It was canonically erected as Prelature Nullius on January 13, 1962, by Pope John XXIII, with Joseph Regan M.M.

It was elevated to the status of a diocese on October 11, 1980, by Pope John Paul II, who appointed Pedro Dean as its first Filipino bishop ordinary, and Ramon Villena as the auxiliary bishop.

The diocesan territory comprises the entire civil provinces of Davao del Norte (except the city of Samal, the southern portion of the Lasang River) and Davao de Oro.

These are the missionary priests who operate a school in Tagum City.

They are called Congregation of the Schools of Charity "Cavanis Fathers" (CSCH) which is housed at Letran de Davao High School, Seminary Drive, Tagum City.