REGION 11

(Davao Region)

● Davao Region, formerly called Southern Mindanao, is an administrative region in the

Philippines, designated as Region XI. It is situated in the southeastern portion of

Mindanao and comprises five provinces.

It comprises of 5 provinces;

● Davao De Oro

● Davao Del Norte

● Davao Del Sur

● Davao Occidental

● Davao Oriental

A Highly Urbanized City

● Davao City

DAVAO REGION

● Regional Center: Davao City

● Population (2015): 4,893,318

● Land Area: 20,357.42 sq.km

● 5 Component City:

⮚ Digos City

⮚ Mati City
 ⮚ Panabo City

⮚ Samal City

⮚ Tagum City

● Municipalities: 43

● Barangays: 1162

● Dialect:

⮚ Cebuano

⮚ Mandaya

⮚ Dibabawon

⮚ Haligaynon

⮚ Tagabawa

⮚ Giangan

● DAVAO is the Hispanicized pronunciation of daba-daba, the Bagobo word for “fire”

comes from the Cebuano translation “kalayo”.

● Historians believed that the name DAVAO is a mixture of 3 names of the 3 earliest

tribes of region for the Davao River;

1. The Manobos – an aboriginal tribe, referred to the Davao River as “Davohoho”.
2. The Bagobos – referred to the river as “Davohaha” meaning “fire”.
3. The Guiangan – calle the river as “Duhwow”.
Transportation:

● Jeepney
 ● Bus

● Ferry

● Boat

● Taxi

● Motorcycle

● Tricycle

● Bicycle

● Car and Van

DAVAO DE ORO
- It was formerly known as Compostela Valley from its inception until December 2019,
when a plebiscite ratified the law that proposed to rename the province to Davao de Oro.
● Capital: Nabunturan

● Population (2020): 767,547

● Land Area: 4,560.09 km2

● Seal:

● Map:

● Districts: 2

● Component Cities: 0

● Municipalities: 11

⮚ Nabunturan (Capital) ⮚ Mabini

⮚ Compostela ⮚ Maco

⮚ Laak ⮚ Maragusan
 ⮚ Mawab ⮚ New Bataan

⮚ Monkayo ⮚ Pantukan

⮚ Montevista

● Barangays: 237

● Religion:

⮚ Roman Catholicism – 74%

⮚ Protestants – 15%

⮚ Iglesia ni Cristo – 2%

⮚ Other religions are divided between Sunni Islam and Animism

● Governor: Dorothy Montejo Gonzaga

History:
- Davao De Oro also known as Compostela Valley was carved out of Davao Del Norte by
the virtue of Republic Act No. 8470 signed by President Fidel V. Ramos on January 30,
1998.
- A senate bill officially renaming Compostela Valley to Davao De Oro is already on
second reading. Its purpose is to clear up confusion with its geographic location with the
 province's name sometimes associated Cagayan Valley and town of Compostela in
Cebu.
- Transportation
● Air travel
● Bus Travel
● Ferry

- Tourist Attraction
● Natural Attractions
Bilawa Mainit Hot Waterfalls
- A natural hot springs and steaming waterfall surrounded by breath-taking forested
slopes and a beautiful rock formation. It lies 22.5 km north of Tagum City by way of
Mawab town. From Mawab, it will take 45 minutes to reach the site.
This place is owned and managed by the Barangay Council of Mainit and is a village
dominated by the Mansaka indigenous people. It is a geothermal attraction for all
tourists.

Lake Leonard
- The lake is a caldera of Mt. Leonard Kniazeff. It was named Lake Leonard in 1956 in
honor of Leonard Kniaseff, a mining prospector, who became the first general
superintendent of Samico when the company opened its Masara mining operations
after the war.
From Tagum City, you can ride a bus for 25 minutes to Mawab and stop at their
public terminal. From the public terminal, hire a motorcycle to drive you to Barangay
New Leyte. There are jeepneys that are en route to Barangay Masara. From
Barangay Masara, hire a motorcycle to drive you to Barangay New Leyte.

Rafflesia Mira/Magnifica
- A species of what is considered the world’s biggest flower is found on the slopes of
Brgy. New Albay and Brgy. Mapawa is located 7 km. from Poblacion, Maragusan,
and nine other identified sites.
Maragusan is a 1-hour and 30-minute drive, or 53 km., from the provincial capital
town of Nabunturan and 86 km. from Tagum City.

● Man-made
Pantukan Water World
- It is a paradise for beach lovers with a passion for beach activities. This resort offers
various exciting activities such as kayaking, kiteboarding, banana boat rides, etc. A
relaxing rewind from the stress and appreciate the moment.
From Tagum City, you can ride a bus for 45 minutes. Ride to Pantukan and stop at
Pantukan Water World, where there is a signboard referring to the resort.

D'Fortees Nature Park and Inland Resort

- D’Fortees Nature Park and Inland Resort is a go-to destination for families, friends,
and lovers who are into natural adventure and modern amenities.
 This destination is known as the best nature park and inland resort in Montevista,
Davao de Oro, and offers the scenic beauty of Montevista’s landscape.
From Tagum City, you can ride a bus for 1 hr. to Montevista and stop at their public
terminal. From the public terminal, hire a motorcycle to drive you to D’Fortees Nature
Park and Inland Resort.V

YesGo Coldspring Resort

- A perfect place to unwind and relax with your family and friends. This cold
spring resort is perfect for your kids and those kids at heart. Graffiti with
superhero characters is the remarkable attraction of this resort.
From Tagum City, ride a bus for 2 hrs. to New Bataan and stop at the public
terminal. Hire a motorcycle to drive you to Barangay Andap.
● Festivals
Bulawan Festival, “The Golden Festival”
- It is a festival that celebrates the gold-mining industry the province takes pride in. A
founding anniversary that brings remembrance to the importance of the people’s
heritage, traditions, and the golden opportunities awaiting in the future. Celebrated
each 8th of March.

Diwanag Festival
- The municipality of Montevista celebrates the Diwanag Festival from the first Friday
to the last Friday of December.
The festival is a combination of the phrase “Diwa nga Masanag”, an acronym for:
(D)reams, (I)ntegrity, (W)holesome celebration of the cheerful atmosphere of
Christmas, (A)ssimilation of the town’s diverse ethnic groups, (N)ever-ending trust in
God, (A)esthetic orientation, and (G)em of heritage.

Town Fiesta: May 1;

Araw ng Montevista: June 18.

Simballay Festival of Nabunturan

- The celebration symbolizes the unity and togetherness of the people of Nabunturan
and their thanksgiving celebration for the bountiful harvests of this Capital Town of
Compostela Valley. It is normally held every third week of December.

Town Fiesta: March 19;

Araw ng Nabunturan: November 13.

- Industry
The main goods and products the province processed in its local economy are:

● Agriculture (1st)
- The major economic force in the province. The main crops are:
rice, corn, industrial and commercial crops such as coconut, coffee, abaca and
rubber; fruit crops such as banana, mango, pineapple, durian, calamansi, mandarin,
and lanzones and vegetable crops including root crops and tubers.
● Mining and Quarrying (2nd)
 - The mining and quarrying industry in Davao de Oro has gained significant recognition
in the Davao Region and even in the whole country. Mining comes second to
agriculture which has a substantial contribution to the economy of the province.

● Manufacturing (3rd)
- Based on the latest available data, there are 692 industrial and manufacturing
establishments in the province, which are categorized mostly as small-scale
industries. Among the municipalities, Monkayo has the most number of
establishments at 227, followed by New Bataan with 137 and Nabunturan with 115
establishments. Montevista, on the other hand, has the lowest number, with only 16
establishments.

● Tourism (4th)
- Davao de Oro is endowed with various natural and physical attractions. Its natural
and man-made tourist attractions include waterfalls, caves, lakes, rivers, mountain
ranges, rich minefields, hot and cold springs, and inland and beach resorts. These
available eco-tourism resources have contributed to the advancement of the
provincial economy.

- Foods
● Bungos na Bangus
- The cuisine of the Mandaya tribe of the Davao de Oro. It is a tribal style of cooking
fish wrapped in leaves
● Lyurot
- A type of tribal food cooked/steamed inside a bamboo that is used by the Mansaka
tribe.
● Durian
- A popular tropical fruit in the province and widely well-loved for its spiky exterior,
creamy custard flesh, and famed pungent smell. It is used in every delicacy and
products it can be made out of.

DAVAO DEL NORTE

- Davao del Norte, officially the Province of Davao del Norte, is a province in the
Philippines located in the Davao Region in Mindanao. Its capital and largest city is
Tagum. The province also includes Samal Island to the south in Davao Gulf.
- Davao del Norte is also known as "The Banana Capital of the Philippines."

● Capital: Tagum City

● Population (2020): 1,125,057

● Land Area: 3,422.61 km2

● Seal:

● Map:

● Components Cities: 3

⮚ Tagum City (Capital)

⮚ Panabo City

⮚ Samal City

● Municipalities: 8

⮚ Asuncion ⮚ New Corella

⮚ Braulio E. Dujali ⮚ San Isidro

⮚ Carmen ⮚ Santo Tomas

⮚ Kapalong ⮚ Talaingod
 ● Barangays: 223

● Indigenous Group:

⮚ Lumads

⮚ Aetas

● Religion:

⮚ Roman Catholic: 70-75%

⮚ Protestant and other Christian denominations: 10-15%

⮚ Iglesia ni Cristo: 2-4%

⮚ Evangelicals and other independent Christian groups: 2-5%

⮚ Islam: 1-3%

⮚ Indigenous and Tribal religions: 1-2%

⮚ Other religions/Not affiliated: 1-2%

● Governor: Edwin I. Jubahib

History:
- Republic Act 6430 on June 17, 1972 - the "Davao Del Norte" was changed to "Davao".
 - Republic Act 8470 on Jan. 31, 1998 - signed by President Fidel V. Ramos which splitted
the province into two creating the Compostela Valley and "Davao" was renamed again
as "Davao Del Norte".
8. Transportation
Transportations reaching Davao del Norte province from Davao City to Tagum City, the
capital city. Here are the ways:
● Bus
● Taxi
● Private vehicles
● Ferries

1. Tourist attractions
● Natural
Monfort Bat Sanctuary
- Monfort Bat Sanctuary has been the house of a large colony of 2.3 million Rousette
fruit bats since recorded history. They cover 75% of the ceilings and walls of their
245 ft-long cave. The sanctuary is located on Samal Island, about 1 kilometer east of
Davao City, Philippines.
Canibad Beach
- It is a beach located in the Island garden city of Samal, Davao del Norte. It shows
relaxing greenery, sapphire waters, and great sands to complete the scenery for
everyone to admire.
Taklobo Sanctuary
- Samal’s Island sanctuary for endangered giant clams from extinction and illegal
activites like overfarming or shell trading. It’s goal is to protect the shells and slowly
increase the numbers of population. Tourists can visit and appreciate the wonderful
clams in their natural habitat.

● Historical/Man-made
Battle of Ising Memorial Shrine
- The memorial marker in Ising junction consists of a pylon and a cannon that
commemorates the Battle of Ising which occurred on May 3 -10 1945 between the
Imperial Japanese Army and Filipino guerrillas operating under the 130th Infantry
Regiment of the 107th Division.
Tagum City Historical & Cultural Center
- The Tagum City Historical and Cultural Center is the pride of Tagum City. it houses
the City’s new Public Library, the Sentro Rizal Gallery, the Tagumenyo Heritage
Museum and a 1,000 seater theatre called the Tagumpay Theater.
The largest rosary in the world
- The 280 foot (85.5 meters) long rosary is made of linked beads that each weigh
around 77 pounds (35 kilograms). The beads were cut and sculpted from Magcono
trees that are native to the mountains around this region. The rosary is laid out in the
park with a giant sculpture of Jesus. The giant rosary was originally intended to
commemorate the 25th anniversary of the founding of the local archdiocese in 2005.
 ● Festivals
Araw ng Panabo
- Araw ng Panabo, which translates to Panabo Day, is a cityhood anniversary in
Panabo City, Davao del Norte, Philippines every March 31.
IGACOS Festival
- IGACOS Festival, also known as Island Garden City of Samal Festival and Island
Garden City of Samal Founding Anniversary, is the cultural festival and founding
anniversary of Samal City, Davao del Norte, Philippines every March 7. It
commemorates the cityhood of Samal in 1998.

Industry
- The economy of the province is primarily agricultural-based. Vast tracks of land are
devoted to agricultural production of staple and industrial crops. About 63.41% of the
total income generated by the province comes from agricultural production, while
22.98% is contributed by the industries sector followed by the 5.86% from the
services sector.
Foods
● Sinuglaw
- Sinuglaw is a dish composed of grilled pork belly and fish ceviche. This can
be considered as a main dish or an appetizer. The name “sinuglaw” was
derived from two famous cooking methods in the Visayas and Mindanao
areas: sugba, meaning to grill; and kinilaw, which means to cook by soaking
in vinegar or citric acid.

● Seafood
● Balbacua
- Balbacua, also spelled balbakwa or balbakoa, is a Filipino beef stew made
from beef, collagen-rich beef parts, and various spices cooked for several
hours until very tender. Originated from the Visayas and MIndanao islands

DAVAO DEL SUR

- Davao del Sur, officially the Province of Davao del Sur, is a province in the
Philippines located in the Davao Region in Mindanao. Its capital is Digos.
- Most Competitive Province of the Country (2015, National Competitiveness
Council)

● Capital: Digos City

● Population (2020): 680,481

● Land Area: 2,163.98 km2

● Seal:

● Map:

● Component Cities: 1

⮚ Digos City

● Highly Urbanized City/ Independent City:

⮚ Davao City
● Municipalities:

⮚ Bansalan ⮚ Matanao

⮚ Hagonoy ⮚ Padada

⮚ Kiblawan ⮚ Santa Cruz

⮚ Magsaysay ⮚ Sulop

⮚ Malalag

● Barangays:

⮚ 232

⮚ 182 (independent city)

● Indigenous Group:

⮚ Lumad

⮚ Bagobo

⮚ Tagacaolo

⮚ Kalagan

⮚ Mangguangan

● Religion:

⮚ Roman Catholicism: 80%

⮚ The remaining faiths are Islam and other Christians such as Aglipayan,

Baptists, Iglesia ni Cristo, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day

 Saints, Seventh-day Adventists, other Evangelical Christians, and
Jehovah's Witnesses.

● Governor: Yvonne Roña-Cagas

History:
- Was in October 28, 2013, a plebiscite was held to create a new province Daval
Occidental, formed out of the southern part of Davao Del Sur.
- By the virtue of Republic Act 10360 on July 23, 2013 the Davao Occidental was
ratified out of Davao Del Sur.

● Population (2020): 317,159

● Land Area: 2,163.45 km2

● Seal:

9. Tourist Attraction
● Natural
Mount Apo (Apo Sandawa)
- It is distinguished as the highest peak in the Philippines. It is a dormant stratovolcano
that serves as a border around three provinces. It is a protected haven for all living
beings like lush forests, wild animals, and the Philippines’ national animal, the
Philippine eagle. A favorite destination for hiking and camping.
Tudaya Falls
- A towering majestic amongst locals and travellers it is a beauty to behold the mighty
falls with the surrounding fauna around you. It is a very popular tourist spot
destination in Davao del Sur close to Mount Apo. However, it is a slippery journey to
reach the destination but worthwhile to get to.
Lake Venado
 - It is an endorheic lake found at the foot of Mount Apo. A peaceful campsite to rest
when you’re hiking Mount Apo.

● Historical
Museo Dabawenyo
- Built-in 2008, Museo Dabawenyo is a public museum that houses Davao’s history
and culture. Showcasing ancestral objects like ancient artifacts, art, important figures,
and the livelihood of the locals in the past.

● Cultural
Long Hua Temple
- The Longhua Temple, also known as the Lon Wa Buddhist Temple is one of the
biggest Buddhist temples in the Philippines and the biggest on the island of
Mindanao. It is located in the Agdao District, 3-4 kilometers northeast of the center of
Davao City at Cabagiuo Avenue.
Kadayawan Festival
- The Kadayawan Festival is an annual festival in the city of Davao in the Philippines.
The festival is a celebration of life, a thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of
culture, the bounties of harvest, and the serenity of living.

● Man-made
Kublai Art Garden
- Art pieces are displayed around the garden. Various shapes and sizes are made by
the Mindanaon prolific artist, Ray Mudjahid “Kublai” Millan.

● Festival
Kadayawan Festival (Apo Duwaling Festival)
- is a yearly celebration held in the Philippine city of Davao. The festival honors life and
expresses gratitude for the abundance of culture, the bounty of the harvest, the
peace of existence, and the blessings of nature. Every year, during the third week of
August, Davao City's 11 tribes were highlighted during this celebration. The festival
was moved to August 2–31, 2019, and it was extended that year. The Kadayawan
Festival took place in 2020 from August 10–17.

Tanggogoan Festival
- In Digos City, Davao del Sur, the provincial headquarters celebrates Araw ng Davao
del Sur. A tribal dance competition and street dancing competition are held in
addition to the yearly beauty contest.

Sinulog Festival (Sinug and Sulog)

- is the central focus of the Santo Niño Christian celebrations in the Philippines and is
an annual cultural and religious festival celebrated on the third Sunday of January in
Cebu, with the majority of the events taking place in Cebu City. Every year, between
one million and 1.5 million people attend the event, which is regarded as the largest
in the Philippines. In addition to its religious significance, Sinulog is well-known for its
street celebrations, which take place the night before and the night of the major
celebration. The "Grandest Festival in the Philippines" is the moniker given to the
celebration.
10. Industry
● Agriculture (1st)
- The province is a major producer of rice, corn, coconut, sugarcane,
cacao, mango and banana.
- Fishery production in the province is sourced from captured fish and
aquaculture. Captured fishing includes municipal and commercial
fisheries, while aquaculture includes brackish water, freshwater
fishponds, fish cages, oysters, and seaweeds.

● Manufacturing (2nd)
- Davao del Sur is predominantly into agri-industrial, manufacturing and
processing. Majority of the firms registered with the Board of
Investment (BOI) are located in the Municipality of Sta. Cruz, which is a
Provincial Agri-Industrial Center (PAIC) of the province. per RA 7916 or
the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Law. These sectors
played a vital role to the stability of the local economy of the province.

● Tourism (3rd)
- Davao del Sur is endowed with scenic spots which are either man-
made or natural. Tourism resources of the province are categorized as
farm, natural, historical, cultural, and man-made tourism. There are
also different festivals celebrated in the province.

12. Foods
● Durians
● Seafoods
● Chocolate and coffees

DAVAO OCCIDENTAL
- Its capital is the municipality of Malita, the most populous town in the province. To the
east lies Davao Gulf. It also shares a maritime border with the Indonesian province of
North Sulawesi to the south.
- 81st and the newest province of the Philippines.

● Capital: Malita
● Map:

● Components Cities: 0

● Municipalities: 5

⮚ Malita (Capital)

⮚ Don Marcelino

⮚ Jose Abad Santos

⮚ Santa Maria

⮚ Sarangani

● Barangays: 105

● Religion:

⮚ Roman Catholic: 75-80%

 ⮚ Protestant and other Christian denominations: 8-10%

⮚ Iglesia ni Cristo: 2-4%

⮚ Islam: 2-4%

⮚ Other Religions and Indigenous Beliefs: 2-5%

● Governor: Franklin P. Bautista

History:
- Davao Occidental was created through Republic Act 10360 enacted on July 23, 2023
signed by President Benigno Aquino.
- The motive of creating the province was to boost the economic condition and social
progress of the municipalities because this province was far-off to acquiring basic needs
and as well as the access to government offices.
DAVAO ORIENTAL
- Its capital is the city of Mati which is the most populous, and it borders the province of
Davao de Oro to the west, and Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur to the north.
- The province is the top producer of coconut and copra in the country.
- Known as the “Coconut Capital of the Philippines”.
- It is also home to Mount Hamiguitan Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site.

● Capital: Mati City

● Population (2020): 576,343

● Land Area: 5,679.64 km2

● Seal:

● Map:
● Component Cities:

⮚ Mati City

● Districts: 2

● Municipalities:

⮚ Baganga ⮚ Governor Generoso

⮚ Banaybanay ⮚ Lupon

⮚ Boston ⮚ Manay

⮚ Caraga ⮚ San Isidro

⮚ Cateel ⮚ Tarragono

● Barangays: 183

● Religion:

⮚ Roman Catholicism: Approximately 75-80%

⮚ Evangelical Christians/Protestants: Around 10-15%

⮚ Islam: 1-2%

⮚ Indigenous Beliefs/Other: 1-2%

⮚ Other Christian Denominations (e.g., Iglesia ni Cristo, Aglipayan, Jehovah’s

Witnesses): 2-5%

● Governor: Niño Sotero L. Uy Jr.

History:
- In 1942, Davao Oriental was occupied by the Japanese Imperial forces. The Battle of
Davao took place to free the area from the invaders.
- Republic Act No. 4867, the province of Davao was divided into three independent
provinces which includes the Oriental on July 1, 1967.

Tourist attractions
● Naturals
Sabang Hot Spring
- Sabang Hot Spring, is located at Barangay Lipol, Sarangani, Davao
Occidental. It has two enclosed hot springs where tourists can boil their selves
at a temperature that can reach 80C. This spring is about 1hour and
30minutes from Olanivan Island.
Mount Kiyawa
- Mt. Kiyawa is among the top hiking destinations in Davao Occidental. Locals love
day hiking here to catch a 360-degree view of the towns and landscapes of the
municipality.
From the top, one can also see Malalag Bay and its mountain ranges. Mt Kiyawa
rises to more than 400 meters above sea level.

● Historical/Man-made
Malita Museum
- the museum is a cultural travel spot that showcases the history of the town, from
decades-old newspaper clips mentioning the place, artifacts of its indigenous
people, and photographs from a long time ago.
Roxas Night Market
- Known for it night street foods and cheap bargains and sales that attracts both
tourists and local, it is popular due to its accessibility and the variety of things you
can find.
General Santos City Fish Port Complex
- Known as the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines”
The General Santos Fish Port Complex or GSFPC is a 11 hectare complex along
Sarangi Bay in General Santos City in South Cotabato, and is best known for
marketing and exporting seafood for local and foreign markets.

● Festivals
Gaginaway Festival
- The Gaginaway Festival, a celebration of unity and bountiful blessings celebrated
by the Malitaños every full moon of November, based on the traditional custom
and belief that full moon is at its brightest during this period and that the “lumads”
love to have a festival of merry-making, enjoying the beautiful view of the moon
shining brightly on them.
Kapyaan Festival
- Kap’yaan Festival is a festival of the Day of Establishment of the town of Jose
Abad Santos in the area of Davao Occidental. The festival held each eighteenth
to twentieth of February, establishing Anniversary of the production of the region.
It is additionally a thanksgiving festivity for the great year and abundant gather of
the region's items like pineapple, rice, corn and more.
Industry
- Davao Oriental is the top coconut and copra (dried coconut meat) producer
in the Philippines. It also is a major producer of abacá, and exports crude
oil and copra pellets. They also are part of produce fish
Foods
● Adlai rice
● Native coffee
● Daral
- Daral, also known as darar, is a Filipino dessert crêpe rolled into a cylinder
and filled with sweetened coconut meat. It originates from the Tausug
people of the Philippines.