Tagum, Philippines

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Tagum, Philippines

Region: Davao del Norte

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Geographic Coordinates: 7.447800, 125.808000

Climate: Tagum has a tropical climate with no distinct seasons, and experiences high temperatures and rainfall throughout the year.

Population: 296202

Language: Tagalog

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Tagum is a highly urbanized city located in the province of Davao del Norte, Philippines. It is situated in the southeastern part of Mindanao Island and serves as the provincial capital. Tagum has a total land area of 195.80 square kilometers and is home to more than 280, 000 residents. The city boasts its rich cultural heritage and natural resources that make it an ideal destination for tourists. Tagum’s economy mainly relies on agriculture, With major crops such as rice, Corn, Coconut, Banana, And abaca grown in its fertile soil.

One of the most notable landmarks in Tagum is the New City Hall Building which stands tall at 12 stories high. The building features modern architecture and houses various government offices including the mayor’s office and council chambers. For nature lovers, Tagum offers several attractions such as Mount Apo National Park which covers an area of 72 hectares with lush forests that serve as home to various flora and fauna species. The park also features hot springs that provide a relaxing experience for visitors.

Another popular attraction in Tagum is Banaybanay Falls which boasts crystal clear waters cascading down from a height of about 30 meters into a natural pool below. Visitors can enjoy swimming or simply relax by the falls while taking in its scenic beauty. Tagum also celebrates several festivals throughout the year including Musikahan Festival held every February showcasing local music talents; Bulawanong Kasilak Festival held every March featuring street dancing competitions; and Araw ng Tagumpay held every June celebrating their cityhood anniversary.

In terms of education, Tagum has several universities including University Of Mindanao-Tagum Campus offering courses ranging from business administration to engineering; Davao del Norte State College providing quality education on teacher training programs; among others. Overall, Tagum offers endless opportunities for adventure seekers looking for an authentic Filipino experience while immersing themselves in the rich culture and natural beauty of the region.

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1. New Christ the King Cathedral
2. Tagum City Hall
3. Rotary Park and Playground
4. Energy Park
5. Tagum City Night Market
6. Apo View Hotel
7. Mindanao Taoist Temple
8. The World’s Largest Rosary Hill
9. San Agustin Botanical Garden
10. Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc (TADECO)

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• Agriculture (particularly banana and coconut production)
• Mining
• Manufacturing
• Retail and wholesale trade
• Tourism
• Services such as:
  • Banking
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Transportation
• Several large corporations such as:
  • Dole Philippines Inc.
  • Lapanday Foods Corporation
  • Sumifru Philippines Corporation
  • Hijo Resources Corporation

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Noteable History

1. The establishment of Tagum as a municipality in 1941.
2. The declaration of Tagum as a city in 2012.
3. The construction of the Davao-Butuan National Highway, which passes through Tagum, in the early 1900s.
4. The establishment of the University of Southeastern Philippines-Tagum Campus (USEP-Tagum) in 1986.
5. The election of Rey T. Uy as mayor from 2007 to present day, who has implemented various programs and projects for the development and progress of the city.
6. The presence of indigenous communities such as the Mandaya and Mansaka tribes, who have preserved their cultural heritage despite modernization.
7. Notable people from Tagum include former Philippine President Corazon Aquino’s brother Jose Peping Cojuangco Jr., who served as congressman for the first district of Davao del Norte which includes Tagum City; and singer-composer Joey Ayala, known for his advocacy on indigenous culture and environmentalism.

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Museums and Things To See

1. Tagum City Hall is a grand building that showcases the beauty of Tagum’s architecture.
2. The New Christ the King Cathedral is a newly built cathedral that boasts its modern design and beautiful interiors.
3. Museo Dabawenyo is a museum that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Davao, including Tagum’s history and culture.
4. The Banayan Tree Park is an old tree park where visitors can relax and enjoy the fresh air while admiring the beauty of nature.
5. Mindanao Folk Arts Museum is an art center that features various artworks from different ethnic groups in Mindanao, including Tagum’s indigenous cultures.
6. The Philippine Eagle Center, located just outside Tagum, is a conservation center home to several Philippine eagles as well as other endangered species.
7. Mount Apo Natural Park, located near Tagum, is home to Mount Apo which is the highest peak in the Philippines offering stunning views for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike.

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Sports Teams

1. Tagum City Drumbeaters – This is the official drum and bugle corps of the city that performs during local events and competitions.
2. Tagum City Sports Complex – A multi-purpose sports facility that hosts various sporting events such as basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, among others.
3. Davao del Norte Sports Academy – A training center for young athletes who aspire to become professional players in different sports disciplines.
4. Tagum City Football Club – This is a football team that represents the city in regional tournaments such as the Davao Football Association League.
5. Tagum Titans Basketball Team – A basketball team composed of amateur players from the city who compete in local leagues and tournaments.
6. Tagum City Chess Club – An organization of chess enthusiasts who organize chess tournaments for children and adults alike.
7. Davao del Norte Volleyball Association – This association consists of volleyball players from different towns and cities within the province that promotes the sport through regular games and competitions.
8. Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku Karate-do Club (MKDKC) – This is a karate club based at Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku University with members from all over Mindanao region including students from Japan where it has its roots on traditional Shotokan Karate-do under Japan Karatedo Federation (JKF).

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Cultural Events

1. Musikahan Festival is a week-long music festival held every February in Tagum City. The festival showcases local talents and features various performances and competitions.
2. Tagum City Fiesta is celebrated every 23rd of January in honor of the city’s patron saint, Señor Sto. Niño de Cebu. The celebration includes a grand parade, street dancing competition, and cultural shows.
3. Pagsaulog Festival is a thanksgiving festival held every December to celebrate the bountiful harvests of the year. The event features colorful street dances and floats adorned with fruits and vegetables.
4. Kaimonan Festival is celebrated every September 18th to commemorate the founding anniversary of Tagum City as a municipality in 1941. The festival showcases traditional dances, music, food, and games.
5. Banayan Festival is held every April to celebrate the abundance of banyan trees in Tagum City’s parks and streetscapes. The event features tree-planting activities, art exhibits, concerts, and other environmental awareness campaigns.
6. T’nalak Festival is a cultural showcase that highlights South Cotabato’s indigenous culture through traditional dances, music performances using ethnic instruments like kulintang (gongs), weaving demonstrations using t’nalak cloth made from abaca fibers.
7. Pistang Pinoy is an annual celebration that usually takes place on June 12th which is also known as Philippine Independence Day where Filipinos commemorate their independence from Spain on June 12th ,1898 by declaring their sovereignty over their country after more than three centuries under Spanish colonial rule.

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Cuisine

• Kinilaw – a dish made of raw fish marinated in vinegar, calamansi juice, onions, and chili peppers. It is usually served as an appetizer or pulutan (finger food) in most restaurants and bars.
• Lechon Manok – roasted chicken that is cooked over charcoal until it becomes crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Some of the best places to try this dish are Andoks Chicken, Baliwag Lechon Manok, and Chooks to Go.
• Sinuglaw – a combination of grilled pork belly (sinugba) and kinilaw (raw fish salad). This unique blend of flavors is a must-try when visiting Tagum City.
• Durian – a fruit that is known for its strong smell but delicious taste. You can find various durian-based desserts such as durian ice cream or durian cake at local bakeries or cafes like Cafe Demitasse.
• Dencio’s Grill & Restaurant – one of the most popular restaurants in Tagum City that serves Filipino favorites such as sisig, adobo, and grilled seafood.
• Balay Verde Restaurant & Catering Services – a family-owned restaurant that offers traditional Filipino dishes like kare-kare (oxtail stew), pinakbet (mixed vegetable stew), and crispy pata (deep-fried pork knuckles).
• Lachi’s Sans Rival Atbp – Known for their mouth-watering desserts like sans rival cakes with different flavors such as ube macapuno or mango float cake.
• Kusina sa Subli – A restaurant offering authentic Filipino dishes with an ambiance inspired by the indigenous tribe called Mandaya from Davao Oriental region.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Tagum City People’s Park is a popular park that features a lake, playgrounds, gardens, and picnic areas.
2. Rotary Park is a spacious park that offers jogging paths, bike trails, and sports facilities.
3. Freedom Park is an open space designed for outdoor activities like basketball, volleyball, and soccer.
4. Bonsai Forest is a scenic spot ideal for nature lovers who want to appreciate the beauty of bonsai trees.
5. New City Hall Grounds is an expansive area perfect for hosting outdoor events such as concerts and festivals.
6. Tagum Agricultural Development Company (TADECO) Nature Park is a nature reserve with hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
7. RDR Sports Complex provides various sports facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts and more.
8. San Agustin Botanical Garden offers visitors the chance to see various plant species in a beautiful botanical garden setting.
9. Tagum City Sports Complex has an oval track field where people can jog or run.
10. Davao del Norte Sports & Tourism Complex serves as a stadium complex that hosts various sporting events like football matches.

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