D a v a o

HOME OF THE PHILIPPINE EAGLE . . . THE DURIAN CITY

Davao is a city on the southeast coast of Mindanao Island in the Philippines. It is situated on the Gulf of Davao at the mouth of the Davao River. The city has a population of 569,300 (1990) and covers an area of 2,212 sq km (854 sq mi; it is one of the largest cities in area in the world. The highest point in the Philippines, Mount Apo (2,954 m/9,692 ft), is located within Davao. The climate is tropical, with an annual average temperature of 27 deg C (80 deg F) and an average yearly rainfall of 1,930 mm (76 in). It is actually considered to be the largest cit yin the world in terms of land area.

Davao is a busy port, exporting copra, maize, rice, and abaca (banana plant fiber used in rope making). Much of its land is agricultural, with coconuts and rice the predominating crops. The manufacturing of wood products is the major industry. The University of Mindanao (1946) is in Davao. Settled in 1849, the city was completely destroyed by Allied bombing during World War II but was subsequently rebuilt.

H H H H H H H H H

M O U N T A P O

Mt. Apo, a dormant volcano and the highest mountain the country, is favorite destiantion, treks may be arranged with tour agencies. The trek starts only after a bus ride to Kidapawan, 107 kilometers south of Davao City, a 12-kilometers south of Davao City, a 12-kilometer jeep ride to Barangay Ginatilan, and a five-kilometer jeepney ride to barrangay Ilomavis. From there, the climb begins. Trekkers will find on the slopes forest of exotic flora, steaming geyseres, rainwater lakes, swift-flowing rivers, and cascading waterfalls.

After four days of leisurely trek, you are bound to see the Agko Blue Lake, a steaming lake with some parts that are icy cold and others that are boiling hot; Lake Venado, an iregularly shaped expanse bordered by a think carpet of bermuda grass; and the Mt. Apo Crater.

Mt. Apo is home to theendangered Philippine Eagle, the world's tallest eagle species at one ane meter high and, with a wing span of about 2.5 meters, the largest. The eagle preys on mokeys, flying lemurs, flying squirrels and, occasionally, pigs nd goats. The mountain is also a sanctuary for some rare birds such as the flycatcher, fairy blue birds, flower catchers, coltos, doves, sunbirds, and racket-tailed parrots.

On the base of the mountain is the Mt. Apo Science Foundation, an agrucultural foundation where you can bird watching, the Philippines Eagle Nature Center, which provides temporary shelter to 10 eagles in captivity and numerous birds, animals, and tropical plant.