I didn’t know that Davao City had an official song until I joined an essay-writing contest a few years ago and the organizers sang the song before the contest began. I was more surprised to know that most of the other participants knew the song.

Now that I am employed by the Davao City government, I have to attend the weekly flag ceremony at the City Hall. And we sing this song at those ceremonies. I am trying to memorize the song.

It’s a beautiful song that depicts the natural wonders of the city and how as Davaoeños we should commit ourselves to serving the city.

Tayo’y Dabawenyo

Sa dakong timog ng Mindanaw
may isang lungsod na hinirang
ang likas nyang kayamanan
ay walang kapantay

Mga bundok, dagat, lupain
ay sagana sa pagkain
at ang magagandang tanawin
kadluan ng aliw

Mutyang lungsod ng Dabaw
sa iyang paglalakbay
sa mithiing kaunlaran
ikaw ay paglilingkuran

Tayo’y Dabawenyo
na tapat at tooo
pangarap ay matamo
kaluwalhatian mo
Lungsod na paraiso