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   DAVAO >> Davao Oriental

Island Key Site: PUJADA ISLAND

Highland Key Site: MT. HAMIGUITAN (Site of Bonsai Forest)
 

The verdant forests and blue crystal clear waters serving as backdrop to the winding roads are what greet you upon entering this quiet coastal Province set at the back end of the country.

Perhaps the thought of its backdoor and corner end setting makes one wonder how life in this Province is catching up on the fast-changing trends of the urban centers.

For those who have not set foot on the province of Davao Oriental, this is the easternmost tip of the country and this is where the sun shines first. By rough estimate, sunrise here comes eight minutes earlier than sunrise in Manila, or three minutes earlier than sunrise in Davao City.

If one thinks the hours here are slow and the days are lagging behind. Think again.

This is where the Philippines' days begin.
Source: http://www.davaooriental.gov.ph/website/index.htm

BRIEF HISTORY
About 300 years ago, Davao Oriental was merely a part of Caraga Province - forming part of the Encomienda de Bislig with the Encomienda de Seargao, Butuan and Tandag. The Province became historically important in 1846, when distinguished Attorney-at-Law, Don Jose Uyanguren - upon the order of Gov. Gen. Narceso Claveria, organized settlements with considerable inhabitants South of Encomienda de Bislig. Today, these are the Municipalities of Baganga, Gov. Generoso and Mati.

The settlement continued to grow. Don Jose was able to crush Datu Bago, a Muslim Chieftain who ruled Samal Island. in 1849. Gov. Claveria decreed the partition of Caraga Province in two: the Northern portion was named Surigao Province with Surigao town as the capital and the Southern Part as Nueva Vergara with Caraga town as its capital.

In 1898, Davao became a district of the moro Province created as part of Mindanao by the Americans. In 1916, Jones Law converted the Moro Province into Department of Mindanao and Sulu.

In July 1, 1967, under Republic Act 4867, Davao was divided into three (3) provinces. Davao oriental was created as a separate and independent province along with Davao del Sur and Davao del Norte.

BASIC FACTS
Capital: Mati
Total Land Area: 516, 446 hectares
Population: 440, 303
Climate: The Province lies outside the typhoon belt. The Province does not have a pronounced dry season although rainfalls at its maximum from November to January.
Transportation:
By Land - Buses and L300 Vans ply the Davao City-Mati routes daily from 4:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M
By Sea - municipal and private ports are located in Mati and Baganga
By Air - the province has one (1) airport with a concrete runway that stretches 1,600 meters. It can accommodate both light jet and cargo planes.
Communication: The Mati Telephon Co. and PHILCOM provide telecommunication systems in selected municipalities with NDD and IDD calls. Several radio stations are likewise operating throughout the province. all towns have a main post office. Private cargo and mail forwarding services are also available. Cell sites for mobile telephone are available.
Cottage Industries: Gifts, Toys and Housewares, Fresh and Processed Foods, Agri & Aquamarine, Construction/Construction Materials, Furnitures & Fixtures
Tribe: Mandaya

FESTIVALS
Mango Fiesta (San Isidro - June 18)
LUBMAHUMA Festival (Provincial July 1)
Fish Festival (Gov. Generoso - August 1)
Niyog-Niyogan festival (Manay - October 25)
Kagang-Kagang Festival (Caraga - October 25)
Balyan Festival (Baganga - October 25)
Sambuokan Festival (Mati - October 25)

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