Davao City

Davao City

The 10^th Asian City of the Future referred by the Foreign Direct Investment Magazine, the city named as the City of Royalties or Royal City due to the existence of the kings and queens of nature in Davao. The Queen of Philippine Orchids which is waling-waling, the King of Exotic Fruits, which is Durian, The King and Grandfather of Philippine mountains, Mt. Apo, the largest eagle in the world and the King of Philippine skies which is the Philippine Eagle.

Davao City is an extensive metropolis of over a 1,363,337 citizens situated in the Southeastern portion of Mindanao. It is one of the largest cities in the world with a land area of 2,443.61 square kilometers. It is a place consecrated with natural advantages. The soil is very productive and rich in minerals. The city has plentiful supply of potable water. Located in a typhoon-free zone, its tropical weather is characterized by even distribution of climatic elements all year round. Temperature ranges from 15 to 34˚C.

In recent years, Davao has transpired as the business investment and tourism core for the entire southern Philippines. The city brags some of the optimum beaches and mountain resorts in the country, and proximity to the Philippines’ most captivating diving spots as well as its highest peak, Mount Apo.

Davao City History

Regional historians claimed that the word davao originated from the phonetic combination of the word of three Bagobo subgroups when referring to Davao River, a significant watercourse which drains itself into Davao Gulf near the city. The indigenous Obos who dwells in the hinterlands of the region called the river, Davoh; the Clatta or Guiangans called it Duhwow, or Davau, and the Tagabawa Bagobos, Dabu. To the Obos, the word davoh also means a place "beyond the high grounds", alluding to the community situated at the doorway of Davao River which were surrounded by high rolling hills. When asked where they were going, the usual reply is davoh, while pointing towards the direction of the town. Duhwow also refers to a trading village where they switch their forest merchandise in exchange for salt and other commodities.

Spanish authority was scarcely experienced in the Davao until 1848, when a mission directed by Don Jose Uyanguren came to build a Christian colony in the region of mangrove swamps that is now Bolton Riverside. Davao was then ruled by a Muslim chieftain, Datu Bago, who held his settlement at the banks of Davao River (once called Tagloc River by the Bagobos). After Uyanguren defeated Datu Bago, he renamed the region Nueva Guipuzcoa, in honor of his home in Spain, and became its first governor. Uyanguren's attempts to expand the area, however, did not prosper.

A few years following the American forces landed in 1900, private farm possession grew and transportation and communication facilities were enhanced, thus paving the way for the region's economic development.

A Japanese capitalist named Kichisaburo Ohta was given authority to develop enormous land which he converted into abaca and coconut plantations. The first wave of Japanese plantation workers came onto its shores in 1903, creating a Little Japan. They had their own school, newspapers, an embassy, and even a Shinto Shrine. On the whole, they established wide abaca plantations around the shores of Davao Gulf and developed large-scale commercial interests such as copra, timber, fishing and import-export trading. Filipinos learned the techniques of enhanced cultivation from the Japanese so that ultimately, agriculture became the living of the province's economic prosperity.

Davao was officially inaugurated as a chartered city on March 1, 1937 by President Manuel L. Quezon. Thirty years later, Davao was subdivided into three self-governing provinces, namely Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental. Over the years, Davao has turn an ethnic melting pot as it continues to pull out migrants from all over the country, lured by the possibilities of striking it rich in the country's third largest city.

On December 8, 1941 Japanese planes bombed the city. Japanese occupation started in 1942.

In 1945, American and the Philippine Commonwealth forces released Davao City from Japanese forces.

Butuan City

Situated at the Northeastern region of Agusan Valley extending across the Agusan River is Butuan City, known for its colorful history and culture. BUTUAN is a term believed to have originated from the sour fruit “Batuan”. Others opined, it came from a certain “Datu Buntuan”, a chieftain who once ruled Butuan. Scholars alleged, it came from the word “But-an”, which factually means a person who has sound and perceptive nature. Whichever concepts come out convincing relies on the class of people residing in Butuan, for whatever is said about them, Butuan continues to live on.

Butuan’s past, culture, arts and people date back to the 4th century as showcased in museums which makes Butuan an exhilarating foundation of cultural artifacts in Mindanao.

In early 10th century, according to the Chinese Song Shi, people from Butuan had already instituted trading interactions with the kingdom of Champa in what is now South Vietnam. By the 11th century, Butuan was the core of business in the Philippines. The preeminent proofs to attest this truth is the sightings of 9 barangays and other archeological finds in the neighborhood of Butuan City, particularly in Ambangan, Libertad near the old EL RIO de BUTUAN and MASAO River.

History

Controversy have been created with regard to the holding of the first masss—whether it was held in Limasawa, Leyte in Masao, Butuan City, in the concealed island made up of barangays Pinamanculan and Bancasi inside Butuan, in the latest exposed spot in between Agusan del Sur and Surigao Sur, the little barangay of Barobo, or elsewhere. It is sure, however, that Ferdinand Magellan did not plunge anchor by the mouth of Agusan River in 1521 and hold mass to remember the event which was held at Mazaua, an island separate from 1521 Butuan which was in the geographical formation of Europeans who wrote about it was a bigger unit than what it is now. Antonio Pigafetta who wrote an eyewitness account of Magellan's voyage portrayed in text and in map a Butuan that extended from today's Surigao up to the top edge of Zamboanga del Norte.

The first public election in Butuan took place on March 1902 in agreement with Public Law No. 82 which matched with the American profession of the place.

During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II, Butuan was destroyed to the ground when the guerrilla forces invaded the adversary garrison during the middle of 1943. In 1945, entered of the Philippine Commonwealth troops in Butuan together with the Allied Filipino guerrillas invaded the Japanese forces during the Battle of Agusan Hill. On October 20, 1948, still recuperating from the war, the whole municipality was wrecked by a fire.

The boom of the logging industry during the 1950s up the middle of 1970s has made Butuan the "Timber City of the South". The outcome of which was the arrival of business and fortune seekers from other provinces. The once sluggish town abruptly turns into an active district. The progressing logging industry stimulated and encouraged Congressman Marcos M. Calo to file a bill transforming Butuan into a city. On August 2, 1950, Butuan became a city by virtue of Republic Act No. 523 otherwise known as the City Charter of Butuan.

From being a chartered city, Butuan was reclassified into a highly urbanized city onFebruary 7, 1995 pursuant to the provision of section 166 and 168 of Local Government code of 1991 and Memorandum circular 83-49 of the ministry of local Government. The re-classification was based on its result and inhabitants as certified by the ministry of finance and national census and statistics office.

Mt. Agad-agad

It's promising to climb the peak of a mountain and see the panoramic scene of a city and the innumerable stars and shooting stars at night without climbing practice at all, yet having the fulfillment of "having gone up there" after just a few hours of sweat.

Welcome to Mt. Agad-agad, just 1,600 feet above sea level. This mountain is simply noticeable from city center of Iligan, and one can promptly conclude it's the highest peak around.

It's nothing but a molehill contrasted to Mt. Apo or Mt. Kitanglad, the country's highest peaks. But high enough to make the uninitiated soaking wet after a few hours of trekking.

In fact, that's why it's called Agad-agad, according to some people, says there should be an accent on the second and fourth syllables, whereas most people pronounce it without accent at all.

"Ma-agad-agad ra nimog saka kay dali ra," (You can just easily climb up the mountain)

Because it's so easy to climb, many go up Agad-agad in the morning and come down in the afternoon. But the trail will be much more worth the sweat if you spend the night there.

The first half of the trail is nothing but a walk on rising and falling terrain. The fun commences on the second half, when "ang tuhod magtagbo na sa suwang" (when the knees meet the chin), as those "who've been there" would say.

At the peak, the panoramic overlooking scene of Iligan City and Mt. Malindang in Misamis Occidental right across Iligan Bay is a spectacle. But linger till evening when the city lights look like the reflection of the stars.

Ma. Cristina Nature's Park

Among the upcoming highlights of Iligan City is the opening of Natures Park located at Fuentes, Iligan City beneath Ma. Cristina Falls. This park is initiated by the National Power Corporation to provide people a great view of nature and also to be enlightens the existence of National Power Corporation Hydro Electric Plant. In fact, the park situated inside the compound of Agus 6/7 HEPP.

PROPOSED FACILITIES

· Cable car which take everybody in front of Ma. Cristina Falls

· Science Facility

· Birds Sanctuary

· Yachting

· Swimming pool

· Fishing Lagoon

Taking its access road, you can sense the breeze of freezing air produced by large trees surrounding it. Along the road you can notice free animals like monkeys and it’s not few, if you are fortunate enough, you can see them in hundreds. The cottages are situated beside a small lagoon with a view fronting the Ma. Cristina Falls.

Its opening was not announces yet since they were still developing some of the structures that consist the Natures Park as a whole.

Malasag Eco-tourism Village

Moving your way to a bit towering road of Malasag, you can arrive at the Malasag Eco-tourism Village.

Encapsulate the cultural courage of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village and Gardens. It is a captivating existing museum that displays the distinctive abodes of the native tribes of Northern Mindanao together with some of its vibrant flora and fauna. The community and gardens are place in scenic Malasag Hills where an individual can take a stride in its snaking course channels and appreciate the wonderful outlook of the city's shoreline and the Macajalar Bay. The village is organized by Lumads, clothed in their entwining costumes. Every 5:00pm some dwellers conduct a tributary show of basket making and their complex dance routines.

The garden is packed with fresh air due to the existence of huge trees which believe to be cultivated way back from the old times. Arriving at the reception, you can then notice the essence of an ethnical existence which dwells Cagayan de Oro in the older times.

Dance routine performed by some fellow dwellers in the garden, expresses the nature of its existence. And if you are inquisitive enough, you can comprehend the way of living of the early people.

The restaurant offers great variety foods.

The fine bedroom makes you feel very comfortable, easing your troubles and mending a stressed mind. Leaving the frantic city and relax in the village, is a great idea.

Refreshing yourself with the mini pool which departs you from the crowd makes you experience tranquility of mind.

Kagay White Water Rafting

There’s nothing quite similar like rafting down the Cagayan de Oro River. The expanse originating from Baraga Dansolihon to the city gives anybody a wide outlook of the river's rocky walls, untouched vegetation, and the picture of the resting haven of monkeys and snakes. It has wonderful torrents that impart more exploration with excitements and drives of brisk hiatus. Cagayan de Oro River has the whole thing that creates an impressive encounter with splendid snarl and current of water flowing over rocks and boulders.

Experience the flash of whitewater rafting in the gorgeous and impressive Cagayan de Oro River, and uncover the ecstasy of natural world.

KAGAY is Cagayan de Oro’s debut whitewater rafting outfitter. They are the only group that utilizes State of the Srt Raft and equipment, as well as the only outfitters that offer rafting trips ranging from the beginner’s course – which covers class 1-2 rapids – to advance courses, which cover the more difficult class 3-4 rapids. And these trips are offered throughout the year.

Guaranteed to be safe, no matter what the time of year: with our skilled and able river guides that had been trained both by the prestigious International Rafting Federation (IRF) in rafting techniques and safety, and by the Philippine National Red Cross in first-aid and CPR, rest assured that your experience will be so safe and enjoyable that you’ll want to keep on coming back for more!

Whitewater rafting has never been this good. With KAGAY, you will always have the best whitewater rafting experiences this side of the globe.

Tinago Falls

Legend has it that there once lived an influential and powerful Sultan Agok and her wife. They were appointed by their people as their king and queen. But they become too proud of themselves and became selfish rulers of their kingdom. When the sultan's wife was pregnant, an enchantress, disguised as a beggar, begged for their help but instead they exiled and rejected her. Because of this, the enchantress cursed the couple that the child will become ugly but they did not took it seriously and permanently banished the enchantress.

When the child was born, the child did become ugly. The couple was sad and disappointed, expecting the baby to be as lovely as her mother. They hid the child in a cave to avoid embarrassment and named the baby Tin-ag, which means "hidden face". They visited and took care of the baby in the cave.

When the child grew up, she came out of the cave and became amazed at what she saw. The enchantress, who cursed her parents, saw her and made an offer to transform her into something of great beauty and splendor. She accepted the offer and became the Tinago Falls.

Tinago Falls is a waterfall in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. It is one of the main tourist attractions in Iligan City. Tinago is a Filipino term meaning "hidden", the falls being hidden in a deep ravine. Trekking to the falls requires approximately 500 descending steps called the winding staircase.

The falls is high, its very cold water cascading beautifully into a deep and calm basin-like pool which appears like a blue-colored lagoon. Under the falls is a small cave where people can enter and listen to the rumbling waters

Arriving Tinago Falls requires you to be in good physical state as you still have to go down on a 500-step snaky stairway. Nevertheless, the efforts of the explorer pay off at first view of the attraction. The superb waterfall is a unique sight that any first-time tourist has indeed never seen.

Tinago Falls is a place of unmatched excitement and fulfillment. It has a tiny cave beneath the flowing water where sightseers can stay and listen to the sound of nature. The man-made swimming pools for children are also ideal for family pleasure. And also the foot of the falls is where everybody can experience the freezing waters from above.

Iligan City Background

Iligan's history began four centuries ago in the Kingdom of Panglao, a trading post southwest of Bohol. In the accounts of Jesuit historian Fr. Francisco Combes, the Mollucan King of Ternate invaded Panglao. This caused Panglaons to flee in large numbers to Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte.

In Dapitan, the surviving Prince of Panglao, Pagbuaya, received Legazpi's expedition in 1565. Later, Pagbuaya's son Manook was baptized Pedro Manuel Manook. The Christianized Manook subdued the Higaunon village in Bayug and established it as one of the earliest Christian settlements in the country. The settlement survived other raids from other enemies, and, because of their faith in God and in their patron saint, Saint Michael the Archangel, the early Iliganons moved their settlement from Bayug to Iligan.

The name Iligan is from the Higaunon word "iligan" or "ilijan," meaning "fortress of defense" against frequent attacks by pirates and other hostile Mindanao tribes.

In 1850, because of floods, Don Remigio Cabili, then Iligan's governadorcillo, built another fort and moved the poblacion of the old Iligan located at the mouth of Tubod River west of the old market to its present site.

A stone fort called Fort St. Francis Xavier was built in 1642 where Iliganons sought refuge during raids by bandits. But again, the fort sank due to floods. Another fort was built and this was named Fort Victoria or Cota de Iligan.

The Spaniards abandoned Iligan in 1899, paving the way for the landing of the American forces in 1900. After enjoying peace and prosperity for about 40 years, Iligan was invaded by Japanese forces in 1942. The Japanese held sway in the city until 1944 when they left Iligan suddenly. On November 15, 1944, the city held a Commonwealth Day parade to celebrate the end of Japanese atrocity and occupation.

Iligan became a chartered city of Lanao del Norte on June 16, 1950. It was declared a first class city in 1969 and was reclassified as First Class City "A" on July 1, 1977 by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 465. In 1983, Iligan was again reclassified as a highly urbanized city.

LAND AREA

Iligan City encompasses 44 barangays with a land area of 81,337 hectares, which is about 25 percent of the total land area of Lanao del Norte and is 3.13 percent of the land area of Central Mindanao.

The land classification map for Iligan illustrates that less than 30% of the total land area is alienable and disposable (A and D) while the rest are either Permanent or Productive Forests. Based on existing land use by broad category , about 37 percent of the total land area is utilized for agriculture; 56 percent is forest land; only 6.3 percent are built-up areas and the remaining 0.7 percent are mineral lands.

TOPOGRAPHY AND VEGETATION
Iligan City's topography is characterized by a narrow coastal alluvial plain fronting Iligan Bay at the foot slopes of undulating hills and mountains. Several river valleys are found in the city with relatively steep slopes. At the mouth of Agus River, very steep slopes separate the coast line and the highland areas. Over 12% of the city's land area has elevations of less than 100 meters above mean sea level (amsl), 21% are within 100 to 300 meters amsl, while the remaining areas of more than 65% are with elevations of 300 meters amsl and above.

The predominant vegetative cover consistS of coconut groves and banana plantations which are found in plateaus and other lowlands as well as in slopes and highlands. Heavy tropical forests are found in slopes of 30% and greater and these are mostly located inland. A few swampy areas covered with marsh grass are within the barangays of Del Carmen and Bagong Silang. Some fruit trees such as mango, durian, jackfruit and tropical hardwood like lauan, molave, apitong, etc., are scattered in cultivated areas in the hinterland barangays.

CLIMATE CONDITION

Iligan falls within the third type of climate wherein the seasons are not very pronounced. Rain is more or less evenly distributed throughout the year. Because of its tropical location the city does not experience cold weather. Neither does it experience strong weather disturbances due to its geographical location (being outside the typhoon belt) And also because of the mountains that are surrounding the city.

TRADITION AND CULTURE

In the 1950's when Iligan's famous Maria Cristina Falls became the major source of power, Iligan's population increased rapidly. Majority of Iligan's population come from the Visayas and migrants from the other places of Mindanao. Iligan is literally and geographically located at the crossroad of rich culture the Maranao's of Lanao del Sur, Higaunon's of Bukidnon, the dominantly Christian settlers and migrants. Evidence of this peaceful co-existence of the varied cultural mix on its general community. Evidence of this peaceful co-existence manifested during the annual celebration of the city fiesta honoring its miraculous patron saint, St. Michael the Archangel. KASADYA, a street dancing celebration, showcases these rich and varied cultural tradition. Highlighted by the traditional Diandi, eskrima and the street dancing, Sinulog.

SOIL TYPES AND SOIL EROSION
About 65 percent of its total land area, has the unclassified mountainous type of soil. This type is mostly found in the Mainit and Rogongon areas. Also predominant in the Barangay of Rogongon is the Jasaan Clay Loam which comprises about 15% of Iligan's land area. Along the coastal barangays, predominant soil types are Isabela Clay Loam, Matina Clay Loam, San Miguel Silt Loam and Bolinao Clay Loam. These are commonly called the alluvial plains and comprises about 20% of Iligan's land area.

DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
Economic Development will be directed towards agriculture and tourism at the same time maintaining Iligan City’s role as industrial center.

Human Resource Development will focus on the improvement of the physical aspect of human development such as health, nutrition and social services. Labor-intensive agriculture, industry and services will be encouraged. Cooperatives and barangay corporations shall be strengthened.

Environmental Development will focus on preserving life support functions of natural systems especially in efforts at achieving material progress.

Development Pattern or Spatial Strategy will focus on allocating lands into 3 major uses, which are agricultural, forest, and urban land. Business activity will be distributed by creating nodes or satellite business districts thereby decongesting the central business district. A circumferential road will connect these nodes.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Poverty incidence in Iligan City (for 1998) is 54.64 percent. Out of the 54.64 percent, 43.2 percent are in the subsistence level. These are the households whose income cannot even meet the minimum food requirement that is necessary to ensure the caloric needs (2,000 calories per day) for survival. The remaining 11.44 percent belong to a relatively higher income bracket but are nevertheless characterized as poor, albeit poor, whose income suffice to cover the subsistence food needs but not the non-food essentials (e.g. housing, medical care, education and clothing expenses).

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Iligan City will assume the following roles in the future: industrial center, tourist destination; orchard and cut flower center; catchment and transhipment point in the western terminal of the CIC and from Central Mindanao and Zamboanga. Efficient transport and mobility system, modern and reliable communication and adequate infrastructure therefore is important in the realization of the plan.

Infrastructure sector composed of six (6) sub-sectors namely: Transport and Mobility, Water Supply, Power, Drainage, Sewerage and Communication takes into account the more recent data and endeavored to include the various suggestions and comments derived from previous workshops/consultations.

ENVIRONMENT PLAN

The Philippines Agenda 21 which states that, for the benefit of future generations, present generations should be modest in utilizing the natural resources. This has brought the concern of Local Government Units (LGU’s) not only in matters of environmental protection but equally in matters of development. Development that is desired to be achieved must create a balance between economy and ecology. Thus, the existence of this plan will lead the way for realization of Iligan’s desire for a sustainable development.

The environment sector plan consists of three (3) sub-sectors; The Upland and Watershed Environment, Coastal Environment and Urban Environment. These sub-sector plans are the output of series of workshops done by the environment stakeholders who graciously shared their time and knowledge to direct the city to a better future.

Existing Land Uses. Of the city’s total area of 81,337 ha., 6.5% are used for urban land uses; 37% is effective agricultural land; 56% are second growth and old growth forests; while less than 1% is mineral land.

The existing Zoning Ordinance of 1975 specified the following land use areas/zones: residential, commercial-residential, heavy industry, light industry, buffer and open zones.

Iligan has about 900 ha. of inland bodies of water. The city has an abundant supply of water for domestic and industrial use.

Commercial development in the city is comprised of the old Central Business District (CBD), an extension of the CBD and commercial activities found in major and minor thoroughfares.

There are 2 types of industrial zones in the city: Light Industry and Heavy Industry. These areas are along coastal barangays. Agro-industrial uses can also be found in the city center.

URBAN LAND DEMAND
As of Year 2000, the estimated population of the city is 325,184. By Year 2010, the population is projected to be 461,370. New household formation is estimated to be 26,000.

Land Demand in the next ten years for all zones is 541 hectares.