City of Panabo – Davao Del Norte
Panabo City, officially the City of Panabo, is a 3rd-class component city in the province of Davao del Norte. Strategically positioned on the northeastern coast of the Davao Gulf, it serves as a vital agro-industrial gateway between Davao City and Tagum City.
With a land area of 25,123 hectares and a population of over 209,000 (projected from the 2020 census), Panabo has evolved from a quiet coastal settlement into a bustling urban center known for its vast plantations and industrial prowess.
The Agro-Industrial Hub
Panabo City is globally recognized as the “Banana Capital of the Philippines”. It is home to the world’s largest Cavendish banana plantation, owned by the Tagum Agricultural Development Company (TADECO).
- Key Export: The city is a major contributor to the country’s multi-million dollar banana export industry.
- Economic Drivers: Beyond agriculture, Panabo hosts a growing number of manufacturing plants, commercial hubs, and the Anflo Industrial Estate, a premier PEZA-registered industrial subdivision.
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Panabo is a highly accessible city, acting as a crucial link in the Davao Region’s transport network.
- Panabo City Flyover: Opened in 2020, this major infrastructure project has significantly eased traffic congestion along the Pan-Philippine Highway (AH26), facilitating smoother travel for residents and logistics.
- Port Access: The city’s proximity to the Davao International Container Terminal (DICT) – one of the country’s most modern port facilities – makes it a focal point for international shipping and trade.
- Air Travel: It remains conveniently located just 45 minutes to an hour away from the Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City.
Tourism and Leisure
While industrial in nature, Panabo offers refreshing green spaces and coastal retreats for locals and tourists alike.
- Panabo City Parks and Plaza: Located at the heart of the city, this is a popular spot for community gatherings, evening strolls, and local street food.
- Panabo City Seawall and Park: A favorite “tambayan” (hangout) for those seeking the sea breeze, especially popular in the afternoons for its view of the Davao Gulf.
- Mariculture Park: A unique destination highlighting the city’s aquatic resources and sustainable fishing practices.
Culture and Heritage
The people of Panabo, known for their industry and resilience, celebrate their identity through vibrant festivals and religious observances.
- Founding Anniversary: The city commemorates its charter anniversary every March 31st, featuring the “Binulig Festival” which celebrates the bountiful banana harvest.
- Annual Fiesta: Celebrated every January 25th in honor of the Conversion of Saint Paul, the city’s patron saint.
Barangays
Panabo City is divided into 40 barangays, namely:
- A. O. Floirendo
- Datu Abdul Dadia
- Buenavista
- Cacao
- Cagangohan
- Consolacion
- Dapco
- Gredu (Poblacion)
- J.P. Laurel
- Kasilak
- Katipunan
- Katualan
- Kauswagan
- Kiotoy
- Little Panay
- Lower Panaga (Roxas)
- Mabunao
- Maduao
- Malativas
- Manay
- Nanyo
- New Malaga (Dalisay)
- New Malitbog
- New Pandan (Pob.
- New Visayas
- Quezon
- Salvacion
- San Francisco (Poblacion)
- San Nicolas
- San Pedro
- San Roque
- San Vicente
- Santa Cruz
- Santo Niño (Poblacion)
- Sindaton
- Southern Davao
- Tagpore
- Tibungol
- Upper Licanan
- Waterfall
COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITIES
- Davao Del Norte State College (DNSC)
- University of Mindanao – Panabo Campus
- ACES Polytechnic College, Inc.
- Maryknoll College of Panabo, Inc (MCPI)
- North Davao Colleges
- NorthLink Technological College, Inc.
- Valiant Technological College
- Northern Paramedical and Technological College, Inc.
- The Leores Training Academy Inc.
HIGH SCHOOL
- North Davao Colleges – High School Department
- Maryknoll College of Panabo, Inc (MCPI)
- Davao del Norte State College Laboratory School
- Francisco Adlaon Learning Institute
- Panabo SDA Learning Center
- Panabo Christian School
- Panabo City Senior High School
- Panabo Achievers Academy
- Panabo City National High School
- Little Panay National High School
- Colegio de Davao – Panabo Campus
- Good Shepherd Baptist School (Church School)
- A. O. Floirendo National High School
- Cagangohan National High School
- Don Manuel A. Javellana Memorial National High School
- Kasilak National High School
- Kauswagan National High School
- Mabunao National High School
- Malativas National High School
- Manay National High School
- Quezon National High School
- San Vicente National High School
- Sindaton National High School
- Southern Davao National High School
ELEMENTARY
- Panabo Central Elementary School Sped Center
- Rizal Elementary School Panabo
- Sta. Cruz Elementary School
- San Vicente Elementary School
- Glecerio L. Dondoy Central Elementary School
- Salvacion Elementary School
- Nanyo Central Elementary School
- Tibungol Elementary School
- San Francisco Elementary School
- San Francisco Elementary School
- New Visayas Elementary School
OFFICIALS
Mayor
Jose “Joe” E. Relampagos
Vice-Mayor
Franklin “Frank” Gentiles
City Council Members
- Janno Paolo P. Gentiles
- Gregorio U. Dujali III
- Devona H. Jumamil
- Emeterio E. Blase
- Flopone Royle A. Catalan
- Wendel M. Enad
- Emmanuel G. Pamisaran
- Dizon P. Namuag
- Renante F. Bangoy
- Wahid B. Ranain
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