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One of the provinces in Southern Mindanao. Davao del Sur is surrounded by the province of Davao on the north, Davao Gulf on the east, the provinces of Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato on the west and Mindanao Sea on the south. A highly urbanized county where the famous Davao City is located.
The majestic Mt. Apo dominates most part of the province’s western portion, towering at 10,311 feet and the country’s highest peak. 4 days of hiking and climbing before you reach the top. Other landmarks of the province are Mt. Tanglao and Mt. Latian.
The name Davao came from the Bagobo word Daba-Daba that refers to the Sacred Brass of the tribe's legendary chieftain, Datu Duli who lived in Mt. Apo. It became Daba-o Daba-o adding the prefix "o" which means justice and the datu's fairness to his people. Later on it was shortened to Davao.
Bagobos is one of the cultural minorities residing in the province. They wear one of the most colorful traditional dresses and ornaments. Their clothes are woven from abaca fiber, embellished with beads, shells, metal disks and other colorful geometric patterns. Their tribe and others like the B'laans, Tagacaolos and Manobos have learned to co-exist with the lowlanders. One of the bests in the region is their baskets, ornate weapons and their rich tradition of music and dance.
Davao del Sur is a rich agricultural province featuring fish farms at Kiblawan and Sta. Maria, a prawn farm and cocoa plantation at Malita, a sugar mill at Magonoy and a coconut disiccating plant at Sta, Cruz. Mt. Carmel nursery in Bansalan grows a wide variety of Philippine fruits. Other crops that grow in the province are bananas, ramie, coffee and vegetables.
Davao is blessed with various attractions and landmarks that attract both tourists and explorers. One of their main attractions includes Balut Isand, famous for its white sand beaches and 20 springs around the island. The B'laan village located in Sabak, Montanao, boasts its waterfalls, springs and cattle ranches.
In Davao City, the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus offers a panoramic view of the city and the height of Mt. Apo. Mt. Apo National Park is the main attraction found in the city. This province is also the home of the Philippine Eagle, a monkey-eating eagle found only in the country.
The famous Kadayawan Festival celebrated every third week of August is one of the province's native cultural heritage. It came from the root word dayaw or madayaw meaning "rice" or "good". It serves as a thanksgiving for their benevolent harvest and fertile soil that the province is blessed with. The main highlight is the tribe’s performance of their songs, dances and rituals and participates in sport activities like horse fighting.
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