FAST FACTS ABOUT DAVAO CITY
Demographic Infos
• The word dabaw is pronounced da’vao with a hard accented a and vao pronounced gently with a downward tone
• Located in the Southeastern part of Mindanao, is approximately 946 kilometers from Manila.
• Strategically located in the Asia- Pacific rim, the city serves as a gateway to the world.
• It is the key player in the flourishing trading club called Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area or BIMP-EAGA.
• Mindanao’s center of commerce, trade and services.
• Known for the scenic and majestic Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the country at 10, 311 feet above the sea level.
• Is called the “DURIAN CITY OF THE COUNTRY”, as this exotic fruit grows.
• The DURIAN, the PHILIPINE EAGLE, the WALING WALING, and the MT.APO are icons inherently identified with Davao.
· Land Area: 2, 443.61 sq.km.
· Ten Tribes: Ovu Manuvu, K’lata, Matigsalog, Tagabawa, Ata Manuvu, Kalagan, Sama, Tausug, Maranao and Maguindanao
· Major Languages: Tagalog, Cebuano, English, Chinese
• Climate: Tropical Temperature: 21.0 ° to 34.7 ° C
• Population: 1,537,981 (2012)
· Population Density: 643 persons/ sq. km.
· Urban Population: 70 % of total
• Time Zone: GMT + 8
Source: BIMP- EAGA Brochure on Investing in Davao Region, Philippines
*As of February 2010
“ This is a place where abundant natural scenery & rich culture meets bustling urban life; Davao boasts an all around experience for the traveler. With its islands to highlands attractions, golfing & nature- sports facilities, culinary delights, year- round colorful festivities, vibrant nightlife, a wide selection of shopping opportunities- from bargain shopping districts to upscale mall & a thriving business center, Davao offers everything for everyone.” – Business Talks (Vol.1, Issue No.1, August 2012)
PHYSICAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS
LOCATION
Approximately 588 statute miles southeast of Manila and 241 statute miles to Cebu City.
Traveling by sea, its location from Manila and Cebu is 971 and 593 nautical miles respectively.
It is the capital of the Davao Region and is the biggest urban Market in the growth polygon called BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area)
CLIMATE
Typhoon free, with distributed temperature, rainfall and humidity throughout the year.
Davao City Awards & Recognitions
- One of the 20 Most Livable Cities in Asia
In the annual survey made by Asiaweek on the 40 Best Cities in Asia, Davao City has unfailingly made it to the
Top 20 for four consecutive years (1996-1999). Davao City rated high on the survey of livability in the following categories:
· 2nd in the least number of criminal cases per 10,000 at 0.8
· 5th in lesser vehicles per kilometer of city road at 46 vehicles/km
· 6th in the ratio of house price to income at 6.18
· 14th in lesser volume of suspended particles in the air at 98 ?g/m³
· 14th in value of state education spending per capita/$ at 410.80
Davao City earned high points for measure when it comes to matters of peace and order, a reasonable standard of living, cleanliness and welfare of its residents.
The Philippine’s Most Livable City
In the same Asiaweek survey in year 1999, Davao garnered 56 points and ranked 18th. Cebu acquired 54 points and ranked 19th while Manila plummeted from a previous 56 points down to 49, moving down from no. 14 to 25.
If the independent survey by Asiaweek alone is the basis for such recognition, clearly Davao sustains its quality of livability as a thriving city and is in fact improving on it.
§ One of Only Three Areas in World to have the Integrated Emergency Response System 911
§ Project 911 – Top 25 Best Practices in the Philippines
Davao City is one of only three areas in world, after the United States and Canada, to have the Integrated Emergency Response System 911, a fully integrated, computerized response system linking the people of Davao City to the emergency resources of the government. It is patterned after the emergency dispatch system of the U.S. and Canada that enables people in need of emergency assistance to summon necessary aid and emergency services from public safety agencies by simply dialing 911.
Davao City received an award for its Project 911 from the League of Cities in the Philippines in 2003, as one of the Top 25 Best Practices in the Philippines. Davao’s Project 911 enables public safety agencies to respond to emergency cases immediately in a more effective and coordinated manner, thereby saving lives, protecting properties, stopping crimes, and preventing major fire loss.
Response times of all service sectors are as follows: Fire Auxiliary Services at 5:55 (min:sec) per run; Law Enforcement at 8:38; Urban Search and Rescue Services at 8:50; and Emergency Medical Services at 15:34.
It empowers Dabawenyos to actively participate in government affairs, particularly in cultivating and maintaining a peaceful environment, making Davao City a safe community to live, work, and visit.
§ 1st Place in 2004 Cleanest and Greenest Highly-Urbanized City in the Philippines, and 2nd Place in 2001 to 2003
Davao City received an award of excellence from the Office of the President as the 1st Runner-up in the Cleanest and Greenest Highly-Urbanized City in the Philippines - Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran Awards 2004, and the 2nd Runner-up for three consecutive years in 2001–2003.
The Gawad Pangulo sa KAPALIGIRAN (KAunlaran ng mga PAmahalaang Lokal sa KaLInisan at KapaliGIRang LuntiAN) is one of the country’s prestigious national awards aimed to recognize programs that help transform rural and urban areas into clean and green communities. It recognizes exemplary commitment, awe-inspiring discipline and unparalleled unity in the cause of healthy environment.
It includes programs that create greater awareness and sharper understanding of environmental management within the purview of sustainable development. It is intended to propel local officials and their constituents to perform better and achieve a tradition of work excellence.
Davao’s consistent winnings are remarkable considering that the City covers a total land area of 244,000 hectares, the largest city in the world compared to other cities in its category whose land areas are equivalent only to one barangay or village in Davao City.
§ Cleanest and Greenest City in 1999
Davao City was awarded the Cleanest and Greenest City in 1999 for its Clean and Green Program that focus on environmental rehabilitation, protection and conservation, intensification of solid waste management program, pollution control, re-greening of the urban areas, forest and watershed management, and beautification. Cognizant of the fact that rapid development and urbanization may pose some threat on the environment, the city government has strengthened its Clean and Green Program.
§ Most Child-Friendly City in the Philippines
Davao City came out the runaway choice for the coveted spot in the first-ever selection of the Most Child-Friendly City in the Philippines in 1988 and 1999 due to its local government’s programs and initiatives directly benefiting the children.
Davao City won nods for its initiative to pass a landmark legislation - the Davao City Children’s Welfare Code of 1994, the first of its kind the entire country, specifically geared towards addressing the rights, services and protection of children, therefore upholding their welfare and interests in high regard.
Davao City is the only local government in the country that provides free day care services for children of its employees, a radical program that even other industrialized countries are not able to give. This program serves children from ages 3 months to 12 years.
The Davao City Government also got high marks because of its implementation of the child welfare and protection programs under the Country Program for Children of UNICEF.
§ Most Competitive City to Do Business in the Philippines
In 2002, Davao City was recognized as the Most Competitive City to Do Business in the Philippines by the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Policy Center and the Department of Trade and Industry in their assessment of Philippine Cities Competitiveness. Davao obtained the highest average competitiveness ratings among metro cities based on the cost of doing business, infrastructure, human resource, linkages, quality of life, local governance, and dynamism of local economy. In 2003, Davao was also chosen 3rd Most Competitive Metro City in the Philippine Cities Competitiveness ranking.
§ Most Gender-Responsive LGU in the Philippines:
Gawad Galing Pook 2004 Awardee
The Gender Mainstreaming Program of the Davao City Government was chosen as one of the Top 10 Most Outstanding Programs in the Galing Pook Awards in 2004. Only 10 of the 182 entries were chosen as winners, but only Davao City was conferred two awards as it was also given a special citation for gender-responsive governance for the creation of the Integrated Gender and Development Division. This is the first time such a citation was given out by the Galing Pook Awards, an annual national recognition of outstanding local government units in relation to their innovation and excellence in local governance.
National Commission on the Rights for Women (NCRFW) Award for Gender Responsive Local Governance 2005
Davao was also recognized by the NCRFW for its good practices on gender and development (GAD), specifically for being the first local government to legislate a Women Development Code and create a permanent Gender and Development (GAD) Office in the City Government, and creating other GAD mechanisms such as the Mindanao Commission for Women, Women Correctional Institute in Mindanao, and measures to address violence against women.
Davao City also has an Office of Special Counsel that has five lawyers handling pro-bono cases of violence against women and children - the only one of its kind in the entire country. The City also has a one-stop shop Women Crisis Center offering crisis intervention to victims of violence. It is also the only local government unit in the country that has a Gay and Lesbian and Bisexual Trans-Gender Desk.
§ Hall of Fame, Best Peace and Order Council in the Philippines
The National Peace and Order Council of the National Police Commission placed Davao City in the “Hall of Fame” in 2004 for winning “Best Peace and Order Council” in Region XI for three consecutive years (1999 – 2002). It is recognition of Davao City’s sustained and exemplary accomplishments in implementing programs and projects of the Peace and Order Councils (POCs) at various levels.
Winning the award consistently ensures a more enhanced involvement of all sectors of the community through an effective and efficient coordination of the five pillars of the Criminal Justice System, thereby contributing immensely to the promotion and maintenance of peace, law and order, and public safety, serving as role-model for other Peace and Order Councils to emulate.
§ Best City to Implement Food Fortification Program
Davao City was proclaimed “Best City to Implement a Food Fortification Program” in Region XI in the Neophyte on Food Fortification Program (R.A. 8976) of the Department of Dealth. Davao was also declared as Region XI’s pride for successful implementation of the Food Fortification Program by the Nutrition Division of the City Health Office. It was also chosen as the Best City – The “Melting Pot of the Philippines” - the Food Fortification Program Implementor in Region XI.
§ Best City Police Office in the Country
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) was recognized as the Best City Police Office nationwide for the years 1997, 1999, and 2002. In 2003, DCPO was adjudged as “Best Police Unit” in the Police Regional Office Category during the Annual Inspection/Operational Readiness, Security Inspection, Test and Evaluation (AGI-ORSITE) conducted by the National Headquarters. Its special desk for women and children was also cited as “Best Women’s and Children’s Protection Desk in the Philippines” for 2003.
§ Most Outstanding Local Government Unit in the 2005 Regional Literacy Awards, and 2nd Place in the 2005 National Literacy Awards
The Department of Education hailed Davao City as the “Most Outstanding Local Government Unit” in the 2005 Regional Literacy Awards, and “2nd Place in the 2005 National Literacy Awards”, all under the Highly Urbanized City Category.
Davao City also received recognition and appreciation for its grassroots initiatives and efforts in the successful implementation of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) programs and projects, particularly strengthening the Community Learning Centers (CLCs), declaring it the “Most Outstanding Program” in Region XI in 2005 in its Search for the Most Functional ALS Community Learning Center.
§ 2004 Regional Green Banner Awardee
The National Nutrition Council of the Department of Agriculture awarded Davao City the “2004 Regional Green Banner” in recognition of the City Nutrition Committee’s exemplary performance in managing the nutrition program of the city, thereby contributing to the improvement of the nutritional status of its constituents.
§ Most Outstanding City Library in the Philippines
Davao City received its 14th consecutive award in 2000 for having the country’s Best City Library within the administration of the City Government, making it the “Most Outstanding City Library in the Philippines.”
§ 1st in Overall Tax Payments
The Department of Finance Revenue Region No. 19 in Davao City recognized the City Government of Davao for its invaluable support and cooperation towards the tax collection endeavor of this revenue region by ranking “1st in the OVERALL Tax Payments” for the year 2002. The award was given on the 28th day of February, 2003 at Victoria Plaza, Davao City on the occasion of the launching of the 2003 Tax Campaign of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
§ Top Government Withholding Agent
The Department of Finance, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Revenue Region No. 19, Revenue District No. 113, Davao City recognized the City Government of Davao for its invaluable support and contribution to RDO 113 as the “Top Government Withholding Agent” by making substantial tax payment in 2004 and in the first semester of 2005 - an act of patriotism worthy of recognition and commendation. The award was given on the 6th day of August, 2005 during the 101st BIR Anniversary celebration in Davao City.
§ Top Tourist Destination in the Philippines
Davao City was chosen “Destination of the Year” by the Kalakbay Awards in 1997, and two of its tourism amenities, Annie’s Restaurant and Hotel Margarita, were acclaimed with the highest honors as “Restaurant of the Year” and “Hotel of the Year”, respectively.
§ Most Outstanding Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and in the Asia Pacific region
The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) was bestowed the :Most Outstanding Chamber Award for 2005” during the 31st Philippine Business Conference last October 13, 2005, at the Manila Hotel. The award was handed by no less than Her Excellency, Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Aside from this national recognition, DCCCII also bagged the Most Outstanding Chamber in Mindanao Award for the seventhtime.
DCCCII was likewise recognized as the “Best Chamber in the Asia-Pacific Region” during a selection held in New Delhi in February 2005, beating 21 others that included business groups in the whole of Asia. It was awarded by the Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry, an organization based in New Delhi.
DCCCII earned great recognition for its programs for the small and medium-scale enterprise, development membership services, training and investment promotion and policy advocacy. DCCCII proved that by helping the small- and medium-scale enterprises in the city, they are able to strengthen the economy, thus ensuring liquidity among bigger companies.
§ Most Outstanding KBP Chapter in the Philippines
The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) acknowledged its Davao City local chapter as the “Best KBP Chapter for 2004.” During the 8th National Chapter Leadership Conference last October 8, 2005, at Tagaytay City, the Davao City Chapter was once again given recognition for winning “2nd Place for the Best Local Chapter Report.” Both awards were bagged under the leadership of Mr. Giovanni “Bong” Aportadera.
§ Cleanest Air in the World - Member of the Clean Cities Coalition
On August 22, 2005, Davao City was launched as the second pilot area of the Clean Cities Program (CCP) implemented by the Sustainable Energy Development Program (SEDP), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The City Government of Davao initiated the formation of the Clean Cities Davao Coalition (CCDC) to focus on and coordinate the plans of the CCP in the local arena. Davao City envisions itself in the future as pollution-free, its people working collectively to protect its environment to ensure that the city’s air is one of the cleanest in the world.
In support of this vision, the City Mayor approved Executive Order No. 19, “…declaring August 22-29, 2005, and every third week of August of each year thereafter, as the “Alternative Fuels Week” to promote, develop, and utilize alternative fuels.” The CCDC also launched the Fuels for Life Movement (F4L) as SEDP’s flagship IEC project.
Davao City’s Best Attributes
§ Typhoon-Free City
Davao City is typhoon-free and 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 agro-crop production. Temperature ranges from 20 to 32 degrees Celsius and average rainfall is up to 2,000 mm yearly.
§ Fruit Basket of the Philippines
The freshest tropical fruits are always ripe for the picking in Davao. Whatever your craving might be - mangoes, watermelons, rambutan or those succulent pomelos - you’ll surely go fruit-crazy with the city’s best-tasting fruits.
Orchards, groves, and fruit plantations that extend to unimaginable horizons continually produce the freshest fruits that contribute more income to the city and entice our visitors with mouth-watering treats from Mother Earth. Of course, a trip to Davao would never be complete without tasting the “Fruit of the Gods” or the “King of Fruits”- the exotic Durian.
§ Most Culturally-Diverse City
Davao is the most culturally-diverse city in the country, finding chemistry in the fusion of the different cultures and traditions of its numerous ethnic tribes, making it a distinctly unique destination in the Philippines. Among the ethnic groups found in the City are the Bagobo, Mandaya, Ata, Manobo, B’laan and Muslim groups.
§ Most Liberal Political Climate in the Philippines
In Davao, there is no one group or idea that dominates over the others. The City is touted to have the most liberal political climate in the Philippines where groups are allowed free speech and the display of sentiments.
§ Lowest Crime Rate in the Country
Davao has one of the lowest per capita crime rates in the world and the lowest in the country. In the annual Asiaweek survey of the 40 Best Cities in Asia, Davao City has unfailingly made it to the Top 20 for four consecutive years (1996-1999), rating 2nd in the least number of criminal cases per 10,000 at 0.8 on the survey of livability. Furthermore, TIME Asia Magazine sees Davao as the most peaceful city in Southeast Asia.”
§ Most Prepared Emergency Response System in the Country
Davao City is one of only three areas in the world, after United States and Canada, to have the Integrated Emergency Response System or the 911 Response Center, making Davao the most prepared city in the country to respond to emergency situations.
§ Generates National and International Attention
Davao City has created national and international buzz with all its credentials, awards and citations, and even feature stories by world-renowned publications like Time, Asiaweek, and Mabuhay Magazine. It cannot be denied that Davao City takes pride in being hailed as a trailblazer among all local government units in the country.
§ Increased Borrowing Capacity and Ability to Pay to Fund Major Development Projects
Confident of the borrowing capacity and ability to pay of the City Government of Davao, the Land Bank of the Philippines loaned the city P990 million pesos to fund the city’s priority projects. This is the largest loan so far the bank has released to a city in the Philippines. With an annual income of a billion pesos, the city’s liquidity ratio or its capability to pay its debt and the ensuing return of investment are very high.
Tips in getting to & around Davao City
There is an existing No- Smoking Ordinance in the City. Smoking is prohibited inside public utility vehicles, taxis, government offices, hospitals, & theaters. In hotels, bars, & restaurants, smoking is allowed only in designated areas where the only activity being done is smoking.
Curfew for unaccompanied minor starts at 10:00 pm. Liquor ban starts at 2:00 AM. There is a strong enforcement of laws on traffic, anti- littering, jaywalking, anti- vandalism among others. Drug Trafficking is a criminal offense punishable by life imprisonment.
The City has 220- volt electrical system. Payphones requiring either 1- peso coins or a phonecard are strategically located all over the metropolis.
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