Harmonious Home of 11 Ethnolinguistic Tribes
Where Diversity Is Lived, Not Just Talked About—Brothers Sharing the Same Streets
Where Christians, Muslims, and indigenous Lumads share the same city in mutual respect.
Harmonious Home of 11 Ethnolinguistic Tribes
Understanding the Civic Reality
In a world where ethnic and religious divides often spark friction, Davao City chose a very different path. Long before the first colonial ships docked on Mindanao's shores, Lumad tribes and Moro communities called this land home. Today, Davao doesn't just tolerate its cultural diversity—it honors it as the city's foundational strength. Walk down the street and you will see mosques, churches, and indigenous cultural spaces coexisting peacefully. When August arrives, the entire city joins hands for Kadayawan, a festival not tied to any single religion, but dedicated to thanking nature and celebrating the heritage of all 11 tribes.
How Davao Makes It Work
The 11 Recognized Tribes of Davao
Five Lumad tribes: Ata, Klata, Matigsalug, Ovu-Manuvu, and Tagabawa. Six Moro nations: Iranun, Kagan, Maguindanaon, Maranao, Sama, and Tausug.
Official Deputy Mayors for Every Tribe
Davao is the only city in the country where 11 salaried Deputy Mayors, chosen directly by their respective tribes, hold offices in City Hall to advise on policy and mediate community concerns.
Kadayawan Festival (The Festival of Festivals)
A month-long civic celebration every August where indigenous dances, epic chants, authentic tribal homes, and harvest feasts take center stage.
Halal Food Segregation Rules
City laws mandate clear, dedicated shelves and counters for certified Halal foods in markets and supermarkets, ensuring Muslim residents can shop with full peace of mind.
Verified Real-World Impacts
Every recognized tribe has full executive representation and staff support in city governance.
A permanent cultural village inside Magsaysay Park where tribal artisans live and work.
Diverse communities have shared neighborhoods and marketplaces peacefully for generations.
Citizen Tips for Residents & Newcomers
- ✓Drop by the Kadayawan Village inside Magsaysay Park on any weekend. You can walk through authentic Lumad and Moro houses and try delicious traditional native dishes.
- ✓Don't miss the Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan street dance competition in August—it is one of the most vibrant cultural displays in Asia.
- ✓When traveling to upland tribal lands in Marilog or Paquibato, always show respect for indigenous elders and follow community rules.