Tagum, Component city in Davao del Norte, Philippines
Tagum is a large city in Davao del Norte on Mindanao, serving as the provincial capital and covering an area with parks, educational centers and agricultural zones. The city sits at an elevation of around 117 meters and connects urban neighborhoods with rural areas where palm oil and other crops are grown.
The settlement was originally called Nueva Vergara during the Spanish colonial period from 1848 and was officially established as the municipality of Tagum on 23 June 1941. The region developed from a thinly populated area into a trading hub for agricultural produce from northern Mindanao.
The Musikahan Festival turns the streets into an open stage for local artists and dancers from across the region. Visitors also experience crafts and dishes from the Mandaya, Maguindanaon and Kagan peoples, who bring their traditions to life in everyday celebrations.
The city lies on three major overland routes that provide a direct link between Davao City and northern towns in Mindanao. Visitors find transport options toward the coast or inland, with most neighborhoods accessible on foot or by local vehicles.
The population rose from around 6,371 in 1918 to over 296,000 in 2020, making it the most populous component city on Mindanao. This rise reflects the shift from a small trading post to a growing economic center.
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