Davao del Norte

Davao del Norte is a highly productive province in the Davao Region (Region XI), located in southeastern Mindanao. Its capital is Tagum City, a progressive urban hub and one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. The province is composed of 3 cities and 8 municipalities, including key areas such as Panabo City, Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), and Carmen.

Davao del Norte is known as the “Banana Capital of the Philippines”, due to its extensive banana plantations that cater to both domestic and export markets. Strategically located near Davao City and the Davao Gulf, the province also benefits from strong logistics infrastructure, making it a major trade and agri-industrial center in Mindanao.

The province is culturally diverse, with Indigenous Peoples (such as the Ata-Manobo and Mandaya), migrant settlers, and coastal Muslim communities. It also boasts eco-tourism attractions such as Samal Island’s beaches, inland resorts, and mountain ranges. Davao del Norte is often cited for its strong governance, investment-friendly policies, and innovative public services, yet some interior barangays still face development challenges.

Agricultural Sector

Agriculture is a major pillar of Davao del Norte’s economy. The province is a leading producer of export-quality bananas, with large plantations managed by multinational companies and cooperatives, particularly in Panabo City, Carmen, and Sto. Tomas. Other key crops include rice, corn, coconut, cacao, durian, mango, and pineapple.

Smallholder farmers are supported through programs that provide production inputs, farm machinery, irrigation systems, and value-chain development. The provincial government and the Department of Agriculture also promote high-value crops, organic farming, and agripreneurship. Agribusinesses benefit from infrastructure such as the Davao International Container Terminal (DICT) and road networks linking farms to ports and markets.

Fisheries Sector

Davao del Norte has a vibrant fisheries and aquaculture sector, especially in coastal areas like the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) and municipalities along the Davao Gulf. The province engages in municipal fishing, mariculture (particularly bangus and tilapia), and seaweed farming.

IGaCoS is known for its fish cages, which produce milkfish (bangus) for both local and national markets. Fish processing and cold storage facilities support the postharvest sector. Inland fish farming is practiced in some lowland municipalities. BFAR and LGUs continue to assist fisherfolk with motorized boats, fish cages, fingerlings, feeds, and training on resource management and postharvest techniques.

Poverty Situation

Davao del Norte is among the more economically developed provinces in Mindanao, but pockets of poverty still exist, particularly in upland barangays and Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities in municipalities like Talaingod and Kapalong. These areas face limited access to education, healthcare, and stable livelihoods.

While urban centers like Tagum and Panabo are relatively prosperous, development disparities remain in remote and conflict-affected areas. The provincial government implements convergence efforts involving social services, livelihood programs, and IP empowerment. Poverty alleviation is supported by infrastructure development and national programs targeting disadvantaged sectors.

Project Profile

DA

The DA-SAAD Program is implemented in selected IP and upland barangays of Davao del Norte, focusing on marginalized farmers with little to no access to formal livelihood support. Interventions include vegetable seeds, corn production kits, native chickens, goats, and agricultural tools.

Municipalities such as Talaingod and Kapalong are among the primary beneficiaries. SAAD also trains beneficiaries on sustainable farming and organizes them into farmer associations to ensure sustainability and shared learning. The program aims to build food security, increase household income, and strengthen community resilience.

Year CoveredMunicipalityBarangayProjectAssociationMembersInput Amount
2023San IsidroPinamunoCorn and Layer Chicken Production ProjectSan Roque Farmers Association251,533,716.00
2023TalaingodPalma GilCorn and Layer Chicken Production ProjectBanoog Caa Farmers Association251,533,716.00
2024San IsidroPinamunoCorn and Layer Chicken Production ProjectSan Roque Farmers Association251,439,310.00
2024San IsidroSabanganCorn and Native Chicken Production ProjectDiversified Farmer's Association Of Sabangan251,349,110.00
2024TalaingodDagohoyAbaca and Native Chicken Production ProjectDagohoy Abaca Farmer's Association251,479,210.00
2024TalaingodPalma GilCorn and Layer Chicken Production ProjectBanoog Caa Farmers Association251,439,310.00
2025San IsidroDacudaoCacao and Goat Production ProjectDakudao Upland Farmers Association Inc.25829,940.00
2025San IsidroPinamunoCACAO AND GOAT PROJECT PRODUCTION PROJECT25867,440.00
2025San IsidroSabanganCORN AND NATIVE CHICKEN PRODUCTION PROJECT251,361,270.00
2025TalaingodDagohoyABACA AND GOAT PRODUCTION PROJECT251,394,540.00
2025TalaingodPalma GilCORN AND LAYER CHICKEN PRODUCTION PROJECT251,523,070.00
2026San IsidroDacudaoCacao Production ProjectDakudao Upland Farmers Association Inc.251,110.00
2026San IsidroDatu BalongLayer ChickenDatu Balong Farmers Association25842.37
2026San IsidroSabanganNative ChickenDiversified Farmers Association Of Sabangan251,137.29
2026TalaingodDagohoyGoatDagohoy Abaca Farmer Association251,021.37
2026TalaingodPalma GilLayer ChickenBanoog Caa Farmers Association251,259.46
2026TalaingodSanto NiñoLayer ChickenSouthern Highlands And United Tribal Clans Of Melako Inc.25842.37

BFAR

The BFAR-SAAD program helps fisherfolk in coastal and inland barangays, especially in Samal Island and low-income areas of Panabo and Carmen. It provides fingerlings, seaweed propagules, motorized banca, fish cages, and livelihood training.

SAAD also assists in forming and strengthening fisherfolk organizations, ensuring that interventions are community-led and monitored. The program complements existing fisheries development projects and supports the sustainable use of Davao Gulf resources while addressing livelihood gaps in poor fishing communities.

Year CoveredMunicipalityBarangayProjectAssociationMembersInput Amount
2023San IsidroIgangonTilapia Culture in PondSuop Luy-a Association (sula)2530,390.00
2023San IsidroIgangonTilapia Culture in PondSuop Igangon Farmers Association (sifa)18128,403.00
2023San IsidroIgangonTilapia Culture in PondSan Isidro Saad Fisherfolk Association (sisfa)191,250,222.00
2023TalaingodSanto NiñoTilapia Culture in PondTalaingod Saad Fisherfolk Association (tsfa)251,326,524.00
2023TalaingodSanto NiñoTilapia Culture in PondBasak Slp Association (basak)48119,310.00
2024San IsidroIgangonTilapia Culture in PondSuop Luy-a Association (sula)2576,400.00
2024San IsidroIgangonTilapia Culture in PondSan Isidro Fisherfolk Assciation (sisfa)201,660,717.00
2024San IsidroIgangonTilapia Culture in PondSuop Igangon Farmers Association (sifa)18110,876.00
2024TalaingodSanto NiñoTilapia Culture in PondTalaingod Saad Fisherfolk Associatin (tsfa)251,855,424.00
2024TalaingodSanto NiñoTilapia Culture in PondBasak Slp Association (basak Slp)48145,101.00
2025San IsidroIgangonTilapia Culture in PondSan Isidro Saad Fisherfolk Association (sisfa)19131,010.00
2025San IsidroIgangonTilapia Culture in PondSuop Igangon Farmers Association (sifa)1844,700.00
2025San IsidroIgangonTilapia Culture in PondSuop Luy-a Association (sula)2529,680.00
2025San IsidroSawataTilapia Culture in PondSan Isidro Fish Operator Association (sifoa)181,550,000.00
2025TalaingodDagohoyTilapia Culture in PondTalaingod Dagohoy Sto. Niño Palma Gil Fisherfolk Association201,550,000.00
2025TalaingodSanto NiñoTilapia Culture in PondBasak Slp Association (basak)4863,600.00
2025TalaingodSanto NiñoTilapia Culture in PondTalaingod Saad Fisherfolk Association (tsfa)24131,010.00