Foundation Day of Davao Occidental in the Philippines Date in the current year: October 28, 2024

Davao Occidental is one of the five provinces that make up the Davao Region, the other four being Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao de Oro. The region’s history dates back to ancient times, when various indigenous tribes first settled in the area surrounding the Davao Gulf. The name “Davao” is thought to have originated from similar-sounding names used by several aboriginal tribes for the Davao River: Davohoho, Davohaha, and Duhwow.

During the Late Middle Ages and early modern period, most of what is now the Davao Region was under the control of the Sultanate of Maguindanao. Portuguese and Spanish explorers first encountered the locals in the 16th century. However, they did not attempt to colonize the area, allowing the indigenous tribes to maintain their way of life. The Sultanate of Maguindanao also fostered amicable relations with Dutch and British traders.

The Spanish started to colonize the Davao Gulf region in the mid-19th century under the directive of Narciso Clavería y Zaldúa, Governor-General of the Philippines. Datu Bago, the ruler of Davao, led the Moro people in resisting the Spanish conquest, but despite his efforts, the Spaniards eventually gained control of the area.

The Philippine Revolution ended the period of the Spanish rule in 1898. It was followed by the Philippine-American War, in which the Philippines was defeated and as a result became an unincorporated territory of the United States. Under the American administration, significant infrastructure developments took place in the Davao Region, including the opening of the Port of Davao.

In 1903, the region was incorporated into the newly established Moro Province. In 1914, the province was replaced by the Department of Mindanao and Sulu, which included the province Davao. In 1920, the department was dissolved, and Davao became a separate province.

For the first two decades of Philippine independence, Davao was one of the Philippines’ largest provinces, with Davao City as its capital. However, in 1967, President Ferdinand E. Marcos divided Davao into three separate provinces: Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, and Davao Oriental. The territory of what is now Davao Occidental was then part of Davao del Sur.

The creation of Davao Occidental out of parts of Davao del Sur was proposed in 2012. The corresponding act was passed by the House of Representatives on November 28 and by the Senate on December 5. President Benigno Aquino III signed the act into law on January 14, 2013. The act came into force on July 23, but it had to be ratified by a plebiscite that took place on October 28, 2013. Over 76% of voters approved the creation of Davao Occidental.

In November 2018, the founding anniversary of Davao Occidental was designated as a special non-working holiday in the province by President Rodrigo Duterte. It is marked by cultural festivals, art exhibitions, various contests and competitions, and other events and activities organized by the provincial government.