Total (2000) Density
The City of Davao (Tagalog: Lungsod ng Dabaw; Bisaya: Dakbayan sa Dabaw) is one of the most important cities in the Philippines and the chief city of the island of Mindanao. It is the largest city in the Philippines in terms of land area, occupying an area of 2,444 square kilometers. 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 1,147,116 people in 240,057 households,according to the 2000 census. It has about 2 million people in daylight hours.
In recent years, the sprawling urban metropolis has emerged as the business, investment and tourism hub for 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.
History
The total 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 182 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.
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.
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.
Geography
Main article: Districts of Davao City Government
Davao City is very accessible. As the gateway to the Philippine South and the BIMP-EAGA, it has regular air, sea, and land linkages to major points in the country. It is one (1) hour and 40 minutes away from Manila (the country's capital) by plane and only 30 minutes away from Cebu City. It has daily flights to Singapore and weekly flights to Manado Indonesia. The city can also be accessed from other major cities in the Philippines by air such as Zamboanga City, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, Bacolod City and Iloilo City while Cagayan de Oro City, a major city in Northern Mindanao, is linked to the city by the scenic Davao-Bukidnon Highway.
Accessibility
Bisaya dialects are the most widely spoken in the city, while the national language based on Tagalog comes a close second. A hybrid of Bisaya and Tagalog, with their respective infusions from Spanish and English, has become common especially among the younger generation. 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.
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).
Demographics
The presence of basic infrastructure within the city such as airport, seaports, roads, bridges, and telecommunications 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.
The 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.
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.
Presently, there are 2 government seaports (the Sasa Wharf and the Sta. Ana Pier) and 9 privately owned ports. The City Government is currently in the process of taking over the management of the seaports to modernize facilities and expand capacity. In addition, the city has a fish port called the Toril Fish Port Complex to accommodate small and large-scale fishing activities as well as provide among others cold-storage facilities. 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.
Infrastructure
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 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.
Some of the more well-known schools in Davao City are:
1. Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU)
2. University of Mindanao (UM) 3. University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC) 4. University of the Philippines - Mindanao (UPMin) 5. University of SouthEastern Philippines (USeP) 6. AMA Computer College - Davao 7. Assumption College of Davao (ACD) 8. Brokenshire College (BC) 9. Davao Doctors College (DDC) 10. Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF) 11. Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) 12. Jose Maria College (JMC) 13. Philippine College of Technology (PCT) 14. Philippine Women's College (PWC) 15. Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC) 16. San Pedro College (SPC) 17. St. Peter's College of Toril (SPCT) 18. Davao Central High School (Davao Chinese School) 19. Davao City National High School (DCNHS) 20. Davao Christian High School (Chinese School) 21. Holy Child School of Davao (HCSD) 22. Philippine Nikkei-Jin Kai International School (PNJK-IS) 23. Philippine Science High School Southern Mindanao Campus (PSHS-SMC) 24. Stella Maris Academy of Davao (SMAD)
Education
The average life expectancy of Davaoeños is 70 for females and 65 for males. There are about 31 hospitals with a total of 1,763 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.
On the other hand, hospitals such as the Davao Doctors Hospital, San Pedro Hospital, BrokenShire Memorial Hospital 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.
Medical care
Currently, there are around 60 banks (excluding branches), 22 financing companies, and 9 lending firms operating in the city. These can handle financial/monetary transactions from the most basic to the most complicated.
Citibank Savings which is a foreign subsidiary of Citigroup, operates in the city while 2 other international banks, HSBC of UK and Chinatrust of the Republic of China have recently opened their doors to the Davao community.
Automated teller machines (ATM) in the city are hooked up to international card networks such as Visa ELECTRON, VISA, MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro. On the other hand, major business establishments in the city honor local and international credit cards issued by VISA, MasterCard, JCB, Diners Club and American Express.
Most Banks are located in C.M Recto Street. Second to it is Tomas Monteverde Street.
Foreign relations
Aside from the 24 national daily newspapers available, Davao City also has 20 local newspapers, 15 broadcast TV stations, 15 AM-band radio stations, and 25 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.
Media
Associated Broadcasting Company: Channel 2
ABS-CBN: Channel 4
GMA Network: Channel 5
Southern Broadcasting Network: Channel 7
Radio Philippines Network: Channel 9
National Broadcasting Network: Channel 11
Studio 23: Channel 21
RJTV: Channel 23
Gateway UHF Broadcasting: Channel 25
Quality TeleVision: Channel 27
MTV Philippines: Channel 29
Radio Mindanao Network: Channel 31
Disney Channel: Channel 33
UNTV Channel 37: Channel 41
ACQ-Kingdom Broadcasting Network: Channel 43 Television Networks:
Bombo Radyo Philippines: DXMF 576 kHz
Radio Mindanao Network: DXDC 621 kHz
Philippine Broadcasting Service: DXRP 675 kHz
Sonshine Radio: DXRD 711 kHz
Radyo Arangkada: DXRA 783 kHz
UM Broadcasting Network: DXUM 819 kHz
Manila Broadcasting Company: DXGO 855 kHz
El-Nuevo Bantay Radyo: DXIP 900 kHz
Radyo Pilipino Corporation: DXOW 981 kHz
Kalayaan Broadcasting System: DXAM 1017 kHz
Radio Philippines Network: DXKT 1071 kHz
GMA Network: DXGM 1125 kHz
Far East Broadcasting Corporation: DXFE 1197 kHz
Eagle Broadcasting Corporation: DXED 1224 kHz
DZRH: DXRS 1260 kHz
ABS-CBN: DXAB 1296 kHz
Sonshine Radio: DXAQ 1404 kHz AM Radio Networks
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 that after the 911 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 close at 2:00 AM. Also, motorcycle drivers with no helmets and motorists with defective lights are not allowed to drive or enter the city. Regular checkpoints in key parts of Davao City and in the city boundaries are conducted 24 hours to ensure the strict implementation of traffic rules.
Security and civil defense
Gaisano Mall of Davao - a local mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City
Gaisano South Citimall - located along Ilustre St., Davao City
NCCC Mall of Davao - a local mall located in McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City
Robinsons Place Davao - soon to rise on 2008
SM City Davao - part of SM's chain of malls located along Quimpo Blvd., Ecoland, Davao City
Victoria Plaza Davao - located along JP Laurel Ave., Davao City
Aldevinco Shopping Center - located at the heart of the city, corners Claro M. Recto and Roxas Avenues; adjacent to Ateneo de Davao University
Chimes Mall - located along Gov. Sales St., Chinatown, Davao City
Damosa Gateway - located along Mamay Road, Lanang, Davao City
Gaisano Center - located along Bolton St. Davao City
Lachmi Mall- located along San Pedro St. near the famous San Pedro Cathedral.
Matina Centerpoint - located along Mc Arthur Highway, Matina Crossing, Davao City
New City Commercial Center - located along Magsaysay Ave., Davao City
Major Shopping Centers
Battle Memorial - A historical marker of the longest-fought battle between the troops of the American 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.)
Chemas By the Sea - Located along the Samal Islands facing Davao City, Chemas is about an hour and a half boat ride from the city proper. A popular destination, especially among the younger crowds of Davao, Chemas is a wonderful escape with white sand beaches and the amenities of a private resort.
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)
Eden Nature Park - A very popular mountain resort located 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.
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)
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 "Obon," 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.
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)
Malagos Garden Resort - A 12 acre garden resort about an hour away from the heart of the city. Malagos Garden Resort is also an accredited wildlife farm, hosting butterflies, indigenous birds, and other wildlife species. This garden resort is home to the only [2] forest in the world.
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.
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 Hill, 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. (Buhangin District)
Talomo Beach - Sunken warships during the Second World War can be found just 200 meters from the shore. (Talomo District)
Pearl Farm Beach Resort - The Pearl Farm Resort lies in a secluded island off the coast of Davao city. This 11-hectare spread was once a pearl farm, where thousands of white-lipped oysters, transported from the Sulu Sea, were cultivated for their pink, white and gold pearls. Today, the resort beckons with the promise of a relaxing private retreat.
Philippine Eagle Center - Home to the Philippines' national bird. The Philippine Eagle (previously named Monkey Eating Eagle), is believed to be the largest eagle in the World (although the Harpy Eagle also claims this title). The center is a captive-breeding facility designed to help increase the eagle's number, thereby avoiding extinction. It is located in Malagos, a 45 min drive from the city center. Aside from being a temporary home for the eagles, it also hosts other animals that are native to Davao's dwindling 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. By putting sand in the water, the color pink will be visible.
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Obrero - Popularly known as the Chinese Parish in Davao. Its unique architectural structure can easily be seen with Google Earth. Also, it's interior is unique. The ground floor is a chapel. The upper floor is the church interior.
Tourist spots
There are 6 sister cities in Davao.
Keelung, Taiwan
Bitung, Indonesia
Manado, Indonesia
Tacoma, USA
Koror, Palau
Nanning, China Government Officials
Silicon Gulf
Davao City is very accessible. As the gateway to the Philippine South and the BIMP-EAGA, it has regular air, sea, and land linkages to major points in the country. It is one (1) hour and 40 minutes away from Manila (the country's capital) by plane and only 30 minutes away from Cebu City. It has daily flights to Singapore and weekly flights to Manado Indonesia. The city can also be accessed from other major cities in the Philippines by air such as Zamboanga City, Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, Bacolod City and Iloilo City while Cagayan de Oro City, a major city in Northern Mindanao, is linked to the city by the scenic Davao-Bukidnon Highway.
Accessibility
Bisaya dialects are the most widely spoken in the city, while the national language based on Tagalog comes a close second. A hybrid of Bisaya and Tagalog, with their respective infusions from Spanish and English, has become common especially among the younger generation. 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.
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).
Demographics
The presence of basic infrastructure within the city such as airport, seaports, roads, bridges, and telecommunications 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.
The 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.
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.
Presently, there are 2 government seaports (the Sasa Wharf and the Sta. Ana Pier) and 9 privately owned ports. The City Government is currently in the process of taking over the management of the seaports to modernize facilities and expand capacity. In addition, the city has a fish port called the Toril Fish Port Complex to accommodate small and large-scale fishing activities as well as provide among others cold-storage facilities. 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.
Infrastructure
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 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.
Some of the more well-known schools in Davao City are:
1. Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU)
2. University of Mindanao (UM) 3. University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC) 4. University of the Philippines - Mindanao (UPMin) 5. University of SouthEastern Philippines (USeP) 6. AMA Computer College - Davao 7. Assumption College of Davao (ACD) 8. Brokenshire College (BC) 9. Davao Doctors College (DDC) 10. Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF) 11. Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) 12. Jose Maria College (JMC) 13. Philippine College of Technology (PCT) 14. Philippine Women's College (PWC) 15. Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC) 16. San Pedro College (SPC) 17. St. Peter's College of Toril (SPCT) 18. Davao Central High School (Davao Chinese School) 19. Davao City National High School (DCNHS) 20. Davao Christian High School (Chinese School) 21. Holy Child School of Davao (HCSD) 22. Philippine Nikkei-Jin Kai International School (PNJK-IS) 23. Philippine Science High School Southern Mindanao Campus (PSHS-SMC) 24. Stella Maris Academy of Davao (SMAD) Education
The average life expectancy of Davaoeños is 70 for females and 65 for males. There are about 31 hospitals with a total of 1,763 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.
On the other hand, hospitals such as the Davao Doctors Hospital, San Pedro Hospital, BrokenShire Memorial Hospital 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.
Medical care
Currently, there are around 60 banks (excluding branches), 22 financing companies, and 9 lending firms operating in the city. These can handle financial/monetary transactions from the most basic to the most complicated.
Citibank Savings which is a foreign subsidiary of Citigroup, operates in the city while 2 other international banks, HSBC of UK and Chinatrust of the Republic of China have recently opened their doors to the Davao community.
Automated teller machines (ATM) in the city are hooked up to international card networks such as Visa ELECTRON, VISA, MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro. On the other hand, major business establishments in the city honor local and international credit cards issued by VISA, MasterCard, JCB, Diners Club and American Express.
Most Banks are located in C.M Recto Street. Second to it is Tomas Monteverde Street.
Foreign relations
Aside from the 24 national daily newspapers available, Davao City also has 20 local newspapers, 15 broadcast TV stations, 15 AM-band radio stations, and 25 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.
Media
Associated Broadcasting Company: Channel 2
ABS-CBN: Channel 4
GMA Network: Channel 5
Southern Broadcasting Network: Channel 7
Radio Philippines Network: Channel 9
National Broadcasting Network: Channel 11
Studio 23: Channel 21
RJTV: Channel 23
Gateway UHF Broadcasting: Channel 25
Quality TeleVision: Channel 27
MTV Philippines: Channel 29
Radio Mindanao Network: Channel 31
Disney Channel: Channel 33
UNTV Channel 37: Channel 41
ACQ-Kingdom Broadcasting Network: Channel 43 Television Networks:
Bombo Radyo Philippines: DXMF 576 kHz
Radio Mindanao Network: DXDC 621 kHz
Philippine Broadcasting Service: DXRP 675 kHz
Sonshine Radio: DXRD 711 kHz
Radyo Arangkada: DXRA 783 kHz
UM Broadcasting Network: DXUM 819 kHz
Manila Broadcasting Company: DXGO 855 kHz
El-Nuevo Bantay Radyo: DXIP 900 kHz
Radyo Pilipino Corporation: DXOW 981 kHz
Kalayaan Broadcasting System: DXAM 1017 kHz
Radio Philippines Network: DXKT 1071 kHz
GMA Network: DXGM 1125 kHz
Far East Broadcasting Corporation: DXFE 1197 kHz
Eagle Broadcasting Corporation: DXED 1224 kHz
DZRH: DXRS 1260 kHz
ABS-CBN: DXAB 1296 kHz
Sonshine Radio: DXAQ 1404 kHz AM Radio Networks
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 that after the 911 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 close at 2:00 AM. Also, motorcycle drivers with no helmets and motorists with defective lights are not allowed to drive or enter the city. Regular checkpoints in key parts of Davao City and in the city boundaries are conducted 24 hours to ensure the strict implementation of traffic rules.
Security and civil defense
Gaisano Mall of Davao - a local mall along J.P. Laurel Avenue, Bajada, Davao City
Gaisano South Citimall - located along Ilustre St., Davao City
NCCC Mall of Davao - a local mall located in McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City
Robinsons Place Davao - soon to rise on 2008
SM City Davao - part of SM's chain of malls located along Quimpo Blvd., Ecoland, Davao City
Victoria Plaza Davao - located along JP Laurel Ave., Davao City
Aldevinco Shopping Center - located at the heart of the city, corners Claro M. Recto and Roxas Avenues; adjacent to Ateneo de Davao University
Chimes Mall - located along Gov. Sales St., Chinatown, Davao City
Damosa Gateway - located along Mamay Road, Lanang, Davao City
Gaisano Center - located along Bolton St. Davao City
Lachmi Mall- located along San Pedro St. near the famous San Pedro Cathedral.
Matina Centerpoint - located along Mc Arthur Highway, Matina Crossing, Davao City
New City Commercial Center - located along Magsaysay Ave., Davao City
Major Shopping Centers
Battle Memorial - A historical marker of the longest-fought battle between the troops of the American 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.)
Chemas By the Sea - Located along the Samal Islands facing Davao City, Chemas is about an hour and a half boat ride from the city proper. A popular destination, especially among the younger crowds of Davao, Chemas is a wonderful escape with white sand beaches and the amenities of a private resort.
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)
Eden Nature Park - A very popular mountain resort located 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.
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)
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 "Obon," 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.
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)
Malagos Garden Resort - A 12 acre garden resort about an hour away from the heart of the city. Malagos Garden Resort is also an accredited wildlife farm, hosting butterflies, indigenous birds, and other wildlife species. This garden resort is home to the only [2] forest in the world.
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.
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 Hill, 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. (Buhangin District)
Talomo Beach - Sunken warships during the Second World War can be found just 200 meters from the shore. (Talomo District)
Pearl Farm Beach Resort - The Pearl Farm Resort lies in a secluded island off the coast of Davao city. This 11-hectare spread was once a pearl farm, where thousands of white-lipped oysters, transported from the Sulu Sea, were cultivated for their pink, white and gold pearls. Today, the resort beckons with the promise of a relaxing private retreat.
Philippine Eagle Center - Home to the Philippines' national bird. The Philippine Eagle (previously named Monkey Eating Eagle), is believed to be the largest eagle in the World (although the Harpy Eagle also claims this title). The center is a captive-breeding facility designed to help increase the eagle's number, thereby avoiding extinction. It is located in Malagos, a 45 min drive from the city center. Aside from being a temporary home for the eagles, it also hosts other animals that are native to Davao's dwindling 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. By putting sand in the water, the color pink will be visible.
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Obrero - Popularly known as the Chinese Parish in Davao. Its unique architectural structure can easily be seen with Google Earth. Also, it's interior is unique. The ground floor is a chapel. The upper floor is the church interior.
Tourist spots
There are 6 sister cities in Davao.
Keelung, Taiwan Bitung, Indonesia Manado, Indonesia Tacoma, USA Koror, Palau Nanning, China Government OfficialsSilicon Gulf
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