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Sprawled along the shores of southeastern Mindanao, Davao del Sur is a place of natural wonders and rarities. It boasts of the country's highest peak - Mt. Apo, the most prized Philippines orchid species like the vanda sanderiana, some of the most exotic fruits and the endangered Philippine Eagle.

Davao del Sur is home to a host of ethnic groups whose culture and way of life have been preserved. These are the Bagobos, the Mandayas, the Mansakas, the Atas, the Kalagans, the Tagakaolos and the Mangguangans. Their arts and crafts are on display in museums and shops. There is a wide choice of white sand beaches and resorts. In the city, there are numerous hotels and inns. Dining is good and varied. Nightlife is fun.

Located in the southeastern corner of the country's southernmost island of Mindanao, the province of Davao City in the north to Sarangani Island in the south. It is bounded by the province of Davao (formerly Davao del Norte) to the north; the Celebes Sea to the south; North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and South cotabato to the west ; and Davao Gulf to the east. With a land area of 6,377.6 sq.km., the province is composed of sandy beaches and outlying islands; agricultural plains and valleys; rainforests; swamps; rolling hills and mountains including the Philippines' highest peak, Mt. Apo (3,144 meters).

Davao City, the premiere city of Mindanao, is located in the northeastern part of the province, at the head of the gulf. In terms of land area, Davao City is the world's largest city (244,000 hectares). The mighty Davao river runs through the city. Davao is divided into eight political district : baguio and Paguibato in the north; Calinan and Tugbok inthe central part; Bunawan, Bahangin and Talomo in the east ; and Toril in the south. The capital of Davao del Sur is Digos, found in thecentral part, 57 kilometers south of Davao City.

Davao enjoys a mild, pleasant climate all year round. Because of its topographical characteristics and geographical location, it is rately visited by typhoons. There is no pronounced wet of dry season. The coolest months are from November to February with an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. during the peak summer months from March to May, temperatures average 28 degrees Celsius but may rise as high as 32 degrees.

The final product is embroidered with bright-colored threads in geometric patterns. Some elements of tribal folklore are also included in the designs. The Mansakas, together with the Mandayas, are also expert silversmiths. They craft weapons, breastplates and dress accessories. Davao is also a harmonious blend of Christian and Muslim cultures. However, its most stunning cultural aspect is definitely its ethnic art which encompasses music, dance, religious ritual, dress and ornamentation.

HISTORY
Davao probably derives its name from the ancient Bagobo word "daba-daba" or fire which they used for their rituals. The tagabaua tribe, on the other hand, called the river bisecting the region "Daba" and the Guiangan tribe "Davoh". The Davao region was already an ethnic melting pot way before the Spaniards arrived. Its eastern shores were occupied by the members of the Manobo, Tagacaolo, Guiangan, Bilaan and Aeta tribes. The western part was inhabited by the Bagabo and Mandaya tribes. Samal and talicud Islands belonged to the Samal tribe.

Davao was first visited by the Spaniards, led by Alvaro de Saavedra, in 1528. Lopez Villalobos explored Manay, Baganga and Sarangani Island later in 1543. The first Spanish settlement was established in 1591 in Caraga (Davao Oriental). However, the entire region remained under the Sultanate of Maguindanao. It was only in 1844 that the ruling Sultan ceded Davao to Spian. Still, the Muslim inhabitants refused to be ruled by Spaniards. So Spanish forces, led by Don Uyanguren, quelled the revolt and killed Muslim leader Datu Bago in 1847. Uyanguren became the first governor of Guipozcoa (an area that now comprises Davao City and environs). In 1900, the Japanese established extensive plantations of abaca around the Davao Gulf and engaged in fishing, logging and trading. The number of Japanese steadily increased such that the area was called Japan kuo (little Japan). It had its own Japanese embassy, school, Shinto shrine, Buddhist temple and newspaper.

GETTING THERE
Davao City is 1,545 km. from Manila. Considered the premier gateway to the south, Davao is serviced by an international airport. Philippine Airlines flies twice daily to Davao from the Philippine capital (one hour and 35 minutes away) and from Cebu (55 minutes away). There are also flights from Zamboanga (daily; one hour and 20 minutes) and cagayan de Oro (Four times a week - MWth. Sat - 35 minutes). From Manado, Indonesia, Bouraq Indonesia Airlines flies to Davao twice weekly and Hongkong to Davao via Cebu and vice versa also twice weekly. major shipping lines service the Davao area from Manila and nearby southern points.