Local Historians assert the origin of the word "Davao" is the result of the phonetic blending of the word of the three Bagobo subgroups referring to the Davao River. The Obo, considered the earliest of this territory, called the river Davoh; the Clatta (Obo-Ata-mestizo), Diangan or Guiangan (Obo-Bagobo mestizo) called the river Duhwow; and the Tagabawa Bagobo called it Dabu.

The Spaniards were the first non-natives to visit Davao, led by Alvaro de Saavedra in 1528. In 1847, after the Spanish troops revolted and killed the Muslim warrior Datu Bago, Don Jose Uyanguren became the first governor and renamed the place Guipuzcoa. In 1900, the Japanese established extensive plantations of abaca around the gulf area and engaged in logging, fishing and trading. The increase of Japanese in the area earned Davao the nickname "Japan Kuo" ot Little Japan. Finally, in   March

16, 1937, President Elpidio Quirino formally inaugurated the signing of Davao as a

charter city. The post-war years saw an influx of migrants all over the Philippines trooping to Davao in search of opportunities. Thus, Davao became a melting pot of culture.

Davao City is home to over a million people. Daytime population (which includes transients) is estimated to reach almost 2 million since it is the center of trade, commerce, and services in Southern Philippines. Its population growth rate is 2.83% while density is at 469 persons per square kilometer. Urban density however is higher at 2,262 people per square kilometer.

About 48% of the total population is of working age. Of this, a little over 88% are employed. Davaoeños like their fellow Filipinos, are English-speaking and highly trainable. Most are known to have a natural inclination towards arts and creativity, the reason why many have been successful in design and related enterprises.

Davao City is very accessible. As your gateway to the Philippine South, it has regular air, sea, and land linkages to major points in the country. It is one (1) hour and 40 minutes away from Manila (the country’s capital) by plane and only 40 minutes away from Cebu City. It has 4 times weekly flights to Singapore and twice weekly flights to Manado Indonesia.

Total land area of Davao City is 2,443.61 square kilometers. In terms of land area, it is considered as one of the largest cities in the world. It is divided into 3 congressional districts with barangays (smallest political villages) totaling to 180.

Cebuano is the most widely spoken dialect. The Filipino language comes a close second. English is the medium of instruction in schools and is widely understood and spoken especially in the business community.

The most dominant group is the Roman Catholic at 83.83%, other Christian groups comprise 15% and the remaining 1.17% belongs to other non-Christian faiths (Islam, Buddhism, etc).

The presence of basic infrastructure within the City such as airport, seaports, roads, bridges, and telecommunications has sustained the economic growth in the last 10 years.

Due to the City’s unprecedented growth, a clamor for higher capacity infrastructures resulted to a number of modernization projects now ongoing to meet the demands of the new millennium.