On the 89th Araw ng Davao: Some historical notes

As we commemorate the 89th Araw ng Davao, we reflect on how this celebration has seen increased interest among Filipinos.

- #MINDANAO JOHN TRIA

A look at the city's unique history may help explain why.Davao the indigenous settlement was first touched by Spanish colonizers only in 1848 making its exposure to Spanish colonialism relatively recent when compared with other major cities in the country which were organized pueblos for 300 or so years.

At the dawn of the 20th century Americans settled into what they considered very fertile land for the cultivation of vital crops like coconut and abaca, and a hub for trading. At the same time the significant Chinese population began migrating into Davao, which explains the city's vast Chinatown.

The Japanese also entered the scene in the early years of the last century, first by tilling the lands organized by the Americans and thereafter owning plantations of the aforementioned crops, along with trading houses and other businesses, swelling their population to the thousands.