[4] From being a fortification and base of operations from which Datu Bago could gather and rally his forces, the settlement of Pinagurasan eventually grew into a small city extending from present-day Generoso Bridge in Bangkerohan to Quezon Boulevard more than a kilometer down south,[3]: 172–176  as Maguindanaons and Bagobos alike among other nearby tribes in the area flocked into the settlement, eventually becoming the main trade entrepot in the Davao Gulf area.

In the early 1900s, waves of immigrants from the Visayas, Luzon, and as well as from China and Japan began to live in the region, centered mainly in Davao.

In 1942, during the start of the World War II in the Pacific, the first waves of invading Japanese units landed and entered the province of southern Davao.

[further explanation needed] In 1945, the liberation of southern Davao by United States and Philippine Commonwealth troops was supported by Davaoeño guerrilla fighters.

When Davao City is included for geographical purposes, the province's land area is 4,607.59 square kilometres (1,779.00 sq mi).

The province is composed of sandy beaches and outlying islands, agricultural plains and valleys, rainforests, swamps, rolling hills and mountains, including the Philippines' highest peak, Mount Apo, which is at 2,954 metres (9,692 ft) above sea level.

Davao del Sur comprises 9 municipalities and 1 component city, all encompassed by a lone legislative district.

Numbering about 80,000, their traditional costume is woven from abaca fiber and heavily ornamented with beads, shells, metal discs, embroidery and brightly colored geometric applique.

Bagobo smiths cast little bells which are attached to pouches, bracelets, jackets, anklets and inlaid metal boxes.

In both groups, women generally wear handwoven abaca tube skirts, embroidered blue cotton tops and heavy jewellery.

They are related to the Manobos of Cotabato and include sub-groups such as the Talaingod of the Kapalong forests in Davao del Norte and the Matigsalug.

Numbering about 222,000, Ata men wear long-sleeved shirts, carry spears, hunt, log and grow crops.

Their womenfolk wear native blouses, "malong" skirts and accessories of brass bracelets and bead necklaces.

To produce their famed coarse textured cloth, abaca fiber is colored with earth dyes and woven on a backstrap loom.

However, its most stunning cultural aspect is definitely its ethnic art which encompasses music, dance, religious ritual, dress and ornamentation.