Davao City history

The history of Davao City is a tale of cultural fusion, a colonial past, and a rapid transformation into one of the key hubs of the Philippines. Although settlements of indigenous tribes existed on these lands long before the arrival of Europeans, the modern city traces its chronicle to the mid-19th century.

Foundation and First Mentions

The official date of the city's foundation is considered to be 1848, when Spanish colonists led by Don José Oyanguren established a settlement here. Initially, it was named Nueva Vergara, in honour of Oyanguren's hometown in Spain. The Spanish had to overcome resistance from local Muslim tribes to establish their authority in the region. It was not until 1867 that the town was renamed Davao. Official city status was granted to Davao much later, on March 1, 1937.

Key Development Factors

The development of Davao was defined by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: Situated on the shores of the Davao Gulf, the city quickly became the main port of Mindanao island, which facilitated the development of trade.
• Change of Power: Following the Spanish-American War in the early 20th century, the region came under American control, creating an economic base for the city's further prosperity.
• Agriculture: The arrival of Japanese entrepreneurs in the early 20th century gave a powerful boost to agricultural development, particularly in the cultivation of abaca (Manila hemp).

Early Cultural and Economic Features

By the early 20th century, Davao was already a significant agricultural and trading centre. One of its unique features was the formation of a large Japanese community, which had its own schools, newspapers, and temples, exerting a noticeable influence on the region's economy and culture. The foundation of the early economy was the timber and food industries, as well as abaca production, which became Davao's hallmark for many years.

Chronology of Key Events

• 1848 — Spanish coloniser Don José Oyanguren founds the settlement of Nueva Vergara on the site of an existing indigenous settlement.
• 1867 — The settlement is officially renamed Davao, coinciding with the construction of the iconic St. Peter's Church (today the San Pedro Cathedral).
• Early 20th Century — After the Spanish-American War, the region transitions to US control, kickstarting economic growth and the emergence of abaca and rubber plantations.
• 1903 — Japanese migrants begin to arrive in Davao, soon creating a large community and making a significant contribution to agriculture, especially in Manila hemp production.
• 1926 — Construction of the City Hall is completed, which remains an important architectural monument of the city today.
• October 16, 1936 — Davao receives official status as a chartered city following a decree signed by President Manuel Quezon.
• March 1, 1937 — The decree granting city status comes into force, and Davao is solemnly proclaimed a city.
• 1942–1945 — During World War II, the city is under Japanese occupation, becoming a centre of Japanese military presence in Mindanao.
• 1945 — Combined Filipino and American troops liberate Davao from Japanese forces.
• 1950s–1960s — The post-war period becomes a time of peace and rapid economic growth, cementing Davao's status as the agrarian and trading hub of the region.
• December 22, 1979 — Davao receives the status of a "Highly Urbanized City", granting it administrative independence from the province.
• 2002 — The city adopts the landmark "Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance", one of the first and strictest in the country, ensuring a clean environment for families and visitors.
• 2016 — Long-time Davao Mayor, Rodrigo Duterte, is elected President of the Philippines, bringing increased national and international attention to the city.

The history of Davao City is a journey from a small colonial settlement to one of the largest and most dynamically developing metropolises in the Philippines. The key stages of this transformation reflect its rich cultural and economic heritage.

• City Foundation (1848). The modern history of Davao began in 1848 when Spanish conquistador Don José Oyanguren founded a settlement on the site of existing native communities. This step laid the foundation for the future city and its integration into the colonial structure.
• American Period and Japanese Plantations (Early 20th Century). After the Spanish-American War, Americans arrived in the region, followed by Japanese entrepreneurs. They began actively developing agriculture, establishing abaca (Manila hemp) and coconut plantations, which provided the first impetus for the region's economic growth.
• Granting of City Status (1937). On March 1, 1937, President Manuel Quezon officially granted Davao the status of a city. This strengthened its administrative importance and facilitated further infrastructure development.
• Post-War Recovery and Growth. After World War II, the city began to recover and grow rapidly, attracting many migrants from Luzon and the Visayas. This led to the formation of a multi-ethnic and multicultural community.
• "Fruit Basket of the Philippines". In the second half of the 20th century, Davao transformed into the country's main agrarian centre. The city became known as the capital of durian and bananas, and vast plantations still occupy a significant part of its territory today.
• Transformation into an Ecotourism Hub. Thanks to its unique nature, including its proximity to the country's highest peak — Mount Apo, and facilities like the Philippine Eagle Center, Davao has become an important destination for nature lovers and families.
• Modern Metropolis. At the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, Davao established itself as one of the safest and cleanest cities in Asia. The active development of infrastructure, the economy, and the introduction of modern technologies have made it the leading economic centre on the island of Mindanao.

The architectural appearance of Davao City is an eclectic canvas bearing the marks of various eras: from modest colonial heritage to bold modernist forms and pragmatic modern developments. The city may not boast an abundance of Gothic or Baroque buildings like the old centres of Luzon, but its urban development clearly reflects its history as a young and dynamically growing metropolis.

Spanish Colonial Heritage

Founded in the mid-19th century, Davao has preserved few but significant structures from that period. The main architectural and spiritual symbol of the Spanish era is the San Pedro Cathedral. Originally, a church was erected on this site in 1847, presumably in a Neo-Gothic style typical of that time. This structure laid the foundation for the city's religious centre.

American Period and Pre-War Influence

In the early 20th century, with the arrival of the Americans, utilitarian and administrative styles such as Neoclassicism and Art Deco began to dominate architecture, characteristic of public buildings of that era throughout the country. A striking example is the Davao City Hall, built in 1926 and still serving as the centre of municipal administration. A unique feature of pre-war Davao was also the presence of "Little Tokyo" — a district created by the large Japanese community, where buildings in the traditional Japanese style existed.

Modern and Contemporary Architecture

The 20th century brought the most dramatic changes to the city's appearance. In the 1960s, the old San Pedro Cathedral was radically rebuilt, acquiring its current, highly unusual look. Today, it is a striking example of modernist architecture, designed in the shape of an ark with a curved roof, making it one of the city's most recognisable landmarks. Post-war growth and Davao's transformation into a highly urbanised centre led to the emergence of modern developments: high-rise residential and office buildings, large shopping malls, and new infrastructure, which form the city's current business and residential landscape.

Distinguished Personalities in Davao's History

The history of Davao City is rich with the names of people who have made significant contributions to its political, cultural, and economic development. From founders and political dynasties to artists — here are some of the key figures associated with the city.

Don José Oyanguren (Don José Oyanguren y Cruz)

Role: City Founder
Significance: A Spanish entrepreneur and coloniser who founded the settlement of Nueva Vergara in 1848, which became modern Davao. He played a key role in establishing Spanish control in the region by defeating the local chieftain Datu Bago. His actions laid the foundation for the city's future growth and development.

Pantarô "Kyosaburo" Ohta

Role: Entrepreneur, Leader of the Japanese Community
Significance: A Japanese businessman who founded the Ohta Development Company in the early 20th century. He was a pioneer in developing abaca (Manila hemp) and coconut plantations, turning Davao into a major agricultural hub. His activities contributed to the formation of one of the largest Japanese communities in Southeast Asia prior to World War II.

Rodrigo Duterte

Role: Mayor of Davao City, 16th President of the Philippines
Significance: One of the most influential and recognisable figures in the city's modern history. Having served as Mayor of Davao for over 20 years, he gained fame for his tough stance on crime, which radically changed the city's reputation. His tenure as mayor and subsequent election as president in 2016 brought national and international attention to Davao.

Sara Duterte

Role: Mayor of Davao City, Vice President of the Philippines
Significance: The daughter of Rodrigo Duterte, who continued his political legacy. She served as Mayor of Davao City several times, succeeding her father in this position. In 2022, she was elected Vice President of the Philippines, strengthening the political influence of her family and the city on the national stage.

Aida Rivera-Ford

Role: Writer, Educator, Cultural Figure
Significance: An outstanding Filipino writer and a key figure in the cultural life of Mindanao. She founded the region's first school of fine arts in Davao — the Learning Center of the Arts (now the Ford Academy of the Arts). For her contribution to the development of the city's culture and arts, she was awarded Davao's highest honour — the Datu Bago Award in 1982.

Ang Kiukok

Role: Artist, National Artist of the Philippines
Significance: One of the most famous Filipino artists of the 20th century, born in Davao City to a family of Chinese immigrants. Although he spent most of his career in Manila, his origins in Davao are a source of pride for the city. His works, executed in expressionist and cubist styles, have received global acclaim.