I first came to Davao City in 1982. I came back after a year and decided to start a family in this beautiful city. What are the ten reasons to fall in love with Davao City over the years?
1. Clean and healthy environment.
It is a very liveable city where you can breathe fresh air and walk through clean streets and markets. People observe the city ordinance on anti-smoking, segregation and disposal of waste and firecrackers.
2. World class drinking water.
Bottled mineral water is no match for the taste of tap water here, hailed as the second best in the world. Furthermore, both the Davao City Water District and the city government relentlessly protect their watershed areas.
3.Fresh food.
Fresh food is plentiful and affordable year-round. Seafood, fruits, vegetables, meats and other foods make every meal a taste delight, whether cooked at home or dining out.
4. Quality education
Many of its colleges and universities offer quality education. In fact, top performers in various board exams come from Davao City.
5. Central Service 911.
Davao City boasts of being the third location in the world to use 911 as an emergency number. With this facility, it serves residents in need of emergency assistance with its medical, urban search and rescue, fire brigade, and K-9 units.
6. Peaceful coexistence of Christians and non-Christians.
Both Christians and non-Christians live in harmony. There are places of worship for various religious groups. Education, public service, and business opportunities are available to everyone. The contribution of the city’s eleven indigenous groups to the city’s social, cultural and economic growth is recognized during the annual Kadayawan Festival.
7. Places of Interest.
Over the years, local and foreign tourists flock to Davao City to experience and enjoy Eden Nature Park and Mountain Resort, Loleng’s Mountain Resort, Malagos Garden Resort, Shrine of the Holy Infant of Jesus of Prague, D ‘ Leonor Inland Resort, Matina Town Square, People’s Park, Ponce Suites Gallery, Davao Crocodile Park, Dabawenyo Museum and much more.
8. Care of the Environment.
Located in Calinan, the Philippine Eagle Center is home to endangered Philippine Eagles. It is administered by the Philippine Eagle Foundation, which has become the country’s “leading raptor conservation organization”.
The city also boasts a Sea Turtle Sanctuary which “is dedicated to the recovery, tagging, and rescue of endangered hawksbill (pawikan) sea turtles illegally captured and held, as mandated by Executive Order 29-2003.”
9. Health
The Southern Philippines Medical Center, a government hospital, and several private hospitals provide quality medical care to residents of the city, as well as those coming from nearby provinces.
10. The people of Davao City
For me, it is the people of Davao City who bring the slogan “Davao: Life Is Here” to life. As one blog writer says: “We are the ones who know what it is like to live in Davao City: the promised land, a place where there is unity in diversity, where peace and progress can coexist.”
These are my ten reasons to fall in love with Davao City and truly love it.