Warm smile. Friendly people. Clean air. These are a just a few words that describe Davao City.
Situated in the largest island of the Philippines – Mindanao — Davao City remains to be the largest city in terms of land area throughout the Philippines.
For years, the city has bragged about being one of the world’s safest, cleanest, and most livable cities, and has lived up to these until today.
It is a self-sufficient city where there is an almost endless supply of potable water, land and water minerals, and fresh tropical fruits that are available all year round providing more than just a living to every Davaoeño.
Thanks to Talomo watershed that has provided Davaoeños the kind of water that is clean and clear, to its sea water that has brought forth fish meat and other seafood, and to the rich soil of the land that produces almost all fruit-bearing trees and crops alike.
Over the years, it has consistently achieved the award as the most child-friendly city in the Philippines.
Public officials vow to protect the rights and privileges of every child in the community, making it a suitable and a more conducive place for growing kids and teenagers, too. Not only that, Davao City has seen the struggles of women in the society and how women were treated in days were equality has not existed yet.
Because of this, women are empowered and encouraged to get out of their comfort zone and be equal to men.
Women started holding public offices in the city, sometimes even holding the highest position in the land, while allowing other women to experience the kind of respect given to men. It has not only seen men and women but, has classified genders that are slowly emerging and forming in the society. It has not denied anyone the right to live peacefully.
Everyone is treated with mutual respect and is acknowledged as an important part of the community. Gender sensitivity is a big thing in Davao City. We co-exist even when the city is composed of Christians and Muslims alike. To be fair, representatives from each religious denomination have been given seats in the local government unseating the corrupt and those with selfish intentions.
A year and a half ago, the country had selected the highest leader of the land and it is with great pride and respect that the now President, the first Mindanaoan President, happens to be Davao’s father for 22 years, President Rodrigo Duterte.
Known by many different names, “The Punisher”, “The Iron Fist” and the list goes on, but to us Davaoeños, he simply is “Digong” who brought Davao City the names and the numerous awards it has achieved today.
He had turned the city from being a mess it was years ago to the glory it is today. He is, by far, the most controversial President the Philippines has ever had, but he is also one of the most admired and respected personality around the world today.
He stood his ground against terrorism and western modern influence and has made several friendly ties with other countries’ leaders. The Philippines would not have been known again today if not for him. And Davao City owes him a lot. We owe him the peaceful life we are now enjoying that many people would die to have.
Many years back (23 years ago), Mr. President himself strictly used his “IRON FIST” in Davao City. To name a few are the following:
- To discipline the people, he imposed the clean-air act that gives equal opportunity for people to breathe in fresh air thereby, isolating the smokers from the non-smokers. Smokers are given a special area in some parts of Davao where they puff and blow
- He ran after drug cartels, drug lords, and drug pushers that once inhabit the city to make sure that the city is drug-free
- He cleaned the streets of pick pockets, snatchers, kidnappers, and all kinds of evil to ensure that everyone is not robbed off their right to peaceful living
- Liquor ban at 2am in the city
- Loud noise during the day and night in the community are prohibited to make sure that everyone is getting the right amount of sleep without disturbance
- And many more….
So, when in Davao City, it is highly suggested that you bring your camera and we will flash that wonderful smile for you to take. Bring your friends and together we will party until the wee hours of the morning without liquor. Spend nights on the streets while having fun and without fear. See you soon in Davao!