association represents the city in national football events, and there are basketball teams like Goldstar Davao and Duterte Agilas. There are also teams from schools that compete in national competitions.

Cockfighting events, known as Sabong, are held in arenas around the city.

Education

See also: List of colleges and universities in Davao City

The city gives free education for children in primary (grade school) and secondary (high school) at public schools. All these schools use the K-12 system, which is managed by the Department of Education. Davao City has six universities.

Media

Most media stations in Davao City are based in Shrine Hills. The land there helps them send signals far away. Many TV and radio stations have offices in the city. These stations reach Davao City and nearby areas.

Davao City has its own newspapers, like the SunStar Davao, Mindanao Times, and Mindanao Examiner, along with many national papers. There are also special religion-focused stations and community channels that you can watch on cable TV.

Main article: List of radio stations in Davao City

See also: List of analog television stations in the Philippines § Davao del Sur, and List of digital television stations in the Philippines § Davao del Sur

• TV5 Channel 2 (TV5 Network, Inc.) (also on DTT Channel 18)
• ALLTV Channel 4 (Advanced Media Broadcasting System) (also on DTT Channel 16)
• GMA Channel 5 (GMA Network, Inc.) (also on DTT Channel 37)
• Solar Learning Channel 7 (Southern Broadcasting Network) (also on DTT Channel 21)
• RPTV Channel 9 (TV5 Network, Inc./Radio Philippines Network/Nine Media Corporation) (also on DTT Channel 24)
• PTV Channel 11 (People's Television Network) (also on DTT Channel 45)
• IBC Channel 13 (Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation) (also on DTT Channel 17)
• EBN Channel 15 (External Broadcasting Network) (also on DTT Channel 26)
• PBN Channel 17 (Prime Broadcasting Network)
• Tap PH Channel 19 (Tap Digital Media Ventures Corporation/Radio Philippines Network/Nine Media Corporation)
• A2Z Channel 20 (ZOE Broadcasting Network and ABS-CBN Corporation) (DTT Channel 20)
• Aliw Channel 21 (Aliw Broadcasting Corporation)
• RJTV Channel 23 (Rajah Broadcasting Network)
• Hope Channel Philippines Channel 25 (Hope Channel Philippines) (soon on DTT)
• GTV Channel 27 (GMA Network, Inc.)
• One Sports Channel 29 (TV5 Network, Inc./Nation Broadcasting Corporation)
• BEAM TV-33 (Broadcast Enterprises and Affiliated Media) (also on DTT Channel 31)
• DZRH News Television Channel 33 (Manila Broadcasting Company) (also on DTT Channel 33)
• Brigada TV Channel 35 (Brigada Mass Media Corporation)
• FBTV Channel 37 (External Broadcasting Network/Sony Pictures Television)
• Net 25 Channel 39 (Eagle Broadcasting Corporation) (also on DTT Channel 39)
• GNN Channel 41 (Golden Nation Network) (also on DTT Channel 41)
• Sonshine TV-43 (Sonshine Media Network International) (also on DTT Channel 19)
• Tap Sports Channel 45 (Tap Digital Media Ventures Corporation/AMCARA Broadcasting Network)
• One PH Channel 47 (TV5 Network, Inc./Southern Broadcasting Network)
• ZFC Channel 49 (GMA Network, Inc./Subic Broadcasting Corporation)
• UNTV Channel 51 (Information Broadcast Unlimited) (also DTT Channel 51)
• Lifetime Filipino Channel 53 (External Broadcasting Network/A+E Global Media)

Cable TV Providers

• Sky Cable Davao
• Davao Cableworld Network
• Bongao Cable TV
• Cignal TV
• G Sat Direct TV

Foreign relations

Davao City has many visitors and residents from other countries, such as Japan, China, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Because of this, these countries have special offices called Consulates-General to help people.

Other countries, like Palau and the United States, also have offices for questions.

The United States Embassy has a virtual consulate. People can ask about travel, visas, and other questions by e-mail or chat. This virtual office works with schools such as Ateneo de Davao University, University of Mindanao, University of the Immaculate Conception, Holy Cross of Davao College and AMA Computer College.

Twin towns – sister cities

Davao City has several sister cities around the world, including:

• Bitung, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
• Jinjiang, Fujian, China
• Kauaʻi County, Hawaii, United States
• Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
• Nanning, Guangxi, China
• Tacoma, Washington, United States
• Sennan, Osaka Prefecture, Japan
• Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan

Cooperation and friendship

Davao City also has friendly ties with:

• Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
• Incheon, South Korea
• Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan (known for environmental projects)

Domestic cooperation

Within the Philippines, Davao City works with many cities, such as:

• Angeles City
• Basud
• Cabanatuan
• Cebu City
• City of Mati
• Mandaue
• Lapu-Lapu City
• Dapitan
• Iloilo City
• Liloan
• Marikina
• Quezon City
• San Jose del Monte
• San Juan
• Zamboanga City

Notable people

Main article: List of people from Davao

Davao City has been home to many important people in different areas. Some of them work in business and politics, like Sara Duterte, the current Vice President of the Philippines, and Rodrigo Duterte, the 16th President of the Philippines. Others have done good work in law, entertainment, religion, science, and journalism.

The city has also produced talented singers, actors, and leaders who have helped in many parts of Filipino society.