The Banana Capital of the Philippines – Panabo, officially the City of Panabo (Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Panabo; Tagalog: Lungsod ng Panabo), is a 3rd class component city in the province of Davao del Norte, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 211,242 people. [3]
Panabo is part of Davao Metropolitan Area as it shares borders with Davao City. It has an area of 25,123 hectares (62,080 acres). The Panabo City Hall is located about 2.23 kilometers from its boundary with Davao City.
- Country: Philippines
- Region: Davao Region (Region XI)
- Province: Davao del Norte
- Congressional District: 2nd District
- Cityhood: March 31, 2001
- Land Area: 251.23 km²
- Population: 211,242 (2024 Census)
- Households: 43,123
- Barangays: 40
- ZIP Code: 8105
Etymology
The name Panabo originated from the phrase “pana-sa-boboy”, where “pana” means arrow. According to local tradition, the area’s early inhabitants, the Aetas, relied on bows and arrows to hunt wild animals for food. Over time, the expression “pana-sa-boboy” gradually evolved into the name Panabo, which the city proudly bears today.