Inside one of the oldest parks in Davao: Ramon Magsaysay Park

At the end of Ramon Magsaysay Avenue, by the bay, is one of Davao’s oldest outdoor recreational spaces. After Chinatown’s arch, entering Quezon Boulevard and Leon Garcia Street, the strong smell of durian will hit you. That’s when you know you’ve arrived at Ramon Magsaysay Park.

Inside one of the oldest parks in Davao: Ramon Magsaysay Park

The park is located at 5 Ramon Magsaysay Ave, Poblacion District, Davao City – just beside the Sta. Ana Police Station.

Inside, you may find local government offices such as the Department of Public Works and Highways, City Social Service and Development Office, Travel Tax Services, the park’s office, DOH accredited Drug Test Center, Office of the Madrasah, and the Special Office for Children’s Concerns (SOCC).

PARK FRUIT STANDS

28 fruit stands lined up side by side at the park. Here, you can find an assortment of Davao’s fruits and goods. From the stinky but sweet durian, sweet pomelo, and dark purple mangosteen to an assortment of durian snacks, you can find so many things.

From August to November is the season of harvest in Davao. Hence, I recommend visiting the park around in those months. Especially in the month of August for the month-long Kadayawan Festival!

RECREATIONAL PARK ACTIVITIES

There are a number of activities you could do inside the park. You can see a designated biking area and bike rentals. For PHP 60, you can rent a bike for an entire hour. From 4-wheel children’s bikes to 2-wheel bikes, they have them all. However, skating is forbidden in the biking area.

With so much open space, you can play any outdoor recreational activities and sports, as long as you do not bother other visitors. Students and teenagers also visit the park to practice for school and group activities.

Take a seat on one of their benches near the sea and enjoy the seaside view. Do not forget to take a picture with Ramon Magsaysay’s monument and the mini Fort Pillar Shrine before leaving for remembrance.

KADAYAWAN TRIBAL VILLAGE

This month is the reopening of the Kadayawan Tribal Village. Get a glimpse and a tour inside of what homes were like for some ethnic tribes in Mindanao in the past. Decorated with bright-colored fabrics and paints inside and outside, these are not just your normal nipa huts.