Davao’s rich and colorful history. #philippines #history #davaolifeishere #animation

Summary

Davao City, located in the southern Philippines, has a rich and turbulent history. From its early indigenous roots and Moro and Lumad communities to Spanish colonization in the 19th century, the city grew through conflicts, Japanese occupation during World War II, and American and post-war recovery. In the 1980s, Davao became a battleground for guerrilla warfare, but under the leadership of the Duterte family, the city transformed into one of the safest and most progressive cities in the country. Today, Davao stands as a testament to its resilient people and visionary leaders, continuing its legacy of growth and unity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Davao's history is marked by its transition from a region outside Spanish control to a settlement under Spanish governance in 1848.
• 😀 The early 1900s saw the expansion of infrastructure under American rule, including roads, ports, and plantations, which led to rapid economic growth.
• 😀 The Japanese community played a significant role in the city's development, earning it the nickname 'Little Japan' in the 1930s.
• 😀 In 1936, Davao became a city through the signing of a charter by President Manuel Quezon, aimed at countering the Japanese influence in the region.
• 😀 Davao was occupied by Japanese forces during World War II until it was liberated by the Americans in 1945.
• 😀 After World War II, the city underwent reconstruction and saw political and economic revival, with the first local elections held in 1955.
• 😀 In 1967, Elias Lopez, a full-blooded Bagobo, became Davao's first indigenous mayor, marking a significant political shift.
• 😀 Davao City was politically separated from Davao Province in 1967, leading to its status as an independent city.
• 😀 In the 1980s, Davao faced turmoil due to communist insurgency but gradually regained stability under the leadership of Rodrigo Duterte.
• 😀 Rodrigo Duterte's tenure as mayor (1998-2010) was marked by significant improvements in peace, security, and economic growth, earning Davao the title of one of Asia's most livable cities.
• 😀 The city continued to grow under the leadership of his daughter, Sara Duterte, who became mayor in 2010 and prepared Davao for further development into the 21st century.

Q & A

What regions in the Philippines were outside Spanish control during the 19th century?

During the 19th century, areas around Davao Gulf, which were inhabited by Moro and Lumad indigenous peoples, lay outside Spanish control.

Who was responsible for expanding Spanish control to the Davao region in 1844?

Spanish Governor General Narciso Claveria was responsible for expanding Spanish control to the Davao region in 1844.

What was the name of the settlement established by the Spanish in 1848, and who led it?

The settlement established by the Spanish in 1848 was named Nueva Vergara, and it was led by Don Jose Cruz.

How did Davao's economy progress in the early 1900s under American rule?

Under American rule in the early 1900s, roads, telegraph lines, and ports were set up, and industries like coconut plantations, ranches, and factories were established, leading to rapid economic progress.

What was Davao known as in the early 1900s due to the influence of Japanese settlers?

In the early 1900s, Davao was known as 'Little Japan' due to the growing influence of Japanese settlers in the region.

What political action did President Manuel Quezon take to address the influence of the Japanese in Davao?

President Manuel Quezon signed the charter of Davao in 1936, which led to the creation of Davao City to counter the growing political influence of the Japanese.

When was Davao officially declared a city, and what was the significant political change that followed?

Davao was officially declared a city on March 1, 1937, following the signing of a law that combined the municipality of Davao and the municipal district of Gyanga.

How did Davao's political landscape change after World War II?

After World War II, the city government of Davao was re-established, despite the devastation caused by the war. The city's political and economic recovery began in earnest during the 1950s.

What role did Mayor Elias Lopez play in Davao's history?

Mayor Elias Lopez, elected in 1967, was the first indigenous mayor of Davao City, marking an important milestone in the city's leadership and representation.

What significant event occurred in Davao in the 1980s, and how did it affect the city?

In the 1980s, Davao became a site of intense political violence, with urban guerrilla warfare being waged by the Communist New People's Army. The city earned the nickname 'Nicaragua' due to the bloodshed and turmoil during that time.

How did Rodrigo Duterte's leadership impact Davao City?

Rodrigo Duterte's leadership brought peace and stability to Davao City, transforming it into one of the safest cities in the country, and fostering economic progress during his time as mayor.

What milestone did Davao City achieve in the late 1990s, and how was it recognized internationally?

In the late 1990s, Davao City was ranked by *Asiaweek* magazine as one of Asia's most livable cities, a recognition that highlighted its improvement in terms of governance, safety, and quality of life.

What key achievements did Davao City experience under the leadership of Mayor Sarah Duterte?

Under Mayor Sarah Duterte, Davao City continued to thrive with further development initiatives to prepare for future growth, maintaining the momentum set by her father's leadership.

How did Davao's history contribute to the election of Rodrigo Duterte as the Philippines' 16th president?

Davao's transformation under Rodrigo Duterte's leadership served as a model for governance and leadership, contributing to his election as the 16th President of the Philippines in 2016.