City of Mati, Davao Oriental
The bustling capital of Davao Oriental and sole component city of the province, renowned for the crescent sands of Dahican Beach, the protected waters of Pujada Bay, scenic coastal highways, and rich Mandaya cultural roots. Located 165 kilometers southeast of Davao City, Mati is the administrative, commercial, educational, and ecotourism gateway to Southeastern Mindanao.
The Coastal Capital Along Pujada & Mayo Bays
Situated along the southeastern seaboard of Mindanao, Mati balances vibrant agro-industrial productivity with premier marine biodiversity.
Coastal Topography & Boundaries
Mati spans 588.63 square kilometers of rolling hills, dramatic coastal capes, and fertile valleys. It is bounded to the north by the Municipality of Tarragona, to the northeast by Caraga, to the west by Lupon and Pantukan (Davao de Oro), and to the south and east by the expansive marine basins of Pujada Bay, Mayo Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. The city terrain rises from coastal sea level up to elevations exceeding 2,300 meters along the ridges of Mount Hamiguitan.
Agro-Industrial & Coconut Economy
Long recognized as a prime coconut and copra producer of Southeastern Mindanao, Mati supports vibrant agricultural, fishing, and processing industries. Coconut groves dominate the rolling hills, accompanied by cacao plantations, coffee farms, bananas, and corn. In addition to agriculture, Mati functions as the provincial administrative capital, hosting major regional government agencies, banking hubs, colleges, state universities, and commercial retailers.
Protected Landscapes & Seascapes
Mati is home to three designated protected environmental areas: the Pujada Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape, the Mati Protected Landscape, and the peripheral buffer zones of the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). These sanctuaries harbor dugongs, dolphins, sea turtles (pawikan), whale sharks, and delicate coral reef formations across the bay.
Tropical Climate & Surfing Seasons
Under the Köppen climate classification, Mati experiences a tropical rainforest climate without a dry season. Copious rainfall sustains local agriculture and lush mangrove estuaries year round. Coastal winds from the Pacific Ocean generate consistent surf and skimboarding swells along Dahican Beach, with peak wave action running from October through April during the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan).
Historical Foundation & Affirmation of Cityhood
From an indigenous settlement and Spanish military outpost to the undisputed administrative capital of Davao Oriental.
1861 Spanish Settlement
Mati was formally organized in 1861 as a Spanish settlement led by pioneer political military commander Captain Prudencio Garcia and Juan Nazareno. Named after the native stream and Mandaya term for the locality, Mati grew as an active trading post and coastal defense station along the Pacific approaches to the Davao Gulf.
Municipal Creation & Capital Seat
On October 29, 1903, Act No. 21 of the Moro Province established Mati as a municipality. Francisco Rojas served as the first appointed mayor, and Patricio Cunanan was elected as the first municipal mayor in 1923. When Republic Act No. 4867 divided the old Davao Province into three independent provinces on July 1, 1967, Mati was designated as the capital of Davao Oriental.
Affirmed Cityhood in 2011
Cityhood was enacted through Republic Act No. 9408 on June 19, 2007. Following protracted legal debates across the League of Cities regarding component city status, the Supreme Court of the Philippines definitively affirmed Mati's cityhood charter on February 15, 2011, establishing Mati as Davao Oriental's sole chartered city.
City Government Leadership & Administration
The executive and legislative officials presiding over Mati City Hall and public governance.
Hon. Mayo Z. Almario
Chief Executive of the City of Mati, directing infrastructure modernization, coastal resource management, agricultural enhancements, and public service delivery across all 26 barangays.
Hon. Lorenzo Leon Garcia Rabat
Presiding Officer of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council), leading legislative ordinances, municipal codes, local appropriations, and civic policy development.
Hon. Cheeno Miguel D. Almario
Representative for the Second Congressional District of Davao Oriental in the House of Representatives, championing digital infrastructure, connectivity, and coastal development.
The 26 Barangays of the City of Mati
Explore official population data, geographic character, and local landmarks across all twenty-six barangays.
| Barangay | Character | Population (2020 PSA) | Pop Share | Notable Features & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badas | Coastal / Mountain | 7,042 | 4.77% | Sleeping Dinosaur viewdeck, Badas Zigzag highway, scenic bay overlook |
| Bobon | Coastal Bay | 5,057 | 3.43% | Pujada Bay shoreline, marine fishing communities, coastal coconut groves |
| Buso | Inland / Upland | 3,784 | 2.56% | Buso Hot Springs, lush interior foothills, agricultural farms |
| Cabuaya | Coastal Bay | 2,152 | 1.46% | Scenic outer bay shoreline, coconut agriculture, coastal settlements |
| Central (Poblacion) | Urban Commercial | 34,947 | 23.69% | Mati City Hall, commercial banks, public market, Mati Baywalk (Castro Park) |
| Culian | Coastal Bay | 1,797 | 1.22% | Quiet coastal community, small scale marine fisheries, copra drying |
| Dahican | Coastal Tourism | 18,253 | 12.37% | Dahican Beach (7km white sand, surf/skim), Mati Airport, Guang-guang Mangrove |
| Danao | Inland / Forest | 722 | 0.49% | Upland watershed, agro-forestry, peaceful highland settlement |
| Dawan | Inland / Highway | 4,002 | 2.71% | Gateway junction on national highway, agricultural trading point |
| Don Enrique Lopez | Inland Farming | 4,296 | 2.91% | Extensive coconut, cacao, and fruit plantations |
| Don Martin Marundan | Inland Corridor | 4,866 | 3.30% | Rapidly expanding residential and agrarian communities near highway |
| Don Salvador Lopez, Sr. | Inland Farming | 4,688 | 3.18% | Copra production, cornfields, diversified agro-forestry farms |
| Langka | Inland Upland | 1,251 | 0.85% | Upland orchards, jackfruit and tropical fruit cultivation |
| Lawigan | Coastal Bay | 3,202 | 2.17% | Pristine coves, fishing settlements, coastal coconut plantations |
| Libudon | Inland Agrarian | 2,492 | 1.69% | Lowland agriculture, rice paddies, livestock farming |
| Luban | Coastal Pacific | 1,288 | 0.87% | Pacific-facing shoreline, artisanal fishing, coconut farms |
| Macambol | Coastal / UNESCO Buffer | 4,952 | 3.36% | Mount Hamiguitan buffer zone, Pujada Bay coast, mineral-rich terrain |
| Mamali | Inland Farming | 2,295 | 1.56% | Mixed crop agriculture, banana and root crop cultivation |
| Matiao | Urban / Educational | 16,234 | 11.00% | Carmelite Monastery, Davao Oriental State University (DORSU), schools |
| Mayo | Coastal Bay | 3,261 | 2.21% | Mayo Bay shoreline, surf spots, fishing villages, scenic headlands |
| Sainz | Urban / Provincial | 10,377 | 7.03% | Provincial Capitol Compound, Subangan Provincial Museum, sports complex |
| Sanghay | Coastal Bay | 1,495 | 1.01% | Scenic coastal stretches, small fishing harbor, coconut groves |
| Tagabakid | Coastal Agrarian | 1,630 | 1.10% | Coastal farming, copra drying, artisanal sea fishing |
| Tagbinonga | Inland Upland | 1,613 | 1.09% | Highland vegetable cultivation, agro-forestry, rolling terrain |
| Taguibo | Inland Agrarian | 2,303 | 1.56% | Coconut processing facilities, corn, agricultural family estates |
| Tamisan | Coastal Jump-off | 3,548 | 2.40% | Sitio Batiano (Pier One), jump-off point for Pujada Bay island hopping tours |
Premier Attractions Across Mati City
From world-class surf breaks and vanishing sandbars to museum halls housing prehistoric sea life.
Dahican Beach
A 7-kilometer crescent of powdery white sand with powerful beach breaks. Famous for skimboarding, surfing clinics, Amihan Boys community champions, and sea turtle (pawikan) nesting sanctuaries.
Explore Dahican Beach Guide Beautiful Bays ClubPujada Bay & Pujada Island
Recognized by the international Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club. Island hopping tours visit lush 156-hectare Pujada Island, turquoise Waniban Island, and the submerged Oak Island sandbar.
Explore Pujada Bay Guide Iconic PeninsulaSleeping Dinosaur Viewdeck
The famous headland in Barangay Badas resembling a massive dinosaur resting along Pujada Bay. Visible from the Badas Zigzag road with hiking trails reaching the dinosaur spine.
Explore Sleeping Dinosaur Guide Heritage & BiodiversitySubangan Provincial Museum
Located at the Provincial Capitol in Sainz, featuring the 53-foot sperm whale skeleton "Davor", indigenous Mandaya and Mansaka cultural exhibits, and Mount Hamiguitan biodiversity displays.
Explore Subangan Museum Guide Seaside PromenadeMati Baywalk (Castro Park)
The bustling waterfront promenade in Central Poblacion along Pujada Bay. A popular gathering spot for sunset viewing, local street food, grilled seafood, and evening social life.
Explore Mati Baywalk Guide AccommodationsBest Beach Resorts Directory
A curated directory of top oceanfront resorts, surf camps, boutique villas, and budget cottages across Dahican Beach, Mayo Bay, and the Pujada coastline.
View Beach Resorts DirectorySambuokan Festival, Pujada Bay & Mandaya Roots
Celebrations uniting indigenous Mandaya tradition, coastal environmental pride, and civic harmony.
Sambuokan Festival (October)
Celebrated every last week of October, the Sambuokan Festival derives its name from the Mandaya word sambuok, meaning "oneness" or "unity". The week-long celebration features vibrant street dancing in traditional Mandaya beadwork and dagmay woven garments, ethnic music competitions, an agro-trade fair, and sports tournaments.
Pujada Bay Festival (June)
Held every June, this festival highlights marine conservation, coastal heritage, and water sports. Commemorating the establishment of the Pujada Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape, activities include regatta races, coastal cleanups, marine biodiversity seminars, and eco-tours across Waniban and Pujada islands.
Cityhood Charter Day (June 19)
Commemorating the passage of Republic Act No. 9408, Cityhood Day celebrates Mati's transition into a chartered city. The day is marked by civic parades, honoring outstanding Matinian leaders and community achievers, and hosting public concerts at the provincial park and baywalk.
How to Get to Mati City & Travel Around
Practical transportation advice, routes from Davao City via Tagum, and local transit guidance.
Fly to Davao City (DVO)
Take a commercial flight from Manila or Cebu to Francisco Bangoy International Airport (DVO) in Davao City. From the airport, take a taxi or Grab (approx 20 to 30 minutes) to the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (Ecoland).
Bus or Van to Mati City
At Ecoland Terminal, board an air-conditioned Bachelor Express bus departing every 30 to 40 minutes (fare approx ₱392.00, about 3.5 to 4 hours). Alternatively, passenger vans depart from Gaisano Mall / Victoria Plaza in Davao City (approx 2.5 to 3 hours).
Bao-Bao to Dahican or Tamisan
Upon arrival at the Mati City Bus Terminal, take a local bao-bao (motorized tricycle) to your resort at Dahican Beach (10 to 15 minutes, approx ₱150 to ₱200 special trip) or to Pier One in Sitio Batiano, Barangay Tamisan for island hopping boats.
Recommended 2-Day Mati Highlights Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Davao early, stop at Badas Zigzag Viewdeck to photograph the Sleeping Dinosaur, explore the Subangan Provincial Museum in Sainz to view "Davor" the whale, check into your Dahican resort, and enjoy sunset dining at Mati Baywalk.
Day 2: Morning surf or skimboard lesson at Dahican Beach with Amihan Boys instructors, take a chartered boat from Pier One in Tamisan to Waniban Island and Oak Island sandbar, and return to Davao City by late afternoon.
Recommended 3-Day Ecotourism & Adventure Itinerary
Day 1: Scenic coastal drive through Tagum City and Badas, Sleeping Dinosaur ridge trek, Subangan Museum, and evening seafood at Baywalk.
Day 2: Early morning ultralight aircraft flight over Dahican coastline with Mindanao Saga Flying Club, followed by a full-day Pujada Bay island hopping tour covering Pujada Island and Waniban.
Day 3: Morning walk through Guang-guang Mangrove Park boardwalk in Dahican, dip in Buso Hot Springs, and purchase local coconut and cacao delicacies before heading home.
Custom Apparel, Festival Shirts & Uniforms for Mati City
RB Advertising manufactures professional sublimation apparel, festival event merchandise, LGU uniforms, and sportswear for government agencies, businesses, and schools across Mati City.
Festival & Event T-Shirts
Custom commemorative shirts for the Sambuokan Festival, Pujada Bay Festival, and Cityhood Charter Day celebrations with high-definition DTF printing and breathable cotton fabrics.
Surfing Rashguards & Activewear
UPF 50+ sun protection rashguards, quick-dry swim jammers, and lightweight boardshorts engineered for Dahican surfers, skimboarders, dive masters, and resort crew members.
LGU & Barangay Uniforms
Tailored polo shirts, Barangay Health Worker (BHW) scrub suits, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) vests, and inter-purok full sublimation sports jerseys.
Production Facility: Naungayan Building, Aala Road, Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City. Business hours: Mon to Sat, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Daily cargo dispatches to Mati City via Bachelor Express and Davao Metro Shuttle cargo terminals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mati City
Authoritative answers covering geography, transportation times, top sights, and local governance.
Where is Mati City located, and what is its postal code?
The City of Mati is situated on the southeastern coast of Mindanao facing Pujada Bay and Mayo Bay, approximately 165 kilometers southeast of Davao City. It serves as the sole component city and provincial capital of Davao Oriental. Its official Philippine postal code is 8200.
How long does it take to travel from Davao City to Mati City?
Travel by air-conditioned Bachelor Express bus from the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (Ecoland) takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours (fare ₱392.00, departing every 30 to 40 minutes). Passenger vans departing from Gaisano Mall or Victoria Plaza in Davao City take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Private cars take about 2.5 to 3 hours via the Pan-Philippine Highway and Davao-Surigao Coastal Highway through Tagum City.
What are the top tourist destinations in Mati City?
Mati's premier attractions include Dahican Beach (7-kilometer crescent of white sand for skimboarding and surfing), the Sleeping Dinosaur Viewdeck in Barangay Badas, the Pujada Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape (Pujada Island, Waniban Island, Oak Island sandbar), the Subangan Provincial Museum (housing the 53-foot sperm whale skeleton "Davor"), the Mati Baywalk (Castro Park), Guang-guang Mangrove Park, and Buso Hot Springs.
How many barangays comprise Mati City, and which has the highest population?
Mati City is politically subdivided into 26 regular barangays. According to official PSA Census records, Barangay Central (Poblacion) is the most populous with 34,947 residents (23.69% of the city total), followed by Barangay Dahican with 18,253 residents and Barangay Matiao with 16,234 residents.
Who is the incumbent Mayor of Mati City?
The incumbent City Mayor of Mati is Hon. Mayo Z. Almario. The legislative body of the Sangguniang Panlungsod is presided over by City Vice Mayor Hon. Lorenzo Leon Garcia Rabat, while the Second Congressional District of Davao Oriental is represented by Hon. Cheeno Miguel D. Almario.
Why is Pujada Bay recognized internationally?
In 2020, Pujada Bay was officially inducted into the prestigious Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club (Les Plus Belles Baies Du Monde). The bay is celebrated for its pristine turquoise waters, dramatic mountain backdrops, rich coral gardens, thriving mangrove ecosystems, and uninhabited islets including Pujada Island and Waniban Island.
What are the major cultural festivals celebrated in Mati?
The two major citywide celebrations are the Sambuokan Festival (celebrated during the last week of October, honoring unity and Mandaya cultural traditions) and the Pujada Bay Festival (celebrated in June, focusing on marine ecology, water sports, and coastal stewardship). Mati also celebrates its Cityhood Charter Anniversary every June 19.
How can organizations in Mati order custom shirts and uniforms from RB Advertising?
Offices, barangay councils, schools, and private groups in Mati can connect directly with RB Advertising by calling or texting 0946 048 0491 or emailing sales@phshirt.com. Orders are produced at our Mankilam facility in Tagum City (open Monday to Saturday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM) and dispatched daily through Bachelor Express and Davao Metro Shuttle cargo terminals directly to Mati City.