History of Davao City

Local historians claim that the word Davao city came from the phonetic blending of the word of three Bagobo subgroups when referring to Davao River, an essential waterway which empties itself into Davao Gulf near the city.

The aboriginal Obos who inhabit the hinterlands of the region called the river, Davoh; the Clatta or Guiangans called it Duhwow, or Davau, and the Tagabawa Bagobos, Dabu. To the Obos, the word davoh also means a place beyond the high grounds, alluding to the settlements located at the mouth of Davao River which were surrounded by high rolling hills.

When asked where they were going, the usual reply is davoh, while pointing towards the direction of the town. Duhwow also refers to a trading settlement where they barter their forest goods in exchange for salt or other commodities.

People that influence city of Davao:

Spanish influence was hardly felt in the Davao until 1847, when an expedition led by Don Jose Oyanguren came to establish a Christian settlement in an area of mangrove swamps that is now Bolton Riverside.

A few years after the American forces landed, private farm ownership grew and transportation and communication facilities were improved.

A Japanese entrepreneur named Kichisaburo Ohta was granted permission to exploit vast territories which transformed into abaca and coconut plantations.

What does they established for commercial interests in Davao city real estate?

They had their own school, newspapers, an embassy, and even a Shinto Shrine. On the whole, they established extensive abaca plantations around the shores of Davao Gulf and developed large-scale commercial interests

When it started to be a charter city and by who was the president by that time?

Davao Philippines was formally inaugurated as a charter city in March 16, 1937 by President Elpidio Quirino. Thirty years later, Davao was subdivided into three independent provinces, namely Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental.

Over the years, Davao has become an ethnic melting pot as it continues to draw migrants from all over the country, lured by the prospects of striking it rich in the country's third largest city.
Learn more about the Davao city way of planning and Offers in Davao city.