Davao City is more than just the home of the mighty, monkey-eating Philippine eagle, the heavenly durian, the citrusy pomelo, and the vibrant 11 tribes. It is also the center of trade and commerce and the gateway to Mindanao.
The world-class Davao City Coastal Bypass Road, the cable-free C.M. Recto Avenue (formerly Claveria Street) and San Pedro Street, the Malagos Chocolate Factory, People’s Park, and the historic San Pedro Cathedral are just some of the must-see and must-visit places in modern-day Davao City.
It is common knowledge that Davao City has faced its fair share of challenges. Like a phoenix, the city has risen from its dark past to become a highly urbanized and developed metropolis admired not only in the Philippines but also across Asia and the world for its safety, disciplined citizens, and commitment to equality.
Davao City’s Dark Past and Rise to Safety
Back in the 1980s, Davao City was considered unsafe and disorganized. It was branded as one of the most dangerous cities in the country due to the presence of the notorious SPARU unit of the New People’s Army (NPA), which targeted police officers, causing havoc and terrorizing communities.
Agdao, then an urban poor barangay where the NPA had strong support, became known as “Nicaragdao,” a toponym coined by imaginative individuals, referencing the Nicaraguan civil war at the time. The foreign press even labeled Davao City as the Philippines’ “Murder Capital” and the “Killing Fields.”
When the Marcos Sr. regime collapsed in 1986, then-President Corazon Aquino appointed a young fiscal named Rodrigo Duterte as OIC vice mayor of the city. Duterte later ran for mayor, holding the city’s top post from 1988 to 1998, from 2001 to 2010, and again from 2013 to 2016 with a platform anchored on law and order.
Under his leadership, Dabawenyos began to feel secure, and progress followed.
Safety and Security Measures
The security of Dabawenyos became even more assured with the establishment of the Task Force Davao (TFD) on April 16, 2003.
TF Davao was created after the twin bombings at Sasa Old Airport and Sasa Wharf on March 4, 2003, and April 2, 2003, respectively.
To this day, TF Davao remains committed to its mandate of ensuring security and safety in the city.
The city government of Davao also founded the Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO), formerly the Public Safety and Security Center (PSSC), to provide a more effective and coordinated system for law enforcement, emergency response, security, and intelligence services.
This was established through Executive Order No. 18, s. 2012, titled “An Order Repealing EO 12, S. 2010 and Creating The Public Safety And Security Command Center (PSSCC)” to create a safe city by integrating information, people, technology, and solutions into an intelligent operations unit.
These were all the brainchild of Duterte, who envisioned a peaceful and safe city where every Dabawenyo could come home safe.
Today, Dabawenyos warmly embrace the city’s peace and order.
A Safe and Disciplined City
Lorelli Randa, senior sales operations director of PJ Tri-Gon Realty Corp, told Edge Davao that as someone born and raised in Davao City, she feels like she is living in Singapore—safe, orderly, and disciplined.
“I’ve never had to worry about walking alone at night, using my cellphone in public, or leaving my phone or wallet to reserve a table or space. One time, I left my wallet in a trolley in S&R Davao and realized it was gone after 20 to 30 minutes. I went back looking for it, calm knowing that this was Davao, and yes, my wallet was still in the trolley. Maybe people thought I was just reserving it,” she said.
Randa added that she has always felt a deep sense of security in Davao City.
“Over the years, I’ve seen how our strict policies and strong leadership have kept the city peaceful. Wala na riding-in-tandem and kids on the boulevard area grabbing necklaces,” she said.
Jeline Galagar, marketing manager of Eden Nature Park and Resort, is proud and confident that whenever her family is on the streets, they feel safe and secure.
“Not because of the visibility of security forces, but because I rely on my fellow Dabawenyos, who act as the watchdogs of the community,” she said.
For Graziella Izza Cadiente, assistant director of marketing and communications at Aria Hotel and Residences, Davao City is her safe haven.
“No matter where I go, the simple and peaceful life in Davao is incomparable to anywhere else I’ve been. Maybe it’s not as strict as before during Mayor Rodrigo’s term, but peace and order are still well maintained,” she said.
Davao City’s Emergency Response System
The city government of Davao also set up the Davao City Central Communications and Emergency Response Center, or Central 911, on September 27, 2002.
The first and only system of its kind in the country, Central 911 provides medical assistance, search and rescue, fire auxiliary, and K-9 services for Davao City residents.
This was a collaborative effort between the city government and Davao Light and Power Company to help reduce crime in the city.
“Central 911 is performing excellently. They are very visible. The system is still very reliable,” said Galagar.
For Randa, Central 911 is one of the things that makes Davao City truly special.
“It’s free, reliable, fast, and organized, with a world-class emergency response system. I wish every city in our country had this. Kudos to our Central 911,” she said.
“I have used this service twice, and they answer calls right away, assisting with whatever you need,” Cadiente added.
The city government also strengthened emergency response efforts through the Davao City Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), which serves far-flung areas.
Their biggest response in recent years was during the Mount Kanlaon eruption in Negros, where they provided financial assistance and shared emergency response insights with affected communities.
“I’ve witnessed firsthand how fast and prepared our CDRRMO is during calamities. Whether it’s heavy rains, earthquakes, or emergencies, they act quickly and efficiently,” said Randa.
Dabawenyo Discipline: The City’s Greatest Asset
Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte has credited Dabawenyos’ discipline as the main contributor to the city’s success. This was the inspiration behind the “Dabawenyo D.C. Plinado” campaign, launched during the 87th Araw ng Dabaw.
The campaign highlights that while Davao City is famous for its natural landscapes, bountiful harvests, and peace and order, its greatest asset is its people.
It promotes compliance with landmark ordinances, including the no-smoking policy, firecracker ban, speed limits, and liquor ban.
“By working together and fulfilling our responsibilities as Dabawenyos, we can create a community where no one is harmed and everyone benefits,” the mayor said.
Rene Man-obol, a teacher of St. Mary’s Initial Learning Experience (SMILE), believed that these policies are effective in ingraining discipline among the Dabawenyos.
“Because as to what I have observed when I walked the street or public places, wala po akong nakita na naga smoke. Lastly, when it comes to firecracker, wala na talaga aking makikita dito sa Davao,” he said.
For 88 years, Davao City has undergone a remarkable transformation, with improved infrastructure, enhanced access to services, and effective governance.
In Davao City, not only is “Life Here,” but so is a thriving, safe, and disciplined community.
