Geography of the Philippines

Davao Region

• Located in southeastern Mindanao, Philippines
• Comprises of Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao Occidental, and Davao City
• Known for its diverse landscapes, including coastal plains, mountains, and valleys

Mandaya Tribe

• Known for their weaving tradition using abaca fiber dyed with earth dyes
• Utilize backstrap looms to create coarse-textured cloth

Mount Apo

• Highest peak in the Philippines, standing at 2,954 meters
• Favorite climbing destination and holds cultural significance for indigenous tribes
• Located in the southern central highlands and is an active volcano

Davao City

• Known as the "Durian Capital of the Philippines"
• Renowned for its abundant durian orchards and the fruit's economic importance
• Hosts the annual Kadayawan Festival, celebrating the region's culture and harvest

Cultural Groups and Languages

• Bagobo, Mandaya, Manobo, Kalagan, and B'laan are indigenous groups with their own languages and dialects
• Cebuano/Bisaya is widely spoken, serving as a lingua franca
• Tagalog/Filipino is also spoken, particularly in urban areas and among migrant populations
• English is widely used as a second language and medium of instruction in schools

Geographical Profile of Davao Region

• Location: Southeastern Mindanao, Philippines
• Covers a total area of 2,163.98 square kilometers (835.52 sq mi)
• Comprises of 11 municipalities, 237 barangays, and 1 city

Davao del Norte

• "Banana Capital of the Philippines"
• Leading producer of bananas, with many plantations run by multinationals and local producers
• Capital: Tagum City

Davao del Sur

• "The Durian Capital of the Philippines"
• Renowned for its abundant durian orchards and the fruit's economic importance
• Capital: Digos

Davao Oriental

• "Davao Oriental Beautiful"
• Biggest province in the Davao Region, covering a land area of 55,679.6 square kilometers (32.82% of the total regional land area)
• Capital: City of Mati

Davao Occidental

• Capital: Malita
• Covers a total area of 2,163.45 square kilometers (835.31 sq mi)
• Features pristine white sandy beaches and turquoise waters

Tourist Spots

• Mount Apo Natural Park
• Epol Falls (formerly known as Green Valley Waterfalls)
• Eden Nature Park
• Hagimit Water Falls
• Island Garden City of Samal
• Mount Putting Bato
• Pusan Point, Caraga
• Sleeping Dinosaur Island, Mati City
• Mt. Kiyawa
• Olanivan Island
• Bolae Cove, Sarangani Island
• Awao Falls, Compostela Valley
• Havens Peak Highland Resort
• Kopiat Island, Compostela Valley

Festivals

• Kadayawan Festival, Davao City
• Padigosan Festival, Digos
• Kadagayaan Festival, Davao del Norte
• Sambuokan Festival, Malita
• Gaginaway Festival, Malita

Gastronomy

• Durian
• Pomelo
• Seafood
• Tuna
• Native delicacies like bibingka, puto, kakanin, and suman
• Sugba
• L'lulot dish
• Paru-Paru de Baga
• Coconut Wine (Tuba)
• Grilled or fried fish
• Kinilaw (ceviche)
• Sinuglaw
• Balbacua
• Tinolang sa mangga### Festival Overview
• Held every second week of December
• Signifies family unity, gift-giving, and gratitude for the abundance of harvest

Local Delicacies

• Bibingka
• Lurot
• Panlayam or Panyam

Cultural Significance

• Deeply rooted in honoring indigenous peoples
• Influenced by Mansaka and Mandaya cultures

Local Traditions

• Cherished tradition for Nabunturanons
• Celebrated amidst the month of family togetherness and agricultural respite

Port of Access

• Air: Davao International Airport, Mati Airport
• Sea: Manila to Davao