Davao City, Philippines

Davao City is the biggest city on the island of Mindanao in southern Philippines. It covers 2,444 sq km (943.6 sq mi) and has a population of 1.5 million people within a metropolitan area exceeding 2 million people. Davao City is part of the Davao Region, but is not part of any particular provinces of the region. The city is on the southeastern part of Mindanao, facing the Davao Gulf.

Davao City traces its history to the establishment of Spanish rule in the surrounding area in the 19th century. Although the Spanish had established control over parts of Mindanao as early as the 17th century, they never was able to control the Davao area until 1848, when Don Jose Uyanguren established a Christian settlement in the area. This was at the tail end of Spanish rule in the Philippines, for half a century later, the Americans would take over control of the Philippines.

Davao City was inaugurated on 16 October, 1936 by then President Manuel L. Quezon. It was also made the provincial capital of the then Davao Province. The city was under Japanese occupation from 1942 until 1945.

Village near Magsaysay Park, Davao City
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