Davao Oriental, officially the Province of Davao Oriental, is a province located in the Davao Region of Mindanao, Philippines. Its capital city is Mati, and it shares its borders with Davao de Oro to the west, and with Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur to the north. The province is the ancestral homeland of the Mandaya and Kalagan/Kaagan indigenous communities.
Davao Oriental is the easternmost province in the Philippines, with Pusan Point in the municipality of Caraga marking the easternmost location. To the east, it faces the Philippine Sea, which is part of the Pacific Ocean. A portion of the province is situated on an unnamed peninsula that encloses Davao Gulf to the west.
This province is renowned as the top producer of coconut and copra in the Philippines, earning it the title of “Coconut Capital of the Philippines.” It is also home to the Mount Hamiguitan Wildlife Sanctuary, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Demographics
- Age Groups and Populations:
- The age group with the highest population in Davao Oriental was individuals aged 5 to 9, totaling 65,109 individuals.
- The age group with the lowest population was those aged 80 and over, comprising 4,315 individuals.
- Age Group Aggregates:
- When grouping age categories:
- Those aged 14 and below, which includes infants, babies, children, and young adolescents/teenagers, made up approximately 34.53% of the total population, amounting to 192,985 individuals.
- The age group of 15 to 64, representing the economically active population and potential workforce, constituted a significant 60.51% of the population, totaling 338,219 individuals.
- The old dependent population, consisting of senior citizens aged 65 and over, accounted for 4.97% of the total population, equivalent to 27,754 individuals.
- When grouping age categories:
- Age Dependency Ratios:
- The calculated Age Dependency Ratios provide insights into the population’s dependency on different age groups:
- For every 100 individuals in the working age population, there were 57 youth dependents (aged 14 and below) and 8 aged/senior citizens (aged 65 and over).
- In total, there were 65 dependents (combining young and old-age) for every 100 of the working population.
- The calculated Age Dependency Ratios provide insights into the population’s dependency on different age groups:
- Median Age:
- The median age of Davao Oriental in 2015 was 23 years. This statistic indicates that half of the population was younger than 23, while the other half was older than 23. It provides an essential measure of the age distribution within the province.
These statistics offer a comprehensive overview of the age distribution and dependency ratios in Davao Oriental as of 2015. Please note that demographic data can change over time due to various factors, such as birth rates, migration, and aging populations, so more recent data may reveal different patterns.
| Name | City/ Municipality | Population (2020) | Population (2015) | Annual Population Growth Rate (2015‑2020) | Area (km2) | Density (2020), per km2 | Brgy count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baganga | municipality | 58,714 | 56,241 | 0.91% | 945.50 | 62 | 18 |
| Banaybanay | municipality | 44,451 | 41,117 | 1.66% | 408.52 | 109 | 14 |
| Boston | municipality | 14,618 | 13,535 | 1.63% | 357.03 | 41 | 8 |
| Caraga | municipality | 39,704 | 40,379 | -0.35% | 642.70 | 62 | 17 |
| Cateel | municipality | 44,207 | 40,704 | 1.75% | 545.56 | 81 | 16 |
| Governor Generoso | municipality | 59,891 | 55,109 | 1.77% | 365.75 | 164 | 20 |
| Lupon | municipality | 66,979 | 65,785 | 0.38% | 886.39 | 76 | 21 |
| Manay | municipality | 39,572 | 42,690 | -1.58% | 418.36 | 95 | 17 |
| Mati | city (CC), capital | 147,547 | 141,141 | 0.94% | 588.63 | 251 | 26 |
| San Isidro | municipality | 33,664 | 36,032 | -1.42% | 220.44 | 153 | 16 |
| Tarragona | municipality | 26,996 | 26,225 | 0.61% | 300.76 | 90 | 10 |
| Davao Oriental Total | 576,343 | 558,958 | 0.65% | 5,679.64 | 101 | 183 | |
Economy
| Fiscal Year | Annual Regular Income | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 696,536,068.47 | – |
| 2010 | 742,055,587.56 | 6.54% |
| 2011 | 816,113,240.04 | 9.98% |
| 2012 | 840,789,058.38 | 3.02% |
| 2013 | 849,633,860.16 | 1.05% |
| 2014 | 1,022,954,116.37 | 20.40% |
| 2015 | 1,227,611,538.07 | 20.01% |
| 2016 | 1,288,003,199.33 | 4.92% |
| End notes:Annual Regular Income = Locally Sourced Revenue + Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) Current Year + Other Shares from National Tax CollectionLocally Sourced Revenue = Real Property Tax (General Fund) + Tax on Business + Other Taxes + Regulatory Fees + Service/User Charges + Receipts from Economic Enterprises | ||
Davao Oriental envisions a future where its coastal youth are equipped with knowledge and skills to thrive. Educators and institutions diligently cultivate a culture of learning, innovation, and growth, inspired by the province’s coastal wonders.
Tourism
Davao Oriental, often hailed as “Nature’s Playground,” promises enchanting ecotourism adventures for nature enthusiasts. Its biodiverse rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant cultural festivals offer unique attractions for travelers seeking an enchanted connection with nature.
Visitors to Davao Oriental can explore its enchanting forests, savor local delicacies, and immerse themselves in cultural festivities. The province’s potential as an ecotourism destination is an exciting discovery for those looking to experience the enchantment of nature.
