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REGION XI
 Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley, together with Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental and Davao

HISTORY del Sur used to be a whole province simply known as Davao. This original province was split into
three: Davao
z del Norte, Davao Oriental, and Davao del Surwhen 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, San
to 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 municipalitywere 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 barangaysin 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.
 z
REGION PROFILE
Davao Region is located on the southeastern portion of Mindanao,
comprises 5 provinces: Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao
Oriental and Davao del Sur. Just recently, the President signed RA
10360 creating the country’s newest province, Davao Occidental, in
effect dividing into two the province of Davao del Sur.The region
has six cities, namely: Davao, Digos, Mati, Panabo, Samal, and
Tagum; and 43 municipalities, grouped into 11 congressional
districts and divided into 1,162 barangays.The region covers a total
land area of 20,357 sq.km. Its premier city is Davao City which has
an area of 2,443.6 sq. km.
z
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FESTIVALS
DAVAO DEL NORTE
 z
 Tagum City is a city that respects people’s beliefs and heritage
and preserves the culture cherished by generations. To
safeguard its rich cultural diversity, Tagum City holds various
events and festivities throughout the year. In fact, there are now
16 festivals celebrated in Tagum City, within the initiative of the
City Tourism Council. The goal of these festivals is to showcase
and develop the skills, talents and capabilities of all sectors in
the population, which makes Tagum City the “City of Festivals.”
Musikahan
z
sa Tagum
February 21 to 27

Musikahan sa Tagum HighlightsMusikahan Festival, Tagum

City’s signature festival, is an all-inclusive and longest-running
Music Festival in the Philippines. It is a distinct cultural event
celebrating the Filipino excellence in musical composition,
performance, and production. The annual festival engenders a
vision of a fairer and brighter future for the youth through the
enhancement of skills in arts and in building creative pathways
for gainful employment, especially for the out-of-school youth.
Summer
z
Sports Festival
May 15–21
Tagum Summer Sports Festival 09 4An eco-adventure and urban
challenge promoting the advocacy on the call to care our environment
through sports in celebration of the Earth Day, Ocean Month, and
Environment Month every April, May and June respectively. The festival
is held in the month of May. Also part of the festival is the “XTreme Gay-
mes”, a sports competition for the gay community of Tagum.
Durian Festival
z
September to October
Durian Festival sa TagumIt is a festival celebrated during the month of September up
to October that gathers the Durian Growers from the province of Davao del Norte and
Compostela Valley and convene in the City of Tagum provide and offer the lowest rate
of durian fruits for the consumers. During the festival celebration, several cultural
presentations are showcased nightly to give entertainment to the people around
taking good times with the durian.
Binuhat
z
Festival
July 20–26
The City Tourism Council had initiated the Binuhat Festival designed for the gay
community, respectfully called by Tagumeños as “Binuhat” or “Creations”. This
festival is the only festival dedicated to the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and
Transgender Community (LGBT) in Mindanao. It is a week-long celebration which
is mainly participated by gays coming from different places in Mindanao.
Kaimonan
z
Festival
October 10
The word “kaimonan” literally translates to “gathering.” Kaimonan Festival is a gathering of the
four dominant tribes in Tagum City, namely Mansaka, Mandaya, Kalagan and Dibabaon, to
celebrate a bountiful harvest and to give thanks to their God known as “Magbabaya”. This
celebration showcasing different rituals, tribals songs and dances such as Courtship
“Pagkinarimay”, Wedding “Pagbaroy”, Birth “Pagka-otaw”, Abduction ” Pagkamang sang
Utaw”, Rescue “Pagluwas, Pangapog “Offering” and War dance “Pagpangayaw”. Kaimonan
Festival started in 2003, celebrated every 10th day of the month of October in accordance
with the Republic Act 8371 known as IPRA (Indigenous Peoples Rights Act) Law.
 z

 TOURIST SPOTS
 z Island Garden City of Samal
Definitely the most famous destination out of the five, the Island Garden City of
Samal is an island that has a long stretch of beautiful coastline, almost covered
by long mountain ranges and some hills, and also with vast lowlands. Guests of
the island would enjoy seeing the stunning coastline; the clear divide of the
glimmering sea, white sandy beaches, and lush green trees. So many activities
can be done here, like going swimming, trying out the canopy walk, sightseeing,
and boating.
 z
Talicud Island
Many people who have seen Talicud island would usually have one comment in
common– Blue. This is the comment of many because true enough, upon seeing the
beach in person, one can say that it may just be the bluest beach there is. The
vibrancy of its color makes it distinguishable from most beaches in the country. It
also has a fine white sand that provides a good contrast beside the blue water that
glistens as the sunlight hits it. It is the tourist spot in Davao del Norte that will leave
you stunned.
 z
Monfort Bat Cave
The province of Davao Del Norte is most known for its beaches, however, what
many don’t actually know is that there are 70 caves located in the Island Garden
City of Samal. All of which provide an interesting adventure. But the one, you
should really see is the Monfort Bat Cave. This is the cave that houses the biggest
number of Fruit Bats in the entire WORLD. It is even recognized by the Guiness
World Record.
 z Panas Falls
Watch as the clear water of the falls cascade down into its pool through the multiple
tiers of Panas Falls. There really is just something about seeing a waterfall that feels
like such a majestic sight. Taking a dip here is a good way to refresh and cool off if
you have had a somewhat sweaty adventure. Going trekking on the upstream river
would also be a fun activity or maybe have a picnic at the cottages nearby, and just
admire the falls.
 z
Banana Beach/Hijo Estat
Hijo Resorts Davao is a sprawling 760-hectare property with a thriving banana
and coconut plantation and a fully operational industrial zone. Rich in history, it
was the first banana plantation that made a shipment of Cavendish bananas to
Japan in 1969. In 2012, Hijo Resorts Davao established itself as the first and
only eco-agri tourism destination of the country, using the property’s natural
landscape as a way to increase awareness and promote sustainable tourism
and nature conservation.
z

 COMPOSTELA Valley
 z
Summer Beach Sports Festival
It features, a series of beach sports events like water volleyball, beach volleyball, the
almost a kilometre Kopiat Swimming Challenge, fire dance, body painting competition,
regatta sailing contest, Frisbee competitions, an amazing race competition, sea kite
flying, banca race, bikini open, and the regatta. The festival is held within the Mabini
Protected Landscape and Seascape and the coastal beach resorts of Brgy. Magnaga in
the municipality of Pantukan. Mabini town is 22.08 kms from Pantukan, 4.57 kms from
Maco, and 17.48 kms from Tagum City.
 z
Bulawan Festival and Founding
Anniversary of the Province
This colourful gold festival of Compostela Valley is all about Compostela Valley – a land
of rich gold deposits, a land of golden-hearted and industrious people with a rich cultural
heritage, and a land of golden opportunities awaiting those who desire to be part of the
province’s development.Held on March 8 at the Capitol grounds, Bulawan Festival is a
celebration of its glorious history and thanksgiving, a unified government, sustained
good harvests, abundant resources, a promise of a golden future, and competent and
competitive people and institutions. It is symbolized by the gold Solidarity Ring that
engenders the desire of the provincial government and provincial officials for unity and
reflects the province’s vision and mission for a golden future through solidarity and hard
work. The capitol, located in Brgy. Cabidianan, is five kilometres from poblacion of the
Capital town of Nabunturan.
 z
Buganihan Festival
The festival of the bustling trade and commercial town of Compostela is a
thanksgiving celebration for bountiful harvest and a tribute to the bagani
warriors of the past. Compostela is 24 kilometers from the capital
Nabunturan.
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TOURIST SPOTS
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Awao Falls
.
Barangay Awao, Monkayo, Compostela Valley

Awao Falls in the province of Compostela Valley is one of them. In this 20-
meter falls, the water cascades on an rough irregular boulder that creates
a beautiful curtain of waters that drops on a rocky shallow basin below.
This is actually an unspoiled 3-tier falls but the first one is the most iconic
of them all. If you are up for some adventure, you’ll be challenged to do
rock climbing before you can reach the other tiers above. To reach Awao
Falls, you have to trek about 15-30 minutes following an established trail
from the jump-off point.
 z
Tagbibinta Falls
Barangay Coronobe, Maragusan, Compostela Valley

The strong rushing waters drops 700 feet down the catch basin. It is being
surrounded by verdant foliage and greens while the riverbed is composed of
huge boulders that serves as resting grounds for visitors. If Awao Falls has 3
levels, Tagbibinta Falls has 7 levels that challenges daring adventure seekers to
go up the 7th tier.
 z
Kopiat Island
Barangay Pindasan, Mabini, Compostela Valley.

Kopiat Island is one the best tourist spots in Compostela Valley off the coasts of the
southwestern portion of its mainland. This 87-hectare island is considered as the
crown jewel of the province, fringed with coconut trees, mangroves and white sand
beach. It is surrounded by clear waters teeming with marine life and corals best for
snorkeling and scuba diving. Nested on this island is the Lubi Plantation, a high-
end hotel resort with complete facilities for accommodation and relaxation. Visitors
may relax on the infinity pool facing the Davao Gulf while a tour around the island
is possible riding a golf cart.
 z
Mount Candalaga
Barangay New Albay, Maragusan, Compostela Valley.
Mount Candalaga is one of the trekking destinations in the province of
Compostela Valley. It stands 2,400+ meters above sea level and it takes about 3
full days to reach the summit. The trek is very difficult that you need to pass
along forests, rivers and waterfalls. At the foot of the mountain, there you’ll find a
unique flower called Rafflesia, admired for its beautiful bloom but ironically
notorious for its foul smell. The major jump-off point of the trek is in Marangang
Falls, a 13-tier falls.
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Haven’s Peak Highland Resort
Maragusan, Compostela Valley

 Recommended by almost all of its visitors, Haven’s Peak

Highland Resort is one of the best resorts in the province of
Compostela Valley. It is strategically perched at the top of Tarago
Hills overlooking the town of Maragusan, plains and looming
mountains of the province. Visitors who are seeking to relax in a
serene environment, breathing a refreshing mountain air, stay on
comfortable rooms and enjoy the views, this is the best
destination for you. Its facilities are enthusiastically designed to
blend with its beautiful landscapes.
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DAVAO DEL SUR

 z
DORONGAN FESTIVAL OF
BANSALAN, DAVAO DEL SUR

Every Januray, the peace loving Municipality of Bansalan celebrates DORONGAN

FESTIVAL. This festival is a thanksgiving celebration honoring the child Jesus known
to the FIlipinos as Santo Niño. A Sinulog-based celebration, Dorongan Festival is
Bansalan’s way of reliving the tradition and culture of the Visayans whose devotion to
the miraculous Santo Niño is widespread. The population of Bansalan is said to have
roots in Cebu and other towns in the Visayas.Since Bansalan is also home to the
indigenous group called Bagobo, the festival is also adopted to symbolize Bagobo’s
acceptance of Christianity when Catholicism was brought to Mindanao. The festival is
also a celebration of unity and oneness despite diversity of culture and belief.
Dorongan is a Bagobo term which literary means THANKSGIVING.
 z
Padigosan Festival

Padigosan is a festival in Digos featuring activities like lechon parade, street dancing, trade
fair, and sports competition. The celebration commemorates the founding of Digos into a
municipality back in July 19, 1949. The name of the festival is derived from the term
padigos, which means "to take a bath". Moreover, the city name Digos also has the same
origin. The use of such a term dates back to a story of a settler having a short conversation
with a native. The settler asked the native "What is this the name of this place?". Having
thought that the settler asked "Where are you going?", the native answered "padigos" -
which meant that he was about to take a bath in the river. With the native's reply, the settler
thought that the name of the place was Padigos. Later, the name evolved to Digos.
 KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL
z

Annual festival in celebration of life, health, and all things good. The festival’s roots
are in the rituals of the region’s indigenous tribes who gathered to pray for a
bountiful harvest, but it has since evolved to become on of the major festivals on
the Philippine calendar.The week-long event features street performers, food
stalls, dance competitions, and a Floral Float Parade, among other things. These
events are spread out throughout the city so check with your hotel for a detailed
itinerary and list of venues.
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 TOURIST SPOTS
 z
Kapatagan with the view of Mount Apo
The highland valley of Kapatagan in Davao del Sur has recently become one of the most popular outdoor
adventure destinations because of the many unique wonders and delightful sights to see and experience - a
truly different kind of adventure anyone can enjoy; a perfect quiet respite from the noise of city life. Blessed
with lush greenery, the entire valley is rich with a variety of flora and fauna, towering forest trees and stately
pine trees set in a landscape of wild grass and vegetation. Occasionally, Kapatagan is fully covered with a
pleasant mixture of cool mountain mist and hoovering thick fog particularly in the early morning of the day and
in the evening. Kapatagan is just one of the barangays of Digos City, with an estimated population of at least
8,000 inhabitants whose primary livelihood is vegetable cultivation, Tilapia breeding, coffee farming and
recently, tourism. It is home to a number of flora and fauna species endemic to Mindanao and also to the King
of the Philippine Skies, the great Philippine Eagle. Its close proximity to Mount Apo, the Philippines' highest
mountain peak, makes it one of the major jump of points for mountain climbers preparing to scale the dormant
volcano. The breathtaking view of Mount Apo from Kapatagan has been the subject of many photographers
and countless articles in newspapers and magazine both locally and internationally.
 z
Davao del Sur Rice Field
Davao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Davao Region in Mindanao. Its
capital is Digos City. The province is bordered by Davao City to the north, and Cotabato, Sultan
Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Sarangani to the west. To the east lies the Davao Gulf. It also
shares a water border with the Indonesian province of North Sulawesi to the south.Sprawled
along the shores of Southeastern Mindanao, Davao del Sur is a place of natural wonders and
rarities. It boasts of the country’s highest peak, Mt. Apo, the most prized Philippine orchid
species like the Vanda Sanderiana, some of the most exotic fruits, and the endangered
Philippine Eagle.Davao del Sur is home to a host of ethnic groups whose culture and way of life
have been preserved. These are the Bagobos, the Mandayas, the Mansakas, the Atas, the
Kalagans, the Tagakaolos, and the Mangguangans. Their arts and crafts are on display in
museums and shops.There is a wide choice of white sand beaches and resorts. In the city, there
are numerous hotels and inns. Dining is good and varied. Nightlife is fun.Some of the popular
sports activities are golf, watersports, and mountain climbing.
z

 DAVAO ORIENTAL
 z Banayan Festival
It held on the third week of October in Banaybanay. The festivity is a thanksgiving
rite for bountiful harvests.
 z
Bauldayawan Festival
It held every third week of June at San Isidro town. The celebration
is a form of thanksgiving for good harvest.
 z
Sambuokan Festival
It held on the last week of October at Mati. The celebration includes cultural
presentations and agri-industrial exhibits and fairs.
 z

 TOURIST SPOTS
 z
Subangan Museum
Aside from showcasing the cultural heritage of the great Davao Oriental, this
museum is home to the bone remains of a 20 ton, 53 feet sperm whale which has
drifted to the shore of the region some time in 2010. It is the main attraction of the
museum and is considered to be the seventh largest in the world.
 z
Cape of San Agustin in Gov Generoso
Facing the great Celebs Sea, the Cape of San Agustin mixes remnants of the
Spanish colonial rule and the raw beauty of the Philippine beaches evident in
Parola Beach’s pinkish white sand. Many divers frequent this place because of
the diving experience they get in the diving site nicknamed as “the wall”. The
cape houses three lighthouses which offer a breathtaking view of the sea and
the uncanny but beautiful islet. Tourists also visit an amazing rock formation
called “the altar”.
 z
San Victor Island in Baganga

Detached from the whole world, this island has retained its beauty
and mystery which has drawn many tourists to its midst. The island
boasts of its fine white sand and very clean waters home to many
sea creatures including the transient dugongs and marine
vegetation. Although the island is very simple, tourists can stay for
a night in small huts or in tents.
 z Lake Carolina in Baganga
Just 15 minutes from the national highway is a perfect getaway for people who are
looking for a one-of-a-king experience. Although called a lake, Carolina is actually
a lagoon filled with brackish water and abundant marine life. The scenery
perfected by the surrounding green trees is also a sight to enjoy which makes the
place even more relaxing.
 z
Pujada and Waniban Island in Mati
If you are fond of secret island getaways, then the Pujada and Waniban islands are
perfect for you. Both offers white sand beaches, clear waters and unlimited
relaxation. Pujada is bare from all types of commercial accommodation and offers
all the wonders of nature can give. Waniban, on the other hand, is home to a small
local community but also does not have any commercial lodging stay in.
 z
Blue Bless in Mati
Another frequented island resort in Mati is the highly developed Blue Bless. It
offers exquisite accommodation with its restobar, cottages and a pool. It does
not have a beach line but some of its cottages are directly on top of the sea
water which is very convenient for jump diving and swimming
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 DELICACIES AND CUISINES IN DAVAO

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