'Davao Region', designated as 'Region XI', is one of the
regions of the
Philippines, located on the southeastern portion of
Mindanao. Davao Region consists of four
provinces, namely:
Compostela Valley,
Davao del Norte,
Davao del Sur, and
Davao Oriental. The region encloses the
Davao Gulf and its regional center is
Davao City.
Region XI was originally called ''Southern Mindanao'', and in addition to the three Davao provinces also included
Surigao del Sur and
South Cotabato. At that time, Compostela Valley was still part of Davao del Norte. Republic Act No. 7225, ratified on
March 16 1992, created the province of
Sarangani from South Cotabato. Then, Republic Act No. 7901, signed on
February 3 1995, by President
Fidel V. Ramos transferred Surigao del Sur into the newly created region of
Caraga (Region XIII). Finally, on
September 19,
2001, President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Executive Order No. 36 reorganized the regions and provinces in Mindanao. This moved South Cotabato and Sarangani to
SOCCSKSARGEN region and renamed Southern Mindanao as ''Davao Region''.
This region also bears the nickname
Silicon Gulf.
'CULTURAL GROUPS'
The region is an in-migration area, with a mixture of migrants, which include Cebuanos, Ilonggos and Ilocanos. Its ethnic groups include Manobos, Bagobos, Maiisakas, Maguindanon, T’boli, Tirurays and a few Muslims.
'CLIMATE'
The region has a generally uniform distribution of rainfall through the year. It lies outside the typhoon belt.
'NATURAL RESOURCES'
Aside from its forestland and fertile fields, Southern Mindanao has mineral resources of chrornite, iron, nickel, and manganese, gold, copper and other non-metallic minerals. Five of the major fishing grounds of the Philippines are located in the region.
'ECONOMY'
While the region’s economy is predominantly agri-based. it is now developing into a center for agro-industrial business, trade and tourism. Its competitive advantage is in agri-industry as its products, bananas, pineapples, fresh asparagus, and fish products are exported abroad. The region can be a vital link to markets in other parts of Mindanao, Brunei Darussalam and parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.
There is a gradual shift to industrialization as shown with industry’s growth rate of 8.1% in 1996. Other economic activities are mining, fishery, forestry and agriculture.
'FACILITIES'
The region’s principal ports are the Sasa International Seaport in Sasa, Sta. Ana Pier in the Chinatown District, Panabo Seaport in Davao del Norte, and Mati Seaport in Davao Oriental. Infrastructure developments in the cities within the region are considered excellent.
The airport in Davao City is the largest and most developed in Mindanao. The region is accessible by land, air and sea. The region has adequate communications facilities, reliable power and an abundant water supply.
Political Divisions
Davao Region is subdivided into 4
provinces and
Davao City.

Political map of Davao Region
| Province/City | Capital | Population (2000) | Area (km²) | Pop. density (per km²) |
|---|
| Compostela Valley | Nabunturan | 580,244 | 4,666.93 | 124.3 |
| Davao del Norte | Tagum City | 743,811 | 3,462.82 | 214.8 |
| Davao del Sur | Digos City | 758,801 | 3,934.01 | 192.9 |
| Davao Oriental | Mati | 446,191 | 5,164.46 | 86.4 |
| | | | | |
|---|---|
| Davao City | Davao City | 1,147,116 | 2,443.61 | 469.4 |
Component Cities
★
Digos City,
Davao del Sur
★
Island Garden City of Samal,
Davao del Norte
★
Panabo City,
Davao del Norte
★
Tagum City,
Davao del Norte
★
Mati City,
Davao Oriental
External links
★
About Davao
★
Davao Real Estate
★
Davao City Realtors Multiple-Listing Service
★
Davao Travel Guide
★
Open Door For Good Government
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