Danao City, Cebu, Philippines

Danao City, Cebu is within Region VII – Central Visayas, in the Republic of the Philippines.

People of Danao City

• As of the 2020 Census, Danao City had a population of 156,321.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 136,471, reflecting a notable increase over five years.
• Danao is historically home to the Ati people, one of the earliest inhabitants of Cebu Island. Though now a minority, their cultural legacy remains embedded in the region’s oral traditions and spiritual practices.
• The major dialect spoken is Cebuano, with Tagalog and English also widely used in education, media, and governance. While Cebuano shapes local identity, English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and global readiness.

Location of Danao City

• Danao City is located on the northeastern coast of Cebu Island in the Central Visayas Region (Region VII). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 10.5205°N latitude and 124.0270°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 107.30 square kilometers, with terrain that includes coastal plains, river valleys, and hilly interiors. It is bordered by the Camotes Sea to the east and the municipalities of Carmen and Compostela to the north and south, respectively. The climate is tropical, with a wet season from June to November and a dry season from December to May.
• The Danao City Hall is located in Barangay Poblacion, near the city plaza and central business district.
• Most people reach Danao via land transport from Cebu City, approximately 33 kilometers away. Travel options include buses, jeepneys, and private vehicles via the Cebu North Road. From Cebu City, travel time ranges from 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic and mode of transport. The nearest airport is Mactan-Cebu International Airport, while the Port of Cebu serves as the closest major seaport.

Tourist Attractions of Danao City

• Danasan Eco Adventure Park: A popular destination offering ziplining, rappelling, ATV rides, and waterfall treks.
• Green Lagoon Park: A family-friendly resort with pools, cottages, and recreational facilities.
• Mt. Manghilao: A scenic hiking spot with panoramic views of the city and coastline.
• Children’s Paradise: A public playground and leisure area for families and young visitors.
• Karansa Festival: Held every third Sunday of September, this vibrant celebration features street dancing, cultural performances, and community parades that showcase Danao’s heritage and resilience.

Economy of Danao City

• Danao City was recently upgraded to a second-class income city, with annual revenues between ₱1 billion and ₱1.3 billion.
• Major contributors to the economy include:
  • Manufacturing: Home to Cebu Mitsumi and Republic Cement, Danao has a strong industrial base.
  • Business Process Management (BPM): Emerging as a growth sector with increasing investment interest.
  • Agriculture and fisheries: Coastal and upland barangays contribute to food production and trade.
  • Tourism and eco-adventure: Parks and resorts attract both local and regional visitors.
• In the 2024 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index, Danao ranked 34th among component cities nationwide, placing 36th in Economic Dynamism and 31st in Government Efficiency.

Educational Institutions of Danao City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Cebu Technological University – Danao Campus: A state university offering programs in engineering, education, agriculture, and IT. Included under the Free Tuition Law.
  • Northeastern Cebu Colleges: A private institution offering undergraduate programs in business, education, and liberal arts.
  • Sto. Tomas College: Offers programs in teacher education and vocational training.
  • Colegio de San Antonio de Padua: A Catholic college providing academic and technical programs.

History of Danao City

• Danao traces its origins to the pre-colonial settlement known as “Dan Nang Sungkod,” which evolved into a pueblo during the Spanish era. The name “Danao” is believed to derive from the Cebuano word “danaw,” meaning “shallow lagoon.”
• In 1844, Spanish Captain Manuel Anecito del Rosario was commissioned to establish municipalities from Compostela to Borbon. Danao was among the towns formalized during this expansion.
• During the American period, Danao became a center for pottery, sugar milling, and railway transport. The Cebu–Danao railway, operational by 1907, marked a new phase of connectivity and commerce.
• Danao was officially converted into a component city on June 7, 1961, through Republic Act No. 3028. Today, it is known for its industrial heritage, eco-tourism, and dynamic civic development.

Elected Officials of Danao City

• As of the 2025 elections, Danao City is led by:
  • Mayor: Thomas Mark “Mix” Durano
  • Vice Mayor: Carmen Remedios Durano-Meca
  • Representative (5th District of Cebu): Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco
  • City Councilors: Refer to the official Halalan 2025 results for the complete list.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Danao City Election Results.

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