Davao Region, Administrative region in southeastern Mindanao, Philippines
Davao Region is an administrative division in southeastern Mindanao that covers five provinces around the Davao Gulf and encompasses several million residents. Davao City functions as the administrative and economic center, while smaller cities and towns spread across coastal and highland areas with farmland and forests.
Before Spanish arrival, Manobos, Mandayas, and Bagobos lived in small communities scattered across the territory. Spanish colonization began during the 19th century and brought new settlers and administrative structures to the area.
Indigenous peoples such as the Bagobo maintain their own languages and craft traditions in the highland areas of the provinces. Their weaving and carving work appears in markets and community centers, where visitors can learn about traditional patterns and stories.
Travelers reach the territory by plane through Davao City's international airport or by ferry via coastal ports. The provinces can be explored using intercity buses and private transport, with road conditions simpler in remote areas.
Mount Apo within the boundaries forms the highest summit in the entire Philippine archipelago at nearly 3000 meters (9800 feet). Hikers can climb to its summit and find cloud forests, lava flows, and hot springs there.
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