Davao Oriental

Davao Oriental is a province of the Philippines located in the Davao Region (Region XI) of Mindanao. Covering 5,679.64 square kilometers, it is composed of 10 municipalities, 1 city, and a total of 183 barangays. Mati City, the capital, is known for its beautiful beaches, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, and Pujada Bay. The province is also recognized as the 'Coconut Capital of the Philippines' and an emerging eco-tourism destination.

HISTORY

Davao Oriental has been inhabited since pre-colonial times by indigenous groups such as the Mandaya, Mansaka, and Kalagan. During the Spanish era, the province became part of Provincia de Caraga and later Comandancia de Mati, though control was limited to coastal areas due to indigenous resistance. Under the American period, it was incorporated into the undivided Davao Province. After World War II, agriculture, especially coconut, abaca, and logging, boosted development. On May 8, 1967, Republic Act No. 4867 divided the old Davao Province into Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental, with Mati as its provincial capital. In 2014, Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

QUICK FACTS
Population (2024)	590,042
Land Area (2015)	5,679.64 km²
No. of Households	140,064
Average Household Size	4.11
Registered Voters	435,188
Major Landmarks	Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
Coastal Access	Yes
Elevation	145 meters above sea level

Map

Davao Oriental is located in southeastern Mindanao, bordered on the west by Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte, on the southwest by Davao Gulf, on the east and south by the Philippine Sea, and on the north by Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur.

MUNICIPALITIES POPULATION DATA

Davao Oriental has 10 municipalities, 1 city, and 183 barangays. Mati City is the capital and the most populous local government unit.

name	type	barangay_count	population_2020	population_2024
Baganga	Municipality	18	58714	59796
Banaybanay	Municipality	14	44451	46231
Boston	Municipality	8	14618	15074
Caraga	Municipality	17	39704	39630
Cateel	Municipality	16	44207	45623
Governor Generoso	Municipality	20	59891	63695
Lupon	Municipality	21	66979	68717
Manay	Municipality	17	39572	39271
City of Mati	City, Capital	26	147547	148672
San Isidro	Municipality	10	33664	35984
Tarragona	Municipality	10	26996	27349

DEMOGRAPHICS

Population by Age Group (2020)

Based on the 2020 Census, Davao Oriental’s largest age group was 10–14 years (64,689 individuals), followed by 5–9 years (64,484) and below 5 years (59,352). The smallest group was 75–79 years (5,224 individuals).

age
Below 5
5-9
10-14
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80+

Population by Gender (2020)

In 2020, the population was 51.72% male and 48.28% female, indicating more males than females.

ECONOMY

Agricultural and Fisheries Production (2018–2023)

From 2018 to 2023, crop production in Davao Oriental ranged from ₱9,118 million in 2019 to ₱11,484 million in 2023. Livestock output increased significantly after 2020, reaching ₱3,271 million in 2023. Poultry production grew steadily from ₱644 million in 2018 to ₱1,003 million in 2023. Fisheries production fluctuated, starting at ₱1,366 million in 2018, peaking at ₱4,970 million in 2022, and dipping slightly to ₱4,579 million in 2023.

title	2022	2023
Crops	10736	11484
Livestock	3184	3271
Poultry	748	1003
Fisheries	4970	4579

BARANGAY