Davao City, the largest city in Mindanao and one of the most significant urban centers in the Philippines,

boasts a unique blend of natural beauty, economic vitality, and cultural diversity.
Davao City, officially known as the City of Davao, is a highly urbanized city in the Davao Region of the
Philippines. With a total land area of 2,443.61 km² (943.48 sq mi), it is the largest city in the Philippines by
land area. As of the 2020 census, it has a population of 1,776,949, making it the third-most populous city in
the country and the most populous in Mindanao. Despite being geographically situated in the province of
Davao del Sur, Davao City is administered independently from the province.
The city is divided into three congressional districts, further subdivided into 11 administrative districts and a
total of 182 barangays. Davao City is the center of Metro Davao, the second most populous metropolitan
area in the Philippines, and serves as the main hub for trade, commerce, and industry in Mindanao. It is also
the regional center of the Davao Region. The city is known for Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the
Philippines, and is nicknamed the "Durian Capital of the Philippines."

Location
 Geographical Coordinates: Approximately 7°4'N latitude and 125°36'E longitude.
 Region: Southeastern part of Mindanao, Philippines.
 Administrative Division: Capital of Davao Region (Region XI).
 Davao City is approximately 946 kilometres (588 mi) southeast of Manila over land, and 971
kilometres (524 nmi) by sea. The city is located in southeastern Mindanao, on the northwestern shore
of Davao Gulf, opposite Samal Island.
Topography
1. Coastal Plains:
 Davao City has extensive coastal plains along the Davao Gulf, providing ample space for
urban development, agriculture, and industrial activities.
2. Mountainous Areas:
 Mount Apo: The highest peak in the Philippines, located on the western border of Davao
City. It is a prominent feature of the city’s landscape and a major ecological and tourism site.
 Hilly Terrain: The city also features rolling hills and valleys, particularly in its northern and
western parts.

3. River Systems:
 Davao River: The most significant river in the city, originating from the highlands and
flowing southeastward into the Davao Gulf.
 Talomo River: Another important river, contributing to the city’s water resources.
Climate
 Davao City has a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by little seasonal temperature
variation, with average monthly temperatures consistently above 26°C (78.8°F). The climate is
influenced more by the Intertropical Convergence Zone than by trade winds, and it rarely
experiences cyclones, making it subequatorial rather than purely equatorial. The city receives
 significant rainfall year-round, with monthly averages above 77 millimeters (3.03 inches). While
there is substantial rainfall in winter, the heaviest rainfall occurs during the summer months..
 Consistently high temperatures, averaging 25°C to 32°C.
 High humidity and significant rainfall throughout the year, with a more pronounced wet season
from June to December
 The city is relatively free from typhoons due to its location outside the typhoon belt.
Demographics
 Population: Over 1.8 million (as of 2020), making it the third most populous city in the Philippines.
 Diverse Ethnic Groups: Home to various ethnic groups, including indigenous peoples, migrant
communities from other parts of the Philippines, and expatriates.
 Languages: Cebuano (Bisaya) is the most widely spoken language, with English and Filipino also
commonly used.
Economy
1. Agriculture:
 Major agricultural products include bananas, pineapples, coconuts, coffee, and cacao. Davao
is particularly known for its export-quality bananas and durians.
2. Industry:
 The city has a diverse industrial base, including food processing, manufacturing, and agro-
industrial businesses.
 Several industrial zones and business parks support local and international businesses.
3. Trade and Commerce:
 Davao City is a regional trade hub with numerous commercial centers, shopping malls, and
markets.
 The city’s strategic location makes it a gateway for trade with other parts of the Philippines
and neighboring countries.
Infrastructure
1. Transportation:
 Air: Francisco Bangoy International Airport (Davao International Airport) is the main air
gateway, serving domestic and international flights.
 Sea: Sasa Port is a major seaport facilitating cargo and passenger transport.
 Land: Well-developed road networks connect the city internally and to other parts of
Mindanao.
2. Utilities:
 Reliable water supply from the city’s rivers and aquifers.
 Electricity primarily from hydroelectric and geothermal sources, with a focus on sustainable
energy.
3. Healthcare:
  Numerous hospitals and healthcare facilities, including the Southern Philippines Medical
Center, provide advanced medical services.
4. Education:
 Home to several universities and colleges, such as the University of Mindanao, Ateneo de
Davao University, and the University of Southeastern Philippines.
Governance
 Government: Davao City is governed by a mayor-council system. The city is divided into three
legislative districts and several administrative barangays (neighborhoods).
 Public Services: Strong emphasis on public safety, with an efficient police force and disaster
management systems.
Environmental Initiatives
 Conservation: Efforts to preserve natural resources, such as Mount Apo and various protected areas.
 Sustainability: Programs aimed at reducing pollution, managing waste, and promoting renewable
energy.

Geology[
 Despite Davao City's location in the Asian portion of the Pacific Ring of Fire, the city has
suffered few earthquakes and most have been minor. Mount Apo, 40 kilometres (25 mi)
southwest from the city proper, is a dormant volcano.

Major Annual Festivals:

 Araw ng Dabaw: March 1, the city's incorporation day.

 Kadayawan Festival: Held in August.
 Pasko Fiesta sa Davao: Celebrated throughout December with festive and competitive
Christmas activities.
 Torotot Festival: Held every New Year's Eve, featuring mass blowing of party horns (torotots),
first organized on December 31, 2013, with 7,568 participants.
Flora and fauna
 Mount Apo is home to many bird species, 111 of which are endemic to the area. It is also home to one of
the world's largest eagles, the critically endangered Philippine eagle, the country's national bird. The
Philippine Eagle Foundation is based near the city.[76] Plant species include the orchid waling-waling,
also known as the "Queen of Philippine Flowers" as well as one of the country's national flowers, which
are also endemic to the area. Fruits such as mangosteen (known as the "queen of fruits") and durian
(known as the "king of fruits"), grow abundantly on Mount Apo.
 Philippine Eagle: Endemic to Davao, the national bird of the Philippines and considered the largest eagle
in the world.
 Orchid: Waling-waling, popular in Davao.
 Fruits: Durians, marang, rambutans, pomeloes, and mangosteens are popular and generally cheaper in
the city.