MATI CITY, Davao Oriental — The province of Davao Oriental is celebrating its 59th founding anniversary with a multisport spectacle that showcases its raw coastal beauty. Tri Davor 2026, now in its fourth year, transforms the pristine shores of Dahican Beach and Pujada Bay into a premier destination for athletes and tourists alike, reinforcing the province’s growing reputation as a sports and eco‑tourism hub.
A Race Through a Postcard
The Tri Davor course is designed to leave participants breathless in more ways than one. Competitors begin with an open‑water swim in Pujada Bay, officially recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World, where clear, calm waters offer a stunning start. The cycling leg then pushes athletes along scenic coastal highways, with the Pacific Ocean stretching endlessly on one side.
The final run finishes at the Provincial Capitol in Mati City, where the energy of the 59th Araw celebration welcomes every finisher. The event offers Standard, Sprint, and Relay categories, alongside community‑focused races like Tri DavOr Kids, an Aquathlon, and a 5‑kilometer Beach Run. This inclusive lineup ensures that everyone, from elite triathletes to local families, can join the festivities.
Dahican Beach: More Than a Race Course
Dahican Beach is the crown jewel of the event. Its crescent‑shaped, seven‑kilometer shoreline faces the open Pacific, delivering the powerful, consistent waves that have made it the surfing and skimboarding capital of the Davao Region. The beach is home to the “Amihan Boys,” a group of local athletes who pioneered skimboarding here and now serve as both sports ambassadors and environmental stewards.
The name “Dahican” itself carries a deeper meaning, derived from the local word dahik, which describes sea turtles crawling ashore to nest. The coast is a declared marine sanctuary and a critical nesting ground for endangered pawikan, while dolphins and dugongs are frequently spotted in the surrounding waters. For athletes and tourists, every race and every visit becomes an encounter with nature in its purest form.
A Birthday Gift for the Province
The 59th Araw ng Davao Oriental, officially celebrated on July 1, takes on a vibrant, active spirit with Tri Davor as its anchor event. The province, created in 1967 under Republic Act No. 4867, has long been known for its untouched landscapes, from the UNESCO World Heritage Site Mount Hamiguitan to the Aliwagwag Falls. The triathlon adds a new layer to the anniversary, blending heritage with high‑octane adventure.
The provincial government has positioned the race as a key tourism driver, attracting visitors from across Mindanao and beyond. Local businesses, from homestays to seafood restaurants, see a surge in activity during the race week. The celebration proves that commemorating history can be done not just with parades, but with adrenaline and saltwater.
A New Gateway on the Horizon
The future of Davao Oriental’s tourism is set to accelerate with the planned ₱700‑million upgrade of Mati City Airport. The Department of Transportation has allocated funds to fully operationalize the airport for commercial flights, bypassing the current four‑to‑five‑hour land trip from Davao City. This development directly targets Dahican Beach and Mount Hamiguitan as primary destinations.
Once the airport is fully operational, athletes and tourists can fly directly into Mati, drastically cutting travel time and opening the province to national and international events. The combination of world‑class natural assets and improved connectivity positions Davao Oriental as the next major sports tourism frontier in the Philippines. Tri Davor is just the beginning of that journey.
