Established to commemorate the memory of President Ramon Magsaysay, a very notable Filipino, the Ramon Magsaysay Park is among the many parks in Davao City that stands as one of the popular destinations not only in the city but also all over the Philippines.
Leisurely Stroll in the Park
Facing the Davao Gulf with the scenery of Samal Island, Ramon Magsaysay Park is a beautiful landscape that has been a favorite destination of many tourists to spend leisure time at. One can have a walk around the park and just feel and breathe the cool and fresh air.
A Truly Sight to Behold
Lying in the very heart of the park is the 25-meter-long tri-pillar obelisk-like concrete tower that contains the life-size statue of President Magsaysay. It was built by the Davao Chapter of the Philippine Veterans Legion and was turned over to the City Government of Davao on July 31, 1960.
Simply Hanging-Out
Ramon Magsaysay Park also has the complete amenities and facilities for visitors. It features an open-air amphitheater that serves as a venue for public discos during Sundays. The park also houses a restaurant, a cooling station, several food kiosks, ornamental plants stalls, souvenir and handicraft stalls, a skating rink, a children's playground, an open-air chapel, and a secured parking area. The Park is a popular venue for trade fairs, cultural shows, craft sales, creativity workshops, and public forums. It is also frequented by students from the different parts of Mindanao for educational field trips.
Foodtrippings
Several food kiosks are serving a variety of grilled meat and seafood, snacks, beverages, and delightful refreshments during late afternoon to evening. Another destination of a hungry traveler is the Fishcado, an open-air seafood restaurant. Then if you want to bring home Davao, outside the park is the Magsaysay Fruit Vendors Association which consists of a long row of fruit stands that sell Durian and other fruits abundant in Davao.
Time to Meditate and Rejuvenate
The open-air chapel of the Nuestra Señora del Pilar is one of the favorite destinations of many pilgrims to rejuvenate their spirits and feel closer to God. The chapel is located near the sea wall of the park where one can have the breathtaking view of the Davao Gulf.
Notable Landmarks of the Park
Premeditated by the National Artist Napoleon Abueva, Pamathalaan Marker is a symbol of the Mindanaoans commitment to Pamathalaan or God-centered Governance. It is located near the entrance of the park.
Another famous statue inside the park is the "Spirit of the Shaman transformed into a Rock," a bedrock of solidarity signified during the Kalimudan 2007, the gathering of the Indigenous Peoples from Mindanao and homage to culture bearers. It was created by the Mindanao-based Lumad artists and the Quebec-based Inuit artists with the support of Kalinawa Arts Foundation.
Tourism Offices in the Park
Tourism offices that are located in the park are the regional office of the Department of Tourism, the Philippine Tourism Authority, the Department of Foreign Affairs Regional Passport Office, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Philippine Information Agency, the Samal Island Tourism Estate Project, and the DXRP Radyo ng Bayan.
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Gallery of Ramon Magsaysay Park
shore view from Magsaysay Park
If you are planning to visit Ramon Magsaysay Park in Davao City and spend overnight or days, here are some of the near accommodations where you can check into.
- Homitori Dormitel - Bangoy St. corner Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City Center, Davao, Philippines
- Sequoia Inn - 72-74 T. Monteverde Avenue, Davao City Center, Davao, Philippines 8000
- Piazza Luna Tower – Dormitel - 70-A Juan Luna Extension, Brgy. 28-C, Davao City Center, Davao, Philippines 8000
- Linmarr Davao Hotels and Apartelles - Lakandula Street, Agdao, Davao City Center, Davao, Philippines
- North Zen Hotel - Sobrecary Street (near corner Lapu Lapu Street), Davao City Center, Davao, Philippines 8000
How to get to Magsaysay Park
The Park is easily accessible from any point in the city by private or public transportation. It is located in the main street of Leon Garcia Street next to the Sta. Ana Wharf. The Park is open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
From Manila: By air: Davao City has direct flights to major cities in the Philippines and some Asian cities. The Francisco Bangoy International Airport serves the general area of the city and its surrounding areas. By sea: Davao is connected to Manila by a series of roll-on roll-off or inter-island ferry connection.
Getting around:
The common modes of public transportation in Davao are multicabs, jeepneys, tricycles, buses, and taxis. Multicabs and jeepneys ply 82 designated passenger vehicle routes around the clock. Tricycles ply the routes that are outside the main streets of the city. Taxis have several routes in and outside Davao City. In mountainous areas, the habal-habalpassenger motorcycle is the main mode of transportation.