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For bakasyonistas seeking adventure and close connection with nature, there could not have been a better choice for a family vacation. Davao City is a peaceful eco-tourism destination that offers fresh air, clean waterways and lots of nature adventure activities. Thanks to our dear Michelle, who suggested the place and acted as our official travel organizer. The junior and (nearing) senior citizens all came back to Cebu refreshed – with renewed vim and vigor – and with beautiful memories of Davao City lingering in the mind.
It was my fifth visit to Davao City. I am amazed at rediscovering its seemingly endless list of natural attractions. Looking back, I am astonished at Davao’s incredible transformation. In my first solo trip in 1981 to effect a foreclosure of mortgage, I was holed up in a hotel for more than a week. I had to await the result of the negotiations taking place between the mortgagee financial institution in Metro Manila and the mortgagor. At that time, Davao had serious peace-and-order problems and mobility was severely restricted. Each day was like an excruciating eternity. In my homesick moments, I vowed never to go back to the land of durian, batik and ethnic accessories.
When I returned two decades after, it was a vibrant and pulsating Davao City that I saw, like a Phoenix rising magnificently from the ashes. I was totally impressed at the change, thanks to its stakeholders. Davao City’s civil society is dynamic and actively engaged in governance.
The local lawmaking body is a trailblazer in crafting significant ordinances, such as the Children’s Welfare Code and the Women’s Code. The Anti-smoking Ordinance was enacted in 2002, way ahead of the national law, Republic Act 9211, the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003. Davao City is said to be the only city in the country strictly implementing it.
When our plane taxied at the runway of the Davao International Airport, the passengers, especially the smokers, were warned that “Davao City” is a “strictly no-smoking city.” This is a perfect accolade to give the Davaoeños and the leaders of the city. They are obviously filled with a strong sense of responsibility for the wellness of people and duly armed with the discipline to make the anti-smoking law a reality.
Davao City is one of the few local government units (LGUs) that exercise its tremendous powers and responsibilities under section 16 of the Local Government Code by enacting an ordinance banning the aerial spraying of pesticides. The LGUs’ mandate includes the promotion of the general welfare of the constituents and maintenance of a healthful and balanced ecology. The case is now pending at the Supreme Court as the affected company questioned the validity of the ordinance.
In 2008, Davao City scored the highest in “the most competitive city in the Philippines” category – based on the survey of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM). The Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project 2007 results revealed Davao City beating local government units in Metro Manila and, yes, in Metro Cebu as well. Another feather in the cap of the city is its being one of only three areas in the world, aside from the US and Canada, to have the Integrated Emergency Response System 911.
Davao’s secret? It is good governance, as James, my nephew, would repeatedly remind us. No mean feat indeed in a nation where people are said to treat traffic regulations as mere signs and suggestions.
Our adventure in Davao City started with a visit to the must-see Philippine Eagle Center in the Malagos watershed area, to appreciate our forest and our amazing Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi). Named after Jeffery Whitehead, the father of John Whitehead, the English explorer and naturalist who collected the original specimen, the Philippine Eagle is considered among the tallest, rarest, largest and most powerful birds in the world. The 2007 International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Category included it as critically endangered. The IUCN reported that fewer than 250 adult Pithecophaga jefferyi, with a 2-meter (6.6-feet) wingspan are estimated to be left in the Philippines.
Our national bird, the haring ibon, is a magnificent sight. Alas, the world is in danger of losing it due to deforestation, mudslides and poaching. The Philippine Eagle Center is at the frontline in the conservation of the Philippine eagle and protection of its habitat. It has successfully bred Philippine eagles in captivity and released three to the wild. It is rather sad that one eagle died by electrocution and another one was shot by a hunter.
We also toured the People’s Park, a park within the city where families congregate, a brainchild of Mayor Rody Duterte who has certainly made Davao what it is today – dynamic, proactive, bustling and sustainable.
Then off we went to Zip Line of Outland Adventure. Dubbed as the longest and fastest zip line in Asia, the place was accessible and can be reached just minutes from Davao City.
Until we reached the place, the seniors could not even imagine what a zip line was. The sight of young ladies and gentlemen flying like superman on the aerial cable was enough reason for the adults to instantly volunteer as “photographers and video recorders” on the ground – to capture the exhilarating moments for our more daring and adventurous travel companions. Definitely finding the activity a heady experience, they were all beaming when they rejoined us.
Then, we had the highlight of our nature adventure: the much-anticipated whitewater rafting event on the Davao River. This time the adults were prepared psychologically, emotionally and physically for their first rafting trip.
For a minimum of five persons per boat, we cruised for three hours and worked together as a team, through 24 rapids from Barangay (village) Tamugan to Barangay Lacson in Calinan District. The thick foliage, the flying birds and the cliffs provided a wonderful backdrop to the exhilarating experience of a lifetime. As added bonus, we did not find a single plastic bag thrown into or floating on the river.
We went home tired but filled with wonderful memories of Davao City in this beautiful megadiversity archipelago called the Philippines. Living in such unparalleled beauty is certainly one of life’s great blessings.
For more about whitewater rafting, check out http://waterrafting.davaocrocodilepark.com
