Tour of Mindanao: Davao City

Davao City is a sprawling metropolis of over a million people located in the Southeastern part of Mindanao. It is one of the largest cities in the world with a land area of 2,443.61 square kilometers.

It is a place blessed with natural advantages. The soil is very fertile and rich in minerals. The city has abundant source of potable water. Located in a typhoon-free zone, its tropical weather is characterized by even distribution of climatic elements all year round. Temperature ranges from 15 to 34˚C.

Photo taken during the 2007 Kadayawan sa Dabaw. Kadayawan is the Dabawenyos and Mindanaoans thanksgiving celebration of cultural heritage, bounty, creativity and unity.
Photo from (www.landofpromise.com)

Strategically located in the Asia-Pacific rim, the city serves as a gateway to the world. It is a key player in the flourishing trading hub called the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area or BIMP-EAGA.

Davao City is in the southeastern part of Mindanao and is approximately 946 aerial kilometers from Manila.

On the west, the city’s boundary line cuts through the highest peak in the country, the inactive Mt. Apo at 3,142 meters above sea level. Cascading from the peak and going east down, one sees vast plains, unspoiled forests, fertile valleys, navigable rivers, the sprawling metropolis and world-class beaches facing the Davao gulf.

As 71 percent of the population resides in the urban area, its urban density is estimated roughly at 2,262 persons per square kilometer. Recent estimates place the population at around 1.4 million.

Photo from (www.kadayawan.com)

With predominantly migrant population, the city is a melting pot of cultures where diversities are appreciated and nurtured in a harmonious and peaceful environment. Major languages and dialects in the city are Filipino, Chinese, English and Cebuano.

The city has one of the highest literacy rates in Asia at 98.3%. Its labor force is cited as among the best in the region: educated, easily trainable, industrious, and English speaking.

As Mindanao’s center of commerce, trade, and services, the city’s modern infrastructures and world-class utilities provide viable support to economic activities.

Its urban center is home to quality residential and commercial units complete with modern facilities and amenities at very reasonable prices. Access is fast and easy to utilities such as power, water, landlines and mobile phones with IDD features, cable TV networks, and Internet service providers.

Considered by many as the de facto capital of Mindanao, the City’s strategic position provides accessibility and linkage to the 20 million market of Mindanao and the 51.4 million market of the East ASEAN Growth Area.

Davao is a place of perfect balance. It is fast-paced yet relaxed where the luxuries of cosmopolitan living complement the breathtaking beauty of the great outdoors.

Davao City is an investment haven, a place of perfect balance... where business and pleasure blend so well. (www.davaocity.gov.ph)