The Abundant Beauty of DavNor

DavNor Sports and Tourism Complex

Gaisano Mall of Tagum

I went on my first airplane trip and I went to Davao region for the Palarong Pambansa that will be hosted by Tagum City, Davao Del Norte. Davao Del Norte is one of the agricultural provinces in the country and it is known to be the Banana Capital of the Philippines. But aside from agricultural products, Davao Del Norte is a province blessed with mineral deposits, agricultural richness, and nature tourism spots.

Palms along the Tagum highway

Davao Del Norte of DavNor is part of the Davao Region where in was separated from Davao in 1965, and was divided into two, Davao Del Norte and Compostella Valley. Despite the division and constant changes, DavNor still remains in advantage with the resources and infrastructures.

Talicud Island

Now going to some of the places in DavNor, we start with the capital, Tagum City. Originally named Magugpo, the city is still agricultural in industry though it is already making more structures for commercial and transport. The new provincial Capitol has been made along with the Davao Del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex which hosted the Palarong Pambansa 2015. Don't miss to take a picture of the palms along the highway, and also try dining (pigging out) at the Tagum Night Market with barbecue for 7 pesos and tocino as low as 2 pesos! 

Tagum Night Market

Tagum also has mangroves and rivers that are beautifully preserved and provides green sights even along the Pan-Philippine Highway. With the strategic location of Tagum which is along several highways and links to the provinces of Davao Oriental, Davao Del Sur and Compostella Valley. Tagum has a lot of nicknames, namely Palm City of the Philippines, City of Festivals, Music Capital of the South, City of Golden Opportunities, The Little Green Singapore of the South, Tourist Capital of the South, City of Perfect Harmony,  and City of Parks.

Aside from Tagum, another pride of DavNor is the Island Garden City of Samal (Yes, that is the official name of place which comprises of two islands (Samal and Talicud), and known to be a paradise with white sands and blue waters. We went to both islands and they are accessible via ferry. 

Floating swimming pool in Panabo City

The main island of Samal has road access and some resorts that are now being visited by local and foreign visitors alike. The local government would like to develop the island of Talicud to be a compete with the other popular tourist destination in the country.

2 pesos Pork Tocino?!

DavNor Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario is also envisioning of more opportunities of Davao Del Norte as they were the highlight as the host of Palarong Pambansa 2015 and looks forward in hosting more national and international events like the Boy Scouts of the Philippines Annual National Council Meeting (ANCM) and the possible bid for the upcoming SEA Games in 2025.

DavNor is accessible via the Pan-Philippine Highway as well as other roads and water ways via the Davao Gulf. Davao Airport (Francisco Bangoy International Airport) provides the gateway to the Davao region and from there, the road access to Davao Del Norte is via then Pan-Philippine Highway. Finally you will experience banana overload with export quality bananas are very abundant in the province, so expect a potassium overdose!