Education

Tagum City is known for its successful literacy program in schools spearheaded by the Project REY (Reading Empowers Youth) Project and the leadership of the LGU in education-related activities. The City Government is also known for their school construction projects, known as "LGU Type" buildings, built to improve the school facilities in Tagum City, in general. Most notable schools with these construction projects are Tagum City National High School, Davao del Norte Pilot Central School and Tagum City National Comprehensive High School.

With these, Tagum City won as National Champion (Component City Category) in the Search for the Most Outstanding LGU in the Implementation of the National Literacy Program in the year 2001. In addition, in the years 2004 and 2005, Tagum City ended as 2nd Place Winner in the National Level (Component City Category) Search for the Most Outstanding LGU in the Implementation of the National Literacy Program.

Tagum City has been chosen by the Department of Education as the host for the National Schools Press Conference on February 2010, with all public schools housing all participants while two private schools are commissioned as contest areas for writing, layout and scriptwriting events.

Tagum City has 22 colleges, 12 high schools and 35 primary institutions offering elementary education.

Tertiary Education

Universities

• University of Mindanao, (Central and Visayan Village Campus) - Tagum City (UMTC)

• University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) - Tagum-Mabini Campus (Tagum Unit)

Colleges

• ACES Tagum College (ATC) - (Main Campus)

• AMA Computer Learning Center Tagum Campus (ACLC)

• Arriesgado College Foundation Inc.(ACFI)

• Colegio de Capitolio

• Computer Innovation Center (CIC)

• Davao North Phillippine Institute of Technology Foundation

• Liceo de Davao - Tagum City (LDD)

• Magugpo Institute of Technology

• Narisma Computer Literacy

• North Davao College Tagum Foundation (NDC Tagum City - Main Campus)

• Philippine Institute of Technical Education (PITE)

• Queen of Apostles College Seminary (QACS)

• Sandugo Institute of Technology (SIT)

• St.John Learning Center of Tagum City

• St. Mary's College of Tagum (SMC)

• St. Michael Technical School

• St. Therese Driving School

• St. Thomas More School of Law and Business;

• STI Tagum City

• Tagum Longford College (TLC)

• Tagum City College of Science and Technology Foundation Inc. (Tagum City Technological College)

• Tagum Doctors College Inc. (TDCI)

• Tagum National Trade School

Secondary education

Public high schools

• Busaon National High School (BNHS)

• Davao del Norte National Science High School (under construction)

• Canocotan National High School (proposed)

• La Filipina National High School (LFNHS)

• Laureta National High School (LNHS)

• Jose Tuason Jr. Memorial National High School (JTJMNHS)

• Pagsabangan National High School (PNHS)

• Pipisan Maug National High School (PMNHS)

• Suaybaguio-Riña National High School (SRNHS)

• Tagum City National Comprehensive High School (TCNCHS)

• Tagum City National High School - Main Campus (TCNHS)

• Tagum City National High School - Canocotan Extension

• Tagum National Trade School (TNTS) / Tagum City Trade School (TCTS)

Private high schools

• Arriesgado College Foundation Inc. (ACFI)

• Assumpta School of Tagum (AST)

• Liceo de Davao (LDD)

• Maximo Mirafuentes Academy (MMA)

• San Lorenzo Ruiz Academy of Tagum (SLRAT)

• Sto. Nino College of Science and Technology

• St. Mary's College of Tagum (SMC)

• Tagum Longford College (TLC)

• University of Mindanao - Tagum City (UMTC)
• Elementary and/or primary education

Public elementary schools

• Apokon Elementary School

• Babanganan Elementary School

• Bincungan Elementary School

• Busaon Elementary School

• Cabugan Elementary School

• Catalan Elementary School

• Col. Rosario Saludares Elementary School

• Cuambogan Central School

• Davao Del Norte Pilot Central School (formerly Magugpo Pilot Central School)

• Don Ricardo Briz Central School

• Garinan Elementary School (Demolished)

• Herculina Lanzarotte Edig Elementary School

• Ignacio Xavier A. Tuason Elementary School (formerly Odell Elementary School)

• La Filipina Elementary School

• Laureta Elementary School

• Liboganon Elementary School

• Luis A. Lina Elementary School

• Madaum Central School

• Magugpo Pilot Imelda Elementary School

• Mangga Elementary School

• Mankilam Elementary School

• New Balamban Elementary School

• New Visayan Village Central School

• Nueva Fuerza Elementary School

• Pagsabangan Elementary School

• Pandapan Elementary School

• Jose Rizal Elementary School I

• Jose Rizal Elementary School II

• San Agustin Elementary School

• San Isidro Elementary School

• Suaybaguio-Riña Elementary School

• Tagum City Science Central Elementary School (soon to operate)

• Union Elementary School

Private elementary schools

• Assumpta School of Tagum (AST)

• Bethel UCCP Learning Center

• Center for Innovative School

• Liceo De Davao

• Makabayan Christian School

• Mary Immaculate Child Development Academy - The Kiddie Math Science Grade School

• St. Joseph Learning Institute of Medical & Sciences

• St. Lorenzo Ruiz Academy (SLRA)

•  (SMC)

• Sto. Niño College of Science and Technology Inc.

• Sunbeam Elementary School

• Tagum Fellowship Baptist School of Tomorrow

• Tagum Fundamental Baptist Academy

• Tagum Longford College (TLC)

• Tagum SDA Elementary School

• The United Methodist Children's Learning Center

• University of Mindanao - Tagum City (UMTC)

Other school/s

• Tagum Chinese-Filipino School

Academia de Davao (Davao Academy)

With the prestigious banner festival “Musikahan sa Tagum Festival”- the biggest activity and tourist enticement of the city and even of the whole province of Davao Del Norte, Tagum City continues to aim to be the Music City of the South. This festival, with its successful management and implementation, has attracted the hosting of the 3rd International Rondalla last February 12 to 19, 2011. It was participated by delegates from all over the country and different parts of the globe: Russia, China, Singapore, India, Mexico, Thailand, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, South Korea, Taiwan and USA.

 It is a festival celebrated during the month of September up to October that gathers the Durian Growers from the province of Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley and convene in the City of Tagum provide and offer the lowest rate of Durian fruits for the consumers. During the festival celebration, several cultural presentations are showcased nightly to give entertainment to the people around taking good times with the Durian fruits.

Aside from festivals and events, 

Tagum City offers its top three destinations:

 few years ago, Tancuan River in Liboganon and Bingcungan started capturing the heart of visitors around and beyond Tagum and is up-to-presently often being affirmed for its successful Mangrove preservation and rehabilitation, and thus, lead to the creation of the “Tagum City River Cruise”. This river cruise takes visitors through an immersion trip around the coastal areas and wetlands. There are plans to install a recreational ferry where 20 – 30 tourists can experience enjoying breath taking sights while being pampered with the boat’s on-board spa amenities.

We have Tagum City’s Christ the King Cathedral located in Magugpo South houses Asia's Biggest Rosary. The place is a frequent stop for Catholic pilgrims, the faithful and other visitors from in and around Tagum City.  This is where the city usually opens and culminates the “Flores de Tagumeño” – Tagum City’s unique way of celebrating the Filipino tradition, “Flores de Mayo”

 Every 5:30 pm, the roads around the Magugpo Poblacion are put to closure for a Night Market – which can be basically described as an outdoor mall. Strategically placed around the Tagum City Trade and Cultural Center where events often occur, a figure of local, national and foreign tourists dine and shop in this unique feature of Tagum City.

Though building in progress and functional only during festivals, especially during the “Musikahan sa Tagum”, where most activities for the event are held, or when there are concerts, the New City Hall of Tagum in Brgy. Apokon, is a photogenic site for tourists with its modern design adorned by sculptures crafted by the famous Kublai. On common days, locals and visitors often jog or just stroll and picnic around the spacious area encircling this promising landmark during early mornings and afternoons.

 A few turns from the New City Hall, the Energy Park is another part of the city where visitors can bask in the serenity of nature. Picnics and strolls are common activities in the “E – Park” with visitors from around the locality and sometimes from other places. It is generally a place of solitude except for when the often scheduled motorcycle drag race on its road strip comes about – this activity is a magnet not only to local race enthusiasts but also to those from neighboring regions in Mindanao for camping and football activities.

The Regina Rosarii in Magdum also receives visitors, especially Catholics, from in and out of Tagum for its 59-step stairway representing the 59 beads of the Holy Rosary.

With stable water and electricity, affordable and secure public transportation – cabs and the unique apple-green “Toyota-Type” tricycles, wide and palm-tree garlanded picture-perfect clean roads, and its maximized tourism devices – festivals, activities & destinations, Tagum City continues to prove itself worthy not only of its MICE status but also in the broad-spectrum, 

a Tourist Destination.

Economic Profile

Tagum City is the capital of Davao del Norte. In terms of economic activity, it is dominated by the agriculture sector. Large scale banana plantations are present in the area which are major players in the export market for fresh Cavendish banana.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

PROPOSED INDUSTRIAL/ECONOMIC ZONE

• Apo Estates Corp. Project, an Industrial Estate and Eco-Tourism Project situated at Madaum, Tagum City;
• Proposed Magdum Industrial Zone;
• Proposed Pandapan/Magdum Heavy Industrial Zone.

KEY ESTABLISHMENT TO SUPPORT SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE

• Tagum Cultural and Trade Center;
• University of Mindanao – Foundation for Research and Entrepreneurs Enhancement (UM-Free);
• Technology Research and Enterprise Development Institute (TRENDI) and Technology and Livelihood Development Center (TLDC);
• Nestle Phils., Research and Demonstration Farm;

KEY AGRICULTURE AND AQUAMARINE SUPPORT FACILITIES

• Tagum City Public Market;
• Tagum City Livestock and Auction Center; and
• Tagum City Slaughterhouse.

KEY INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES

• Tagum Overland Transport Integrated Terminal (TOTIT);
• Tagum City Engineering Services Center;
• Asphalt Plant;
• Madaum Cold Storage and Wharf

INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT FACILITIES

• ENERGY PARK
• DepEd Bldg.
• BFAD
• TESDA Provincial Training Center
• Agriculture Demo Farm/Nursery
• PAG-IBIG Provincial Office (to be constructed)

OTHER PRODUCTS

MANUFACTURING

• Gold and Silver Jewelry;
• Furniture (wood base and mixed-media);
• Gifts, Toys and Housewares (novelty, handicrafts); and
• Bags and Footwear

FOOD PROCESSING

• Meat/Fish Processing; and
• Fruit Processing; (durian products; banana chips, etc)

HIGH VALUED FRUITS SUCH AS BANANA, DURIAN MANGO, POMELO AND COCONUT
OTHER CROPS SUCH AS RICE, CORN AND CALAMANSI

Welcome to the CITY OF TAGUM

Origin of Tagum

There is no official record on the meaning Tagum, but a legend explains how the name Magugpo came about. At the beginning, Magugpo was nothing but a vast wilderness, inhabited by the Mansakas, Manguangans, Mandayas and the Kalagans in the coastal barangays. The name Magugpo was derived from the native word mago, a name of certain tree, and the ugpo means very high. According to the story, the natives were occupying a river basin inside the thickly covered forest where they could not even see the sun. The creek where the natives dwelt still exists, but the once abundant fresh water is now dead, unfortunately due to pollution.

Early Development in 1920s and 1930s

The first real transformation of Magugpo occurred when the first immigrant, an intrepid pioneer from Moalboal, Cebu, by the name Sulpicio Quirante, came in October 1929. More migrants came from the Visayas and Luzon. These included Cebuanos like Hermogenes Alburo Misa and Felix Senanggote; Boholanos in the person of Manuel Baura Suaybaguio, Sr.; and from Pangasinan and Alfredo Pulmano from La Union.

Physical land developments started to emerge when these migrants organized themselves into the Magugpo Homesteaders’ Association and bought the homestead of Lolo Mandaya, a native. They subdivided the land into residential lots of 750 square meters each and sold these lots at P1.50 each to newcomers. The amount paid by the buyer also served as membership fee to the association.

In 1932, two engineers from Davao City, Engineers Ignacio and Alib, together with 15 laborers surveyed the trail for the national highway. During those times the only means of transportation from Davao City to Tagum was by boat using the Hijo and Tagum Rivers as its points of entry to Tagum. This explains why the seat of government was first located at Barangay Hijo, now the Hijo Plantation in Barangay Madaum. Another seat of settlement during those times was near the river banks of barangay Pagsabangan, the place where the remains of Datu Bago, the hero of Davao, was buried.
The first physical landmarks of Magugpo therefore were a school building , a teacher’s cottage, a rest house and a chapel, which were all constructed by the Homesteaders’ Association in the early 1930s

Development in the 1940s and 1950s

It was in 1941 that Tagum had its first local civil government under the leadership of Manuel Baura Suaybaguio, Sr. and Sulpicio Quirante. Both were appointed as the first Mayor and Vice Mayor, respectively. Before the infant municipality could take -off, World War II broke out. The war badly damaged the Magugpo settlement. Only five houses were left standing at Magugpo after the liberation. From the rubble of war, Suaybaguio and Quirante spearheaded the construction of houses, drugstores, stores and a church (which was constructed at its present site). Moreover, national government infrastructure projects such as the Davao Agusan national highway and the provincial roads to Kapalong and Saug paved the way to the influx of more immigrants to the municipality.

The local government of Magugpo was formalized with the holding of the first local election in 1947, the time of President Manuel A. Roxas of the infant Republic of the Philippines. Suaybaguio retained his position, gaining a new Vice Mayor in the person of Lucio Berdida.

Important changes were imposed such as the renaming of Magugpo to Tagum by virtue of municipal council resolution. In 1948, Mayor Suaybaguio transferred the seat of government from Hijo to Magugpo Poblacion. the following year saw the birth of a new municipality, Panabo. The then Vice Mayor Berdida who hailed from the said place was appointed as its Mayor, thereby paving the way for the assumption of Macario Bermudez as Vice Mayor.

In the 1950s, Tagum experienced significant changes, not only in the political arena but also in its physical structures. Under the administrations of Wakan and Baluyo, in 1951 and 1955 respectively, the people of Tagum witnessed some physical transformation of the town. There was massive construction of roads. The Municipal Hall was constructed at its present site. The old municipal health center along Bonifacio St. was also put up. A public market site was also officially acquired. Economically, Tagum was slowly becoming a convenient place for traders to exchange products with neighboring municipalities. The booming abaca and coconut industries in the early 1950s contributed significantly to the growth of the local economy. Alongside the economic development, came the establishment of two schools/colleges, Holy Cross College (now St. Mary’s College ) and Mindanao Colleges (now University of Mindanao) which were then the only providers of tertiary education in the province outside Davao City. The presence of these two (2) schools was slowly contributing to making Tagum another possible educational center for Davao.