Davao del Sur

It is generally thought that Davao derives from the Bagobo word Daba-Daba referring to the Sacred Brass of the tribe's legendary chieftain, Datu Duli. Eventually, this became Dabao-Dabao, meaning justice and the Datu's fairness to his people in Bagobo. Finally, this became Dab-o then Davao. Many various ethnic tribes lived in the area before the Spanish arrived in 1528. The first Spanish settlement was established in Caraga, in present-day Davao Oriental in 1591. The region remained under the Sultanate of Maguindanao until 1844 when the ruling Sultan ceded Davao to Spain. Muslims in the area refused to accept Spanish rule and a revolt broke out led by Dato Bago. The Spanish forces led by Don Jose Oyanguren killed Bago and ended the revolt. In 1900, the Japanese established plantations around the shores of the Davao Gulf. The number of Japanese increased and the area was known was Japan kuo or little Japan, which had a Japanese embassy, school, shrines, temples and a newspaper. The old Davao province was created in 1914 but this was divided into three new Davao provinces in 1967. Thus, Davao del Sur was created.

Davao City

The early history of Davao City is very much the same as that of the old Davao province. Romualdo Quimpo, the first assemblyman from the Davao district, was given the task of turning Davao into a city by President Quezon. On March 16, 1936, Quimpo had successfully pushed a bill through the Commonwealth Congress. On March 16, 1937, Davao was inaugurated as a city by President Quezon. Originally, Davao City served as the province capital of the old Davao province. This was divided into three new Davao provinces in 1967. Davao City is independent from the Davao del Sur provincial government and serves as the regional centre for the Davao Region.

Davao City Proper

A statue of the national hero, Jose P. Rizal in Davao City. (May 2004)

Davao City Hall. With regards to land area size, Davao City is currently the largest city in the world. (May 2004)

An extension building to the city hall, facing San Pedro Cathedral. (May 2004)

San Pedro Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Mindanao. The original church structure was built 1847. (May 2004)

A statue of Andres Bonifacio, the Father of the Katipunan. (May 2004)

The Magsaysay Park, built in honour of former President Magsaysay who worked for the common people. (May 2004)

President Magsaysay was killed when his plane crashed in Cebu in 1957. An estimated 2 million people attended his burial as people realised they had lost a good leader. (May 2004)

A view of Samal Island (Island Garden City of Samal), an emerging major tourist destination. (May 2004)

Crocodile Park

Crocodile Park is home to locally bred crocodiles including the biggest crocodile in the country. (April 2006)

Holding a young crocodile with its jaws bound. (April 2006)

Other reptiles at the park include a couple of enormous snakes like this one. (April 2006)

There are also some orangutans at the park. (April 2006)

GAP Farm

Mindanao, the Land of Promise to many Luzon and Visayan immigrants in the 1960s. (May 2004)

Busts of the Philippine presidents. (May 2004)

Busts of the many Philippine heroes. (May 2004)

Statues of the various ethnic and indigenous groups from all over the Philippines. (May 2004)

Skulls with only a single eye socket were found in a cave in the area. Proof of the legend of the Cyclops? (May 2004)

Hiroo Onoda of the Japanese army was sent to the Philippines in 1942. He surrendered on March 9, 1974, unaware that WWII had ended in 1945. (May 2004)

Japanese Peace Memorial Shrine and Cemetery

A memorial built in honour of Otha Kyosaburu who invoked Public Land Act No. 926 of 1903 (all lands not registered under Act No. 496 were public lands, and therefore available for homesteading, sale or lease to individuals or corporations). (May 2004)

The Japanese Peace Memorial Shrine and Cemetery, a place of pilgrimage for Japanese veterans and their kin on Ubon Yasumi (Japan's version of All Souls' Day). (May 2004)

Some of the Japanese graves. The Japanese army controlled the Philippines for about three years during World War II. (May 2004)

Some of the Filipino graves. Many Filipinos lost their lives trying to defend the Philippines against the Japanese. (May 2004)

Philippine Eagle Research and Nature Centre

A young baby owl at the Philippine Eagle Research and Nature Centre. (May 2004)

The Philippine Eagle, an endangered species, previously called the Monkey-eating Eagle. (May 2004)

A large stuffed Philippine Eagle. Given its size, it is no surprise it could eat a monkey. (May 2004)

Eden Nature Park

Eden Nature Park is a large nature resort over 900 metres above see level giving it a cooler climate. (April 2006)

The Amphitheatre is one of the stops on the guided tour of the park. (April 2006)

A view of Davao City from nearby the Amphitheatre. (April 2006)

Lola's Garden (lola means grandmother). In addition, a variety of flowers and organic vegetables are grown at the park. (April 2006)

Select Page: Previous | Main | Next