Tacoma's Sister City since 1994.

Lying at the southeastern corner of the Philippines, Davao City, the largest city in the world (244,000 hectares), is considered the Orchid Capital of the Philippines. It is also famous for fruits and as a take-off point for climbing Mt. Apo, the Philippines' highest mountain and habitat of the monkey-eating Philippine eagle. It has a mild pleasant climate all year round and is shielded from typhoons. Its setting on Davao Gulf and the fertility of the land have made Davao the agricultural and industrial center in the South. Davao is also noted for ethnic groups that still follow their traditions as can be seen from their arts and crafts.

A tour of the city and the outskirts will bring the visitor to Dabaw Ethnics, a tiny settlement of the Mandaya Tribe; Dabaw Museum whose displays include tribal artifacts and costumes; and the Taoist and Lon Wa Buddhist Temples. Visitor attractions include Greenhills and Derling Orchid Farms where Davao's orchids blossom and bloom. The more popular attractions in the province are: Fort del Pilar; Pasonanca Park with its botanical garden, Rio Hondo and Taliksangay, where members of the Samal Tribe live in their huts on stilts. For shopping variation, the nearby sea becomes afloat with Muslim boats with colorful sails called vintas, filled with handicrafts such as mats, brassware and handwoven native cloths.

The first East Asian Business convention was held in Davao. Davao is considered the fastest economic growth area of the Philippines.

Davao Sister City Committee Chair