Davao the Beautiful
The first ever 911 emergency response center in the Philippines. Davao City is a sprawling metropolis and is one of the largest cities in the world with a land area of 2,443.61 sq kms. The city's boundary line cuts through the highest peak in the country, the inactive Mt. Apo at 3,142 meters above sea level. Cascading from the peak and going east down, one sees vast plains, unspoiled forests, fertile valleys, navigable rivers, the sprawling metropolis and world-class beaches facing the Davao gulf. The city has one of the highest literacy rates in Asia at 98.3%. Its labor force is cited as among the best in the region: educated, easily trainable, industrious, and English speaking. Its urban center is home to quality residential and commercial units complete with modern facilities and amenities at very reasonable prices. Access is fast and easy to utilities such as power, water, landlines and mobile phones with IDD features, cable TV networks, and Internet service providers. read more....

  The Economy of Davao City
Like the rest of the country, Davao City operates on an economic system that is market-oriented, although pricing mechanisms remain regulated in a few sectors (particularly on basic commodities) to protect consumers. The competitiveness of the market has been enhanced through the dismantling of protection for "infant industries" and the breakdown of industries with monopolistic or cartel tendencies. On the international front, the economy has been opened up to global competition, through a tariff reduction program and the loosening of restrictions on inward foreign investment. The result is a diverse economy, featuring a sound mix between the agricultural (roughly 45%), industrial (15%) and service (at around 35%) industries. Poverty reduction has become the main goal of the local government which is being addressed through programs and projects one of which is the encouragement of inward investments to industries that are labor-intensive. read more....

  Leadership by Fortitude and Invincibility
It's no secret that the Philippines is suffering from the upheaval of corruption. I don't think that it is fair for me to judge which part of the government is corrupt because I don't presently vote in this native land of mine. I do know however, that majority of the impoverished voters cast their votes based not on what they believe is right for the country, but what is right to survive from hunger. That's fine, however, the Filipinos need leaders who actually and truly represent the very souls who put them in power. Unfortunately, in this day and age, finding these breed of leaders in the Philippines is very rare. Only in Davao City that you will find a government in which its leadership is formed by fortitude and invincibility. I don't personally know this man, but reading through his demonstrated accomplishments makes me realize that there is hope for the Filipino people. Battling through the rugged terrains of corruption that is swarming the country, Filipinos have become immune to the systemic "1-2-3 and under-da-table" governing process. For that matter, the Philippines is having more difficulties in beautifying a squirmish dynasty-like political government. Nonetheless, the vanquishing and solid leadership of Mayor Duterte takes Davao by the hand in pursuing the process for Clean and Strong Philippines. By this token, a prodigal wishful nostalgia may become a reality for most expats to come home to a "home-sweet-home."

By: Angging Bayutas Mutia