INTRODUCTION
Davao del Norte (Cebuano: Amihanang Dabaw) is a province in the Philippines located in the Davao Region in Mindanao. Its capital is Tagum City. Davao del Norte also includes Samal Island to the south in the Davao Gulf.
Before 1967, the five provinces—Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental and Compostela Valley—were administered as a single province named Davao. The Davao Region is coterminous with this former province.
History
Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley, together with Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental and Davao del Sur used to be a whole province simply known as Davao. This original province was split into three: Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, and Davao del Sur when Republic Act No. 4867 (authored by Representative Lorenzo S. Sarmiento, Sr.) was signed into law on May 8, 1967 by President Ferdinand Marcos.
Davao del Norte originally comprised thirteen municipalities: Asuncion, Babak (now in Samal City), Compostela, Kapalong, Mabini, Mawab, Monkayo, Nabunturan, Panabo, Pantukan, Samal, Santo Tomas and Tagum. On May 6, 1970, six more municipalities were created: Carmen, Kaputian (now in Samal City), Maco, Montevista, New Bataan, and New Corella.
The passage of Republic Act No. 6430 on June 17, 1972 changed the name of the province from Davao del Norte to Davao.
By 1996, Davao had a total of twenty-two municipalities with the creation of San Vicente (now Laak) in 1979, Maragusan in 1988,and Talaingod in 1991.
On January 31, 1998, President Fidel V. Ramos signed Republic Act No. 8470, which split the province into two, creating the province of Compostela Valley. In the meantime, Davao was renamed back to Davao del Norte. Together with the creation of the new province, two cities and one municipality were created: the municipality of Tagum, capital of Davao del Norte, was converted into a city (R.A. 8472); Samal, Babak, and Kaputian were joined into the city of Samal (R.A. 8471); and the municipality of Braulio E. Dujali was created out of several barangays in Panabo and Carmen (R.A. 8473). The province then had 8 municipalities and 2 cities.
Republic Act No. 9015, signed into law on March 5, 2001 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, converted the municipality of Panabo into a city. Republic Act No. 9265, approved on March 15, 2004 created the municipality of San Isidro from Asuncion and Kapalong.
Geography
Davao del Norte covers a total area of 3,426.97 square kilometres (1,323.16 sq mi)occupying the north-central section of the Davao Region. The province borders Agusan del Sur to the north, Bukidnon to the west, Compostela Valley to the east, and Davao City to the south.
Samal City is the only municipality or city in the province not situated on Mindanao island. The city covers the entire Samal and Talikud Islands within the Davao Gulf.
DEMOGRAPHY
DAVAO DEL NORTE
Province in Mindanao
Subdivision
The population development in Davao del Norte as well as related information and services (Wikipedia, Google, images).
| Name | Status | Population Census 1990-05-01 | Population Census 2000-05-01 | Population Census 2010-05-01 | Population Census 2015-08-01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davao del Norte | Province | 590,015 | 743,811 | 945,764 | 1,016,332 |
| Asuncion (Saug) | Municipality | ... | 46,910 | 55,844 | 59,322 |
| Braulio E. Dujali | Municipality | ... | 18,050 | 28,339 | 30,104 |
| Carmen | Municipality | 49,507 | 55,144 | 69,199 | 74,679 |
| Kapalong | Municipality | ... | 57,966 | 68,261 | 76,334 |
| New Corella | Municipality | 36,138 | 44,590 | 50,699 | 54,844 |
| Panabo | City | 110,172 | 133,950 | 174,364 | 184,599 |
| Samal (Island Garden City of Samal) | City | ... | 82,609 | 95,874 | 104,123 |
| San Isidro | Municipality | ... | 24,100 | 25,548 | 26,651 |
| Santo Tomas | Municipality | 67,916 | 84,367 | 109,269 | 118,750 |
| Tagum | City | 135,440 | 179,531 | 242,801 | 259,444 |
| Talaingod | Municipality | ... | 16,594 | 25,566 | 27,482 |
| Mindanao | Island Group | 14,298,764 | 18,133,864 | 21,968,174 | 24,135,775 |
Source: National Statistics Office of the Philippines (web), National Statistical Coordination Board (web).
Explanation: Area figures are computed by using geospatial data.
Further Population Figures:
| Gender (C 2015) | |
|---|---|
| Males | 523,719 |
| Females | 492,613 |
| Age Groups (C 2015) | |
|---|---|
| 0-14 years | 324,419 |
| 15-64 years | 647,814 |
| 65+ years | 44,099 |
| Age Distribution (C 2015) | |
|---|---|
| 0-9 years | 222,154 |
| 10-19 years | 200,599 |
| 20-29 years | 185,260 |
| 30-39 years | 143,429 |
| 40-49 years | 109,878 |
| 50-59 years | 81,791 |
| 60-69 years | 47,613 |
| 70-79 years | 19,060 |
| 80+ years | 6,548 |
NATURAL ATTRACTION
GIANT CLAM SANCTUARY (SAMAL ISLAND)
It's located at the white sand islet across from Barangay Adecor, the fishing village beside Pearl Farm Resort."You will never regret visiting the Giant Clam Sanctuary; you will find clams of different sizes and colors there," assured our boatman. I'm glad we listened to him and trusted his words, as the underwater creatures didn't disappoint us. As we snorkeled in awe, we saw 15 to 40-inch neatly-arranged endangered clams; the young ones close to the beach and the huge ones at the deeper part of the sea.
Activity: Snorkeling
MONFORT BAT SANCTUARY (SAMAL ISLAND)
The Island Garden City of Samal is not just for the beach lovers. More than its coastlines, wonderful beaches and summer fun-filled getaways, IGaCoS is also home of more exotic wonders – those that nature offers naturally and utterly perfect in their simplest ways. What most people do not know, in the heart of the island lies 70 caves. And, one of these has been acknowledged by the Guiness of Book Records to hold the largest colony of Rousetteus amplexicaudatus or commonly known as Geoffrey’s Rousette Fruit Bat. Yes, it is indeed a wonder for a small island to become the largest refuge of approximately 1.8 million of this warm-blooded, night-hunting creature.
A lot of people may shudder at the thought of seeing masses of these black flying mammals lining the dusky skies of Samal, however, for Norma Monfort who owns the property where the cave is situated, instead of fear, the animals have actually fostered in her an imminent sense of care and protection. For bat caves to become homes to this number of bats is but a rare occurrence. That is why it is understandable for Ms. Monfort to employ some form of security in order to prevent hunters from destabilizing the balance that these bats have found in the Monfort Cave.
However, because of the overwhelming population, it has been observed the cave itself has been overcrowded. That is why one of the major tasks of concerned bat conservationists is to make three other smaller caves habitable for some of the bats. Major fruit bat threats are farmers who have turned into bat hunters because of falsely believing that these bats are a threat to their crops, not knowing that these bats actually help in the process of plant reproduction. In fact, these bats are key elements in the production of durian fruits every season. Some people in the island also hunt these batsfor food.
Indeed, the next time you go to the island, you might take the time to enjoy the wonders that Samal has to offer in the midst of its lush forests. However, if you have the adventurous heart and know well the laws of nature, you must proceed with caution when you embark on cave explorations in the island as you might disturb the solace that these fruit bats have found in this humble island. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints and kill nothing but time.
HAGIMIT FALLS (SAMAL ISLAND)
The alluring mystique of Samal isn’t only filled with white sand beaches. Face to face with its enigmatic and glorious beauty, you will be awestruck at its looming waterfalls.
At Penaplata, an area within the island garden city of Samal you’ll find the Hagimit Falls. In about 2 km from Penaplata proper you’ll find one of Samal’s nature pride The Hagimit WaterFalls. A ride from Penaplata proper with car or jeepney adds another thrill to your adventure experience, but it’s not a long and creepy road though. It will only take you five minutes ride to experience its mystique.
Seeing its facade, you’re expectation will be paid off vigorously. Upon getting there you can just sit and be amazed by the magnificence of the falls. Surely its’ running water will give you a relief from the tiring travel you had.
The Hagimit Water Falls is quite small, but it all falls naturally. The pool that catches the cool water is all preserved in its natural form giving the visitors a delightful dive spot. Recently the locals’ added some cottages for the visitors comfort and for an income for them as well. Though the locals had set up cottages for the visitors, the place is perfect for campers. Visitors can just pitch in their tents on the tent site for a cold camping night at this waterfall.
Campers will surely enjoy a green-culinary adventure as the water falls is filled with full-grown trees and different kinds of vegetables that grows along the riverbank. You will not only let your feeling be allured by its surroundings but also your palates. Guess vegetarians will have a great meal just around this waterfall.
The water falls was not solely exploited as it is still untouched. There are no big souvenir shops around the area so if you plan to visit this waterfall anytime soon, bring a good camera to capture every perfect moment with your family or loved one in here. Or maybe just document your adventure here.
Upon entering the Hagimit Waterfalls, the local community collects P20 for the development and maintenance of the place. Not bad to enjoy a wondrous gift from above!
VANISHING ISLAND (SAMAL ISLAND)
Samal Island is the beach center of Davao City. Unlike most other beach locations in the Philippines, however, Samal is more of a peaceful and serene destination. But that’s not what gained the region popularity throughout the nation and even the world. Somewhere out in the island waters is actually a jewel that surprisingly emerges when the tide recedes. It’s the paradise of divers and the heaven of beach enthusiasts – the Vanishing Island of Samal.
CORAL GARDEN MARINE PARK (SAMAL ISLAND)
In fact, this beach resort is a home to 53 out of 73 genera of corals and 9 species out of 13 species of sea grasses found in the Philippines, and to about 250 species of aquarium fish.If you are dreaming of exploring the underworld? Coral Garden and Marine Park is the great place for you with natural ambiance, wherein you can plunge into the depths of dive spots to discover the richness of undersea world. Aside from the coral garden, you can safely walk and look for different species of fish.
The 150 – hectare Coral Garden and Marine Reservation Park is located in Talikud Island renders great adventure and extreme challenges with nature. It's unique diving sites is considered as one of the best in the world, so professional and amateur divers must see this place. It gives more excitement and sizzling summer to its visitors. Scuba diving is one of the best activity every summer, swimming underwater while using the breathing equipment.
MT. PUTING BATO (SAMAL ISLAND)
Mt. Puting Bato is recognized as the highest point of Samal Island, Davao del Norte with an elevation of approximately 410 MASL or 1,345 feet. It is dubbed a minor hike, making it an ideal hiking spot for beginners. Mt. Puting Bato is named as such because of its white limestone wall – its white peak visible in quite a few parts of Davao City.
NABINTAD RIVER (TAGUM CITY)
It was not as frequently traveled or cruised like the Liboganon River but it is peaceful here and can feel the cool ambiance and serene atmosphere.
Thanks to a campaign for wetland conservation, a river is attracting tourists to a thriving city in Davao del Norte. Spanning 8.8 kilometers, Nabintad River is the site of the Tagum River Cruise where locals and tourists alike can enjoy breathtaking views and experience the vibrance of the city. One can take pleasure in the sight of mangroves along the river’s coastlines, catch a glimpse of some local fisher folk, and get a taste of the local life, food, and culture at various stopovers along the way.
Nabintad River, part of the original river system that flowed around Magugpo and is currently a protected marine sanctuary due to its natural abundance of mangrove trees.
TAGBAOBO FALLS (SAMAL ISLAND)
Also known as the Mangongawong falls; Tagbaobo falls is a good spot to include in your itinerary whenever you visit Samal Island.Getting to Tagbaobo falls is an adventure as well, some can ride horses to it but you can also go on foot. The road to it is quite uneven and slippery but that just adds to the thrill and adventure. It may not be as developed and urbanized as many of the tourist attractions in the area BUT at least you can be assured that when you do get to the falls, it’s all yours.
You get to have the falls all to yourself. But don’t worry; there still is a spot near the falls where you can rest comfortably. There are bench tables with chairs nearby if you just want to sit down and relax.
Because of the number of balete trees in the area and the mist that surrounds the falls, it kind of gives off this mystical and enchanted vibe, like this is a place where fairies would stay.Most people think that at first glance the water is unclean but actually, the water doesn’t stop its ripples because of the force coming from the falls and some soil included in it.
The water has a cool temperature which is good if you ever want to take a dip. And the calm breeze that comes along with the mist is a good combination with it too.
HERITAGE ATTRACTION
When you get to have the time to walk through history, these six markers are good starting points.
1. Davao Penal Colony
The Davao Penal Colony in Panabo, Davao del Norte was inscribed with the historical marker in 1956. It is the first historical site annotated by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines as National Cultural Property.
The penal settlement is also the first founded and organized under a Filipino Administration and was established on January 31, 1932.
Upon the invasion of the Japanese Imperial Forces on December 20, 1941, the colony was among the first establishments that they took over and used as an imperial garrison.
2. Port Santa Ana
Port Santa Ana now called Santa Ana Wharf, is located at Santa Ana Avenue, Davao City. It served as the main port of Davao City in the 1900s until the establishment of a bigger Sasa Wharf.
This is where the first wave of Japanese workers set foot in Davao to serve as agricultural workers in the vast abaca plantations in the different areas of undivided Davao.
The National Historical Marker that was inscribed in 2003 is located inside the nearby Magsaysay Park.
3. The Monument of Ohta Kyuzaburu
Mintal in Davao City is one of the vast abaca plantations during the Japanese time and is known as the Little Tokyo in the Philippines.
The man responsible between the job-seeking Japanese laborers and the labor-seeking Abaca plantation owners was Ohta Kyuzaburu in 1904-1905.
He then went on to permanently settle in Davao and established Ohta Development Company, the first abaca company by the Japanese in the Philippines.
Ohta Kyuzaburu along with his compatriots was instrumental in bringing about the agricultural and economic development in the Davao Province. After his death, an obelisk was built in 1926 to honor Ohta Kyozaburo’s greatest contribution to Davao Province. The inscription on the obelisk reads: “KS Ohta, who believed in Davao and helped it grow”.
The Monument of Ohta Kyozaburu with the National Historical Marker inscribed in 2003 is located in Mintal Elementary School.
4. City Hall of Davao City
As Davao City went through a lot of changes and development, so did its City Hall.
The first City Hall structure was built in 1926, ten years before the city became a chartered city in 1936. It was built as Municipal Hall of Davao with Architect Valencia and Engineer Santiago Artiaga along with the Davao Jaycees.
In 1945 during the Liberation of the Philippines from the Japanese Forces, the City Hall of Davao was destroyed and took 2 years to reconstruct the building until it was completely rebuilt back to its original form in 1947.
The historical marker inscribed in 2012, is located at the left wall after the front steps of the current city hall located along San Pedro Street, which happens to be the city’s oldest commercial street.
5. Caraga Church
Mindanao’s oldest Catholic structure, the San Salvador del Mundo Church is the parish church of Caraga, Davao Oriental. The town was established in 1861 making it one of the oldest towns in the province of Davao Oriental. When the Jesuits took charge of the spiritual administration of the town in 1871 from the Augustinian Recollects, a stone and wooden church was built in 1877 to serve as mission station of Spanish Missionaries in propagating Christianity in the eastern side of Mindanao. When it was completed in 1884, the church was dedicated to San Salvador del Mundo (Christ, the Saviour of the World).
In 2012, in time for the Caraga’s Parochial Fiesta, the San Salvador Del Mundo Church was declared a National Historic Site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. The declaration was made 128 years after it was built in 1884, making it the first Church in Southern Mindanao declared a National Historical Site.
The San Salvador del Mundo Church of Caraga is situated in Caraga’s Poblacion.
6. The Monument of Andres Bonifacio
In celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of Philippine Revolution, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines turned over two bronze life-size monuments of Andres Bonifacio to the two most important cities in the country – one in Cebu City and another one in Davao City.
Andres Bonifacio is the founder and supreme leader of the Katipunan movement which sought the independence of the Philippines from the Spanish colonial rule. He was executed on May 10, 1897, along with his two brothers, in the mountains of Maragondon, Cavite. They were convicted of sedition and treason against the Aguinaldo government.
The essence of the installation of Bonifacio’s Monument outside of Manila is the nation’s tribute to Ka Andes who loved our country deeply and offered his life to build our nation. The monument which was installed inside Toril Park in Toril, Davao City last December 4, 2013 was unveiled by NHCP officials together and artist Juan Sajid Imao who made the statue.
MAN MADE ATTRACTION
PEARL FARM BEACH RESORT (SAMAL ISLAND)
THE ISLAND BUENAVISTA (SAMAL ISLAND)
The Island Buenavista
Located in Small Ligid Island in Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal. The resort is complete with a Class “AA” facilities and amenities.
Located in Small Ligid Island in Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal. The resort is complete with a Class “AA” facilities and amenities.
SAN AGUSTIN BOTANICAL PARK (TAGUM CITY)
It is an excellent plan initiated by the city government to have a botanical park. Even at this time it is already visible and one can enjoy the cool breeze and gentle wind up there. There are already good roads and some gazebos and pathways. The total area has yet to be attended to for the completion of this project.
The project is targeted to be finished in year 2020. These days a little portion of some hectares out of the total area has been improved and is already a beauty to see,
The project is targeted to be finished in year 2020. These days a little portion of some hectares out of the total area has been improved and is already a beauty to see,
HISTORY
A 31-hectare (projected 50 hectares) botanical park has been slowly developed and is now accessible to tourists. The San Agustin Botanical Garden is the third destination for the city’s eco-tourism. It is planned to spur 2,000 different kinds of tree/plant species from the different tropical countries in the world giving balance to the highly urbanized development of Tagum and keeping pollution out of the city’s progression. To date, there are one hundred forty five (145) tree/plant species planted from the different parts of the country, Australia, India, Pakistan, Thailand and South Africa.
Located in the rural barangay of San Agustin, just a mere 15-minute ride from the city proper, is the Tagum Botanical Park. Solely developed by the City Government of Tagum, the 50-hectare park is brimming with lush greeneries, with tropical trees of different varieties planted in its hills. The sprawling park has several gazebos perfect for family picnics and gathering and will soon feature a zipline and trails for both biking and hiking. The Tagum Botanical Park is good alternative to the well-known and well-loved Energy Park, another city-developed nature park in Barangay Apokon.
The World's Largest Rosary of Tagum City, Davao del Norte
Photo by KIWI BULACL
In Tagum City, where you can find the only resort in a Banana Plantation, also lies the world’s largest rosary. It can be found in the biggest cathedral in Mindanao, The Christ the King Cathedral. As the biggest basilica, the Christ the King Cathedral itself is an attraction to tourists or visitors but it became more known since the creation of the world’s largest rosary which was originally intended as a project of the Knights of Columbus to commemorate the silver anniversary of the City of Tagum Diocese in 2005.
The largest basilica in Mindanao, which was designed like a castle, has its distinctive architecture that most tourists find amazing and impressive. The cathedral’s design is a touch of modern and traditional architecture which is different from other churches here in the Philippines. Behind the cathedral sits the largest
rosary in the world that weighs 2,815 kilograms.
Designed by a local artist from Davao City named Kublai Millan, the 85.5-meter-long rosary is made of linked bead that are made from magcono (iron wood) which can be found in the mountains of Davao Oriental and Surigao del Sur. The rosary is slated to be the world’s biggest and the locals of Tagum City hope that the Guinness Book of World Records will officially recognize the giant rosary of Christ the King Cathedral as the “Largest Rosary in the World.”
The giant rosary of Tagum might be slated to be the world’s biggest but all in all, as Lasquite (City Information Officer II) said; the Christ the King Cathedral and its record-breaking rosary, do not only serve as the local people’s claim to fame. Even more significantly, the two have come to symbolize the exemplary spirituality and sense of community of the proud and faithful Tagumeños that will endure the test of time.
Tourists who want to see the world’s largest rosary can get there by taking a bus in Davao City bound for Tagum City. The travel time is about two hours or less. Then from Tagum City, visitors can take a tricycle going directly to the basilica of Christ the King. Tourists will surely love the amazing architecture of the cathedral and also, their visit will not be complete without seeing the record-breaking rosary of Tagum City.
SOCIO- CULTURAL CONSEQUENCE
Social and cultural impacts of tourism are the ways in which tourism is contributing to changes in value systems, individual behaviour, family relationships, collective life styles, moral conduct, creative e expressions, traditional ceremonies and community organization. In other words they are the effects on the people of host communities of their direct and indirect associations with tourists.
The socio-cultural effects of tourism are difficult to measure, and to a large extent are indirect, or even unknown. The majority of the studies undertaken until now in this area, were mainly concerned with understanding the social impacts on the host societies rather than the impacts on the tourists themselves. In general, attitudes and perceptions of the host population vary on a continuous scale between negative, through no impact at all to positive.
In Davao Del Norte, Socio Cultural factors are follows:
1. President Rodrigo Duterte
Rodrigo Roa Duterte, became the first ever Mindanawon to be elected on the highest post of the country. Duterte served as a local chief executive in Davao City for 21 years before he took oath as the 16th president of the country last June 30. The 71-year-old Duterte, whose famous battle cry #ChangeisComing used by his supporters during the campaign period, has vowed to eradicate the pandemic problems of illegal drugs and corruption.
2. Duterte's residence an instant tourist attraction
With President Rodrigo Duterte being elected as the 16th president of the country, Digong's hometown, Davao City, has become the center of the spotlight now. Everyone became curious about Davao City and the Dutertes, which includes Digong's children: Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio, her brothers Vice Mayor Paolo and Sebastian "Baste", and the youngest Veronica. This is what prompted the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Davao to conceptualize a tourism campaign wherein Digong's supporters and non-supporters get to know more the tough-talking public official. The planned tourism tour includes Digong's life story, political highlights, key projects, house, and his favorite eatery.
3. Durian
Davao City is not only associated with the President and the Dutertes. But it is only popular with the Durian, the king of all fruits. The Southern Mindanao, in fact, is considered as the "durian republic” in the country. This is because this part of the country seldom experiences typhoon and also enjoys a pleasant weather all year round with temperature ranging from 20 to 32 Celsius. Among the famous durian varieties include Arancillo, Puyat, Oboza, Umali, Chanee, Mon Thong, Lacson 1 and 2, and Kanyaw. The Durian season is usually in season during August to October.
4. Kadayawan Festival
Usually the peak of the harvest of Durian fruit usually coincides with the celebration of the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City in August. The Kadayawan Festival is described as a "celebration of life, a thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, wealth of culture, and the bountiful harvest and serenity of living." Over the years, the annual celebration of the festival has evolved from the usual tradition of giving back for the bountiful harvest into a tribute for the indigenous peoples (IPs) living in the city. Notable activities during the festival are the Davao River Festival, Sayaw Mindanao, Lumadnong Dula, Tunog Mindanaw, Hiyas sa Kadayawan, Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan, Pamulak sa Kadalanan, and Floral Float Parade.
5. Davao City's 11 tribes
The celebration of the Kadayawan Festival has been centered on celebrating the culture of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) residing in Davao City. There are 11 tribes: Ata, Bagobo-Klata, Bagobo-Tagabawa, Iranun, Kagan, Maguindanaon, Maranao, Matigsalog, Ovu Manubo, Sama, and Tausug.
All of these tribes lived harmoniously together, in peace and friendships. In fact, one of the activities of the festival gives focus on the culture of the tribes.
The Hiyas sa Kadayawan, similar to regular beauty pageants wherein each tribe is represented by one young woman. But unlike other pageants, it tests how the candidates understand their culture and traditions thru question and answer, talent, and among others. Other highlights for the lumads include Tribuhaning Pasundayag (tribal cultural show), and Tribal Games, and Subang Sinugdan (fluvial parade).
6. Tourist attractions
Davao region does not have shortage when it comes to tourist attractions. The unique mix of diversity, both in landscape and in culture make the Davao region a must-visit. The region has so much to offer from white sand and pristine beaches, animal sanctuaries, and adventure stops.
Among the top tourism spots include Philippine Eagle Center (PEC), Crocodile Park, Eden Nature Park, People's Park, among others. It is also the gateway to the region that boasts of equally enticing destinations.
The best places for white sand beaches are the Dahican Beach Resort in Mati City, Davao Oriental; and Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) in Davao del Norte. Then there are the waterfalls and caves to explore, as well as the mountains, including the first Unesco inscribed heritage site, the Mt. Hamiguitan Mountain Range in Davao Oriental.
7. Peace and order
Davao City takes it pride when it comes to peace and order. Last year, Davao City ranked 4th safest city in the world based in the user-contributed survey site Numbeo.com. This was made possible with the efforts of the law enforcement agencies such as the Davao City Police (DCPO), Task Force Davao, and the 10th Infantry Division (ID). This is the highest ranking that Davao City got under the leadership of then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
1. President Rodrigo Duterte
Rodrigo Roa Duterte, became the first ever Mindanawon to be elected on the highest post of the country. Duterte served as a local chief executive in Davao City for 21 years before he took oath as the 16th president of the country last June 30. The 71-year-old Duterte, whose famous battle cry #ChangeisComing used by his supporters during the campaign period, has vowed to eradicate the pandemic problems of illegal drugs and corruption.
2. Duterte's residence an instant tourist attraction
With President Rodrigo Duterte being elected as the 16th president of the country, Digong's hometown, Davao City, has become the center of the spotlight now. Everyone became curious about Davao City and the Dutertes, which includes Digong's children: Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio, her brothers Vice Mayor Paolo and Sebastian "Baste", and the youngest Veronica. This is what prompted the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Davao to conceptualize a tourism campaign wherein Digong's supporters and non-supporters get to know more the tough-talking public official. The planned tourism tour includes Digong's life story, political highlights, key projects, house, and his favorite eatery.
3. Durian
Davao City is not only associated with the President and the Dutertes. But it is only popular with the Durian, the king of all fruits. The Southern Mindanao, in fact, is considered as the "durian republic” in the country. This is because this part of the country seldom experiences typhoon and also enjoys a pleasant weather all year round with temperature ranging from 20 to 32 Celsius. Among the famous durian varieties include Arancillo, Puyat, Oboza, Umali, Chanee, Mon Thong, Lacson 1 and 2, and Kanyaw. The Durian season is usually in season during August to October.
4. Kadayawan Festival
Usually the peak of the harvest of Durian fruit usually coincides with the celebration of the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City in August. The Kadayawan Festival is described as a "celebration of life, a thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, wealth of culture, and the bountiful harvest and serenity of living." Over the years, the annual celebration of the festival has evolved from the usual tradition of giving back for the bountiful harvest into a tribute for the indigenous peoples (IPs) living in the city. Notable activities during the festival are the Davao River Festival, Sayaw Mindanao, Lumadnong Dula, Tunog Mindanaw, Hiyas sa Kadayawan, Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan, Pamulak sa Kadalanan, and Floral Float Parade.
5. Davao City's 11 tribes
The celebration of the Kadayawan Festival has been centered on celebrating the culture of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) residing in Davao City. There are 11 tribes: Ata, Bagobo-Klata, Bagobo-Tagabawa, Iranun, Kagan, Maguindanaon, Maranao, Matigsalog, Ovu Manubo, Sama, and Tausug.
All of these tribes lived harmoniously together, in peace and friendships. In fact, one of the activities of the festival gives focus on the culture of the tribes.
The Hiyas sa Kadayawan, similar to regular beauty pageants wherein each tribe is represented by one young woman. But unlike other pageants, it tests how the candidates understand their culture and traditions thru question and answer, talent, and among others. Other highlights for the lumads include Tribuhaning Pasundayag (tribal cultural show), and Tribal Games, and Subang Sinugdan (fluvial parade).
6. Tourist attractions
Davao region does not have shortage when it comes to tourist attractions. The unique mix of diversity, both in landscape and in culture make the Davao region a must-visit. The region has so much to offer from white sand and pristine beaches, animal sanctuaries, and adventure stops.
Among the top tourism spots include Philippine Eagle Center (PEC), Crocodile Park, Eden Nature Park, People's Park, among others. It is also the gateway to the region that boasts of equally enticing destinations.
The best places for white sand beaches are the Dahican Beach Resort in Mati City, Davao Oriental; and Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) in Davao del Norte. Then there are the waterfalls and caves to explore, as well as the mountains, including the first Unesco inscribed heritage site, the Mt. Hamiguitan Mountain Range in Davao Oriental.
7. Peace and order
Davao City takes it pride when it comes to peace and order. Last year, Davao City ranked 4th safest city in the world based in the user-contributed survey site Numbeo.com. This was made possible with the efforts of the law enforcement agencies such as the Davao City Police (DCPO), Task Force Davao, and the 10th Infantry Division (ID). This is the highest ranking that Davao City got under the leadership of then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES
Positive Economic Effects
Job creation is paramount to any discussion about tourism's positive economic effects. The 2017 Economic Impact Report by the World Travel & Tourism Council indicates that the industry generates one out of 10 jobs worldwide, growing at a pace that outperforms employment in the global economy for the sixth consecutive year. The report also indicates that among new jobs, the sector accounts for one in five.
Negative Economic Effects
Unexpected and unforeseeable events such as terrorism, political upheaval, impactful weather conditions and natural disasters can wreak havoc on a region, negatively affecting inbound tourism for considerable periods of time. The more dependent a destination is on tourism, the more the impact will be felt and the longer recovery will take.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
Positive Environmental Effects
Education about the reasons for sustainable tourism places a spotlight on responsible planning. As more consumers become aware of the lasting benefits of "take only pictures, leave only footprints," we can better respect nature and minimize the impact on any habitat we visit.
Negative Environmental Effects
Too many tourists can have a negative impact on the quality of life. Known as overtourism, this phenomenon is creating a burden in such destinations as rural Patagonia, Chile, and urban Barcelona, Spain. The slopes of Mount Everest are littered and, in Iceland, tourists far outnumber the resident population. In the U.S. where the top 10 parks saw more than 44 million visitors in 2016, the National Park Service is looking for ways to protect natural treasures in light of year-on-year increases in visitor numbers.
RECOMMENDATION
As a tourism student, my recommendation on Davao Del Norte was to promote their tourist attraction, for them to be known. necause when you say "DAVAO" the thing that come into their mind was "NPA, MILF place" or "Strict Province". With proper promotion, it will help to boost their clients, visitor, or tourist. Davao Del Norte was a hidden paradise.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this is a wonderful economic contribution to today’s economy. It is a great way for people to spend their money and for cities to attract other people. In doing so, cities across the world attract millions of dollars just so foreigners get the chance to experience life in a new place. I hope to do much travelling myself because I believe it to be a wonderful way of living life to the fullest. Experiencing culture, religion, foods, sports, entertainment shows, and general ways of life in a new place is a great way to live life to the fullest. I one day hope I could open a hotel chain myself and attract many visitors to new cities.
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