* Most Livable City in the Philippines and 3rd in Southeast Asia- Now ranks 9th among the richest cities in the country
Davao City is festive. The Most Livable and Most Peaceful City in the country is celebrating its 89th Araw ng Dabaw and for varied reasons. It is now listed in the exclusive 10 richest cities in the Philippines and more.
With its healthy investment climate capitalists from all over the country have partnered with local counterparts boosting the city’s economic growth rate at 7.9% driven by massive construction, transport modernization, agriculture, tourism and various services.
The steady economic growth of Davao City is driven by uncompromising political leadership which started with the assumption of Rodrigo R. Duterte as Mayor in 1988. With an iron hand he addressed the CPP/NPA insurgency problem, criminal syndicates of drug and kidnap-for-ransom and separatists fronts, hooliganism and instilled discipline which has become a way of life among Dabawenyos.
The Duterte brand of leadership had been handed down to then City Mayor Sara Duterte and then thereafter to the incumbent Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte who piloted the city’s current development. Under his watch several mega-projects happened. Among these are:
- Davao Global Township (DGT)- A 23-hectare mixed-use complex with residential, commercial, and cultural centers, featuring an underground tank that can store up to 10 million liters of rainwater.
- Davao Public Transport Modernization Project. A transportation systems utilizing modern buses which was initiated during the term of Sara Duterte as Mayor and realized under Mayor Baste. Now called – High Priority Bus System (HPBS)*: A modern bus system with a 137km core network and feeder routes, covering 489km.
- Bucana Ruver Bridge which was recently completed and opened to motorists that linked the northern and southern segments of the Davao City Coastal Boulevard considered as one of the most beautiful and spectacular in the world. The Bucana bridge in constructed and funded by China through a grant.
- SM City Davao Expansion: Adding 100,000 square meters of floor area, including a National University campus and upgraded cinemas.
- Azuela High Street: A lifestyle park offering retail and dining experiences.
- Poblacion Market Central: A commercial hub blending local tradition with modern retail, art, and gastronomy.
- 202 Peaklane: A premium residential condo with a tropical island theme.
-Ayala Land Ascenda a 204-hectare, described as “PHP 10.3 billion mixed-use estate in Toril, Davao City, in partnership with Anflocor. Positioned as a “nature-inspired southern gateway,” it features the 37.4-hectare luxury residential enclave Virendo by Ayala Land Premier, along with commercial lots, an eco-park, and greenways
These packages of projects are expected to boost Davao City’s economy, tourism, and infrastructure development.
Up for completion are several infrastructure projects that include a bypass highway which features the longest mountain tunnel. The highway along with the coastal boulevard will cut travel time from Davao City to Tagum City and relieve the traffic in the city main thoroughfares.
For all these bonanza the entire population and business community celebrate with thanksgiving as they observe the 89th Araw ng Dabaw anniversary as the city goes on as the most peaceful, insurgents free and livable place in the Philippines.
