THE Province of Davao Oriental has declared July 1, 2025, a special non-working holiday in celebration of its 58th founding anniversary.
Through Executive Order No. 1, Series of 2025, Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang formalized the declaration, emphasizing the importance of allowing residents to fully participate in the commemorative activities. The order was signed on June 30, 2025, in Mati City.
“It is fitting and proper that the people of Davao Oriental be given the full opportunity to participate in the celebrations and activities commemorating this significant occasion,” the executive order states.
In line with this, the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) also announced that all offices under the local government will suspend work on July 1 in observance of the public holiday, as mandated by Republic Act No. 6380.
Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, and Davao del Sur were created through Republic Act No. 4867, enacted on May 8, 1967. Later, RA 6380—approved on August 16, 1971—designated July 1 of every year as a public holiday across the three provinces.
As part of the anniversary festivities, the People's Administration of Mati City is hosting "Ka’nSayaWit" on June 30. The event will feature over 40 food stalls, an inflatable playground, the Sayaw Mati Street Beat Brawl, and the Himig Mati Music Fest, highlighting local talents.
Located in the southeastern part of the Philippines, Davao Oriental is the largest province in the Davao Region, covering 5,164 square kilometers, about 32.82 percent of the region’s total land area, and home to over 517,000 residents.
The province is known for its stunning natural attractions, including pristine waterfalls, lakes, rivers, hot and cold springs, white-sand beaches, diving and surfing spots, caves, and scenic islands. It is also home to the pygmy or bonsai forest and the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary—Mindanao’s first and only site inscribed in the Unesco World Heritage List. RGP