Region XI – Davao

Provinces of Region 11 – Davao

Davao de Oro – Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental

People of Region XI – Davao

• As of the 2020 Census, Region XI had a population of 5,389,422.
• In 2015, the region recorded a population of 4,893,318, reflecting strong growth across urban and rural areas.
• Davao Region is historically home to several indigenous groups, including the Bagobo, Mandaya, Manobo, Ata, and Kalagan peoples. These tribes have rich traditions in weaving, oral storytelling, and forest stewardship, with ancestral domains spanning the highlands and river systems of southeastern Mindanao.
• The major dialect spoken is Cebuano, though indigenous languages such as Mandaya, Bagobo, and Kalagan 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 Region XI – Davao

• Davao Region is located in the southeastern portion of Mindanao Island. Its geographic coordinates center around 7.08°N latitude and 125.58°E longitude.
• The region spans a total land area of 20,357.42 square kilometers, encompassing five provinces: Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao Occidental. It also includes one highly urbanized city—Davao City, which serves as the regional center.
• The topography includes coastal plains, fertile valleys, and mountain ranges such as Mount Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines at 2,954 meters. The region encloses the Davao Gulf and enjoys a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
• The regional government headquarters is located in Barangay San Pedro, Davao City, where most regional offices and administrative centers are based.
• Most people reach the region via air and sea. Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City serves domestic and international flights. Major seaports include the Port of Davao, Port of Panabo, and Port of Mati. Bus terminals connect the region to other parts of Mindanao.

Tourist Attractions of Region XI – Davao

• Mount Apo Natural Park: A UNESCO-declared ASEAN Heritage Park and the country’s tallest mountain, ideal for trekking and biodiversity tours.
• Samal Island: Known for its white-sand beaches, diving spots, and the Monfort Bat Sanctuary.
• Aliwagwag Falls: Located in Cateel, Davao Oriental, this multi-tiered waterfall is one of the tallest in the Philippines.
• Philippine Eagle Center: A conservation facility in Malagos, Davao City, dedicated to preserving the critically endangered Philippine Eagle.
• Kadayawan Festival: Held every August in Davao City, this celebration honors indigenous cultures, bountiful harvests, and the city’s multicultural identity.

Economy of Region XI – Davao

• Davao Region’s economy is driven by:
  • Agriculture: The region is a top producer of banana, cacao, coconut, and durian.
  • Trade and commerce: Davao City serves as a major commercial hub in Mindanao.
  • Manufacturing: Agro-industrial processing, packaging, and export logistics are concentrated in Davao del Norte and Davao City.
  • Tourism: Eco-parks, cultural festivals, and coastal resorts attract both domestic and international visitors.
• In 2024, Region XI posted a nominal GDP of US$24.1 billion, with a per capita GDP of US$4,419, ranking among the top regional economies outside Metro Manila.

Educational Institutions of Region XI – Davao

• 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 campuses across Davao.
  • 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: The first LPU campus outside Luzon, offering hospitality, law, and international relations programs.

History of Region XI – Davao

• Davao Region, formerly known as Southern Mindanao, was officially designated as Region XI during the reorganization of Philippine administrative regions in the 1970s. It occupies the southeastern section of Mindanao and encloses the Davao Gulf.
• The original Province of Davao was divided into three separate provinces—Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental—on May 8, 1967 through Republic Act No. 4867. Later, Davao de Oro (formerly Compostela Valley) was created in 1998, and Davao Occidental in 2013.
• The name “Davao” is derived from the Bagobo word “daba-daba,” meaning “fire,” reflecting the region’s volcanic origins and indigenous mythology. Spanish missionaries and American administrators later Hispanicized the name to “Davao.”
• Today, Region XI is known as the “Cacao Capital of the Philippines,” balancing agricultural strength, cultural diversity, and urban development. It continues to lead Mindanao in governance, education, and regional integration.

Elected Officials of Region XI – Davao

• As of the 2025 elections, Region XI is led by:
  • Davao del Norte Governor: Edwin Jubahib (PFP)
  • Davao del Sur Governor: Yvonne R. Cagas (HTL)
  • Davao Oriental Governor: Niño Sotero Uy Jr. (Nacionalista)
  • Davao de Oro Governor: Dorothy Gonzaga (PFP)
  • Davao Occidental Governor: Franklin Bautista (HTL)
  • Davao City Mayor: Rodrigo Duterte (HTL)
  • Davao City Vice Mayor: Sebastian “Baste” Duterte (HTL)
  • Representatives: Paolo Duterte, Omar Duterte, and other district representatives as listed in the official Halalan 2025 results.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Region XI Election Results.

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