Tagum

Understand

Tagum is known for many things, like its coconut and banana plantations, its festivals, and marching bands. It is the commercial and educational center of Davao del Norte, and one of the most livable cities in the Philippines after Laoag in Ilocos Norte and Talisay in Cebu on a 2017 report on Philippine cities. It is 55 km (34 mi) north from Davao City.

History Tagum started as the town of Magugpo, and was inhabited by the indigenous Mansaka people. The first migrants came in the 1920s, under American-era homesteading programs, and Tagum's first schools are first built in the 1930s. The town used to be part of a larger Davao City, until it was separated in the 1940s. Magugpo is eventually renamed Tagum in 1948. The 1950s is marked by progress, with the construction of roads, a town hall, and a public market. Tagum's present boundaries are drawn out, and two colleges, the Roman Catholic Holy Cross College and the public Mindanao Colleges, now St. Mary's College and University of Mindanao respectively, are opened, making the town the second place to provide college education in Davao region. Tagum became the capital of the new province of Davao del Norte after the larger Davao province is split in the late 1960s, but the 1980s would be marked by political turmoil and economic turndown. Tagum's abaca and coconut industries gave way to bananas in the 1970s, and to mining in the late 1980s, leading into a construction boom in the 1990s, which led into its cityhood by 1998.

Getting there

By bus Tagum's central bus station is at the vicinity of the public market at Magugpo West. There are frequent bus service from Davao City on companies such as Davao Metro Shuttle, Bachelor Express, Land Car Inc., Golden Valley and Jian Liner. From Manila, Philtranco, Davao Metro Shuttle and PP Bus Line has long-haul buses which stop at Tagum. Bachelor Express also has buses from destinations in Caraga and the Visayas. A bus ticket from Davao City costs ₱100 and takes 2 hours. From Mati, it is ₱120 and the trip about 3 hours.

By car Tagum is along the Maharlika Highway (AH26), and a 2 hour drive from Davao City or 6 hour drive from Butuan. Other highways are the Surigao–Davao Coastal Rd (Rte 73) and Tagum–Panabo Rd (Rte 909), which also connects with the highway from Valencia in Bukidnon.

Getting around

There many tricycles which cost ₱20 for the first 2 km (1.2 mi).

See

The Resurrected Christ. The world's largest wooden rosary. (updated Apr 2016)

Do

Musikahan Sa Tagum Festival. (updated Apr 2016) Durlan Festival. (updated Apr 2016)

Buy

Shopping malls & supermarkets Gaisanao Mall of Tagum., Pan Philippine hwy. 9AM-8PM. The largest Gaisanao mall in Tagum. Has a KFC. NCCC Mall of Tagum, Pan Philippine Hwy. 9AM-8PM. Gaisano Grand Mall, Apokon road. 9AM-8PM. Robinsons Mall & Robinsons Supermarket & South Star Drug, Amanilenyo crossing tagum. 9AM-8PM. Puregold Tagum, Apokon road. 8AM-9PM. Supermarket. City Mall, Pan Philippine Highway. 8AM-8PM. (updated Mar 2016)

Banks & ATMs PNB Bank, Pioneer avenue.. 24-hour ATM. Visa Card ATM. Bank of the Philippines Islands BPI, Pioneer Avenue.. 24-hour ATM. Master Card/Visa ATM. (updated Feb 2016) Metro Bank, Rizal Street. 24-hour ATM. Master Card/Visa Card atm. (updated Apr 2016) BDO Bank, 577 Rizal Street.. 24-hour ATM. Master Card/Visa Card ATM. (updated Apr 2016)

Eat

Dencio's Kamayan Tagum, National Highway (next to Jollibee and Chowking). 7AM-10AM. All you can eat and drink breakfast. ₱128 per person. (updated Dec 2016)

Sleep

Kings Haven Hometel, Purok Sampaguita Road 2 Seminary drive Davao de norte. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. 10-bed dorm and double rooms. Dorm ₱200, double ₱450. (updated Mar 2016) Lakan's Place, National Highway (next to Robinsons mall), ☏ +63 84 655 6080. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. A/C double room with own bathroom and cable TV. Has a swimming pool. If you just use the swimming pool, ₱65 per person. Double ₱750, 10% off if staying 3 days. (updated Mar 2016) Royale Budget Inn, Jose Abad Santos Street. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. Single/double rooms. from ₱400. (updated Mar 2016) Iguana Lodging House (near Rotary Park). Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Single/double rooms with bathroom. ₱400. (updated Mar 2016) Molave Hotel, Osmena Street, ☏ +63 84 2173803. Check-in: 1noon, check-out: 11AM. A/C double with own bathroom and cable TV. ₱450. (updated Apr 2016) Valle Hotel, Osmena Street, ☏ +63 84 2172733. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. A/C double with own bathroom. ₱450. (updated Apr 2016) Masters Inn, Purok 7 San Miguel (campo 4) Tagum. Check-in: 24 hours. A/C double room with own bathroom and cable TV. ₱699. (updated Apr 2016)