Davao City

Davao City, Davao del Sur is within Region XI – Davao, in the Republic of the Philippines.

People of Davao City

• As of the 2020 Census, Davao City had a population of 1,776,949.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 1,632,991, reflecting a growth rate of over 8.8% in five years.
• Davao City is historically home to several indigenous groups, including the Bagobo-Tagabawa, Obo-Manobo, Matigsalug, and Kalagan peoples. These tribes have deep ancestral ties to the forests, rivers, and highlands surrounding Mount Apo and the Davao Gulf.
• The major dialect spoken is Cebuano, though indigenous languages such as Bagobo and Matigsalug are still used in tribal communities. While these dialects reflect local heritage, English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and national integration.

Location of Davao City

• Davao City is located in southeastern Mindanao, within Region XI (Davao Region). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 7.0662°N latitude and 125.6094°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 2,443.61 square kilometers, making it the largest city in the Philippines by land area. Its terrain includes coastal plains, river valleys, and the foothills of Mount Apo. The climate is tropical rainforest (Af), with rainfall distributed year-round and average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C.
• The Davao City Hall is located in Barangay 34-D, Poblacion District, near San Pedro Street and the historic Davao Cathedral.
• Most people reach Davao City via air and sea. The Francisco Bangoy International Airport serves domestic and international flights. The Port of Davao (Sasa Wharf) is a major seaport for cargo and passenger vessels. Bus terminals connect the city to other parts of Mindanao.

Tourist Attractions of Davao City

• Philippine Eagle Center: A conservation facility in Malagos dedicated to preserving the critically endangered Philippine Eagle.
• People’s Park: A landscaped urban park featuring sculptures, gardens, and cultural installations.
• Roxas Night Market: A bustling street market offering food, crafts, and live entertainment.
• Mount Apo Natural Park: Accessible via Davao City, this park offers trekking, camping, and biodiversity tours.
• Kadayawan Festival: Held every August, this celebration honors indigenous cultures, bountiful harvests, and the city’s multicultural identity through street dancing, floral floats, and tribal rituals.

Economy of Davao City

• Davao City’s economy is driven by:
  • Agriculture: The city is a major producer of durian, banana, cacao, coconut, and pomelo.
  • Trade and commerce: Davao serves as the commercial hub of Mindanao, with malls, markets, and logistics centers.
  • Manufacturing: Agro-industrial processing, packaging, and export logistics are concentrated in industrial zones.
  • Tourism and services: Eco-parks, cultural festivals, and coastal resorts attract both domestic and international visitors.
• In 2024, Davao City posted a nominal GDP of approximately ₱250 billion, ranking it among the top urban economies outside Metro Manila.

Educational Institutions of Davao City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Ateneo de Davao University: A Jesuit institution offering programs in law, business, liberal arts, and engineering.
  • University of Mindanao: The region’s oldest private, non-sectarian university, with multiple campuses across the city.
  • University of Southeastern Philippines: A state university offering programs in science, technology, and education.
  • University of the Philippines Mindanao: The flagship campus of the UP System in Mindanao, specializing in agribusiness, biology, and regional planning.
  • Lyceum of the Philippines – Davao: Offers hospitality, law, and international relations programs.

History of Davao City

• Davao City traces its origins to the settlement of Pinagurasan in 1830, later renamed Nueva Vergara in 1848. The area was inhabited by Bagobo tribes and Muslim communities before Spanish colonization introduced Catholic missions and administrative structures.
• On October 16, 1936, Davao was chartered through Commonwealth Act No. 51, signed by President Manuel L. Quezon. It was formally inaugurated as a city on March 1, 1937, separating it from the then-undivided Davao Province.
• During World War II, Davao was occupied by Japanese forces and later liberated by Allied troops. Post-war reconstruction led to rapid urbanization, migration, and economic growth, transforming Davao into a regional center.
• Today, Davao City is known as the “King City of the South,” balancing cultural diversity, economic strength, and environmental stewardship. It continues to lead Mindanao in governance, education, and infrastructure development.

Elected Officials of Davao City

• As of the 2025 elections, Davao City is led by:
  • Mayor: Rodrigo Duterte (Hugpong)
  • Vice Mayor: Sebastian “Baste” Duterte (Hugpong)
  • Representative – 1st District: Paolo Duterte
  • Representative – 2nd District: Vincent Garcia
  • Representative – 3rd District: Isidro Ungab
  • City Councilors: Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique Advincula, Diosdado Angelo Mahipus Jr., J. Melchor Quitain Jr., and others as listed in the official Halalan 2025 results.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Davao City Election Results.

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