Davao Region

The Davao Region (Cebuano: Rehiyon sa Dabaw; Filipino: Rehiyon ng Davao), designated as Region XI, is an administrative region in the Philippines. Formerly called Southern Mindanao, it is situated in the southeastern portion of Mindanao, enclosing the Davao Gulf. The region comprises five provinces: Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental.^[1]

Etymology

The region's name is derived from its Bagobo origins, who are indigenous to the area. The word davao came from the phonetic blending of three Bagobo subgroups' names for the Davao River, a major waterway emptying into Davao Gulf near the city. The Obos, who inhabit the hinterlands of the region, called the river Davah (with a gentle vowel ending, although later pronunciation is with a hard v or b); the Klata (or Giangan/Diangan) called it Dawaw, and the Tagabawas called it Dabo.^[1]

History

The history of the region dates back to the times when various tribes occupied the region. It is believed that the Manobos, Mandayas, Kalagans, Mansakas, and Bagobos occupied the area. These are the same tribes that created the small settlements and communities that eventually became Mindanao.^[1]

Maguindanao era

The Davao Region was once part of Sultanate of Maguindanao and was called "Pinagurasan" by the Maguindanaons. Early settlers of the region were Maguindanaons and the Tausugs under the Sultanate of Sulu. Datu Bago was one of the Datus in Davao Gulf who resisted the Spanish Empire colonization on the region.^[1]

First European contact

The Davao Gulf area was the first region in the country that was in contact with the Europeans, with such contacts taking place as early as 16th century. The Portuguese preceded the Spaniards, who were the ones to colonize the region albeit much later, in sighting and visiting the region. In 1512, Francisco Serrano was shipwrecked in the shallow waters and coral reefs of Cape of San Agustín, located in what is now the province of Davao Oriental.^[1]

Spanish administration

For centuries the tribes lived in relative peace until the Spanish, under the adventurous Spanish businessman Don Jose Oyanguren, arrived in the region in 1847. At that time, the Kalagan Moro chieftain Datu Bago was in control of the area in what is now Davao City. Don Oyanguren attempted to conquer the area which Datu Bago ruled; although he failed at first, the Moro chieftain eventually evacuated his people to live in the areas near Mount Apo.^[1]

American administration

After the Spanish–American War in 1898, Spanish rule in the region ended. Americans then landed in the region and they subsequently developed the regions communications and transportation systems. During this period, private farm ownership grew in the region.^[1]

Provinces

Davao Region is subdivided into five provinces, 1 highly urbanized city, five component cities, 43 municipalities, and 1,162 barangays.^[1]

Geography

The region is bounded on the north by Caraga, the province of Bukidnon in Northern Mindanao on the northwest, Soccsksargen on the west, Pacific Ocean (Philippine Sea) on the east, and on the south by the Celebes Sea. The region also shares a maritime border with North Sulawesi province of Indonesia.^[1]

Climate

The region has a generally uniform distribution of rainfall through the year. It lies outside the typhoon belt.^[1]