Davao City ranked second safest city in the Philippines with a safety score of 80.73 percent, according to the World Travel Index (WTI) report.
The report is based on the perceptions of both Dabawenyos and visitors alike on the safety and security of the city.
In terms of safety during the day, the city earned a score of 89.12, while it earned a score of 83.96 for safety at night. The city also earned a score of 77.13 for being theft-free, 72.57 for being drug-free, and a score of 80.89 for being violence-free.
Globally, Davao City ranked 1,132 after Dumaguete City that is at 1,097 with a safety score of 81.53.
Prior to this, Davao City was already known for its safety and security under the mayorship of Rodrigo R. Duterte, who implemented strict policies and community-centered peace and order programs.
In 2020, the City Government of Davao started implementing the community-driven program, Culture of Security, which urges Dabawenyos and visitors to practice the four acts of security: volunteer, report, remind, and participate.
Known for its tagline “May Nakita? Dapat Magsalita,” the program aims to strengthen Davao City’s peace and order, and prevent all acts of terrorism in the city.
This has been instrumental in maintaining and ensuring the safety and security of every guest and Dabawenyo.
The city also has several legislations and ordinances anchored to ensuring public safety and security including the amended CCTV ordinance, and curfew for minors among others.
The city’s Public Safety and Security Office also has a 24-hour monitoring of all CCTVs in the city.
Interagency checkpoints strategically located in the city’s entry and exit points are also strengthened along with increased police visibility.
The city’s Central 911, its emergency hotline, also operates 24/7 offering Dabawenyos with free emergency response service at any time of the day.
These are just some of the city government’s programs and initiatives that ensure the peace and order of the city.
Dabawenyos and guests are urged anew to participate in the city’s peace and order programs, and are reminded to voluntarily submit themselves to checkpoints, report suspicious objects and behaviors, remind and participate in the city’s culture of security. CIO
