DAVAO CITY — International recognition continues to pour in for Davao City as it solidifies its reputation beyond Mindanao’s borders. In a widely cited CEOWORLD Magazine report spanning 2025 to 2026, the southern metropolis clinched the top spot among all Philippine cities for living, working, and investing—an eagle’s-eye view of its fast-growing appeal to both domestic and global players.
Safety and Livability Lead the Pack
Davao’s ascent is no overnight story. The city has long been a standout in CEOWORLD’s 2025 Safety Index, ranking first in the Philippines and 53rd globally out of 300 leading cities. Additional credibility comes from the Numbeo Quality of Life Index, which placed Davao at the highest quality of life in the country with a score of 107.2—surpassing even Bangkok, Jakarta, and Ho Chi Minh City in livability.
That blend of safety and livability is precisely what attracted CEOWORLD’s attention for the living‑and‑working category. The magazine, which serves over 12 million global readers including CEOs and high‑net‑worth individuals, highlighted Davao’s stable peace‑and‑order environment, strong local governance, and growing professional opportunities as deciding factors.
Economic Momentum Anchors Investor Confidence
The investment side of the equation has kept pace. Davao City closed 2025 with steady economic momentum, logging over P3.4 billion in approved investments in 2024 alone and recording P237 million in early‑2025 commitments from manufacturing and industrial firms. Major conglomerates—Ayala, Gokongwei, and Cebu‑based groups—have poured fresh billions into joint ventures with local enterprises.
Real estate remains a rock‑solid pillar. In 2025, developers expanded toward Tugbok, Toril, and Mintal, while master‑planned communities like One Lakeshore Drive gained traction among professionals. Damosa Land Inc. operated under a ₱850‑million development budget and retained high occupancy at its IT Park, reinforcing Davao’s status as an alternative BPO hub outside Metro Manila.
Tourism and Infrastructure Rising in Sync
Tourism authorities set an ambitious target of welcoming 2.5 million visitors in 2025, driven by improved air connectivity, aggressive marketing, and new adventure offerings. Season 2 of the Davao Adventure Challenge (running through August 2026) features 30 adventure sites, from white‑water rafting to island hopping, tapping into the city’s natural assets.
On the infrastructure front, the Davao International Airport is up for a modernization bid, while direct flights from Singapore, Qatar, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Xiamen already link the city to key international markets. The city council also approved an ₱15.8‑billion budget for 2026, with over ₱2 billion allocated for infrastructure and social development.
