Davao Region^[3] (Region XI), formerly Southern Mindanao, is located in the southeastern portion of Mindanao. The region is divided into the provinces of Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao Occidental, Davao del Sur, and Davao de Oro; plus the highly urbanized Davao City. The region encloses the Davao Gulf to the south and includes the island of Samal of Davao del Norte in the gulf, and the Sarangani Islands of Davao Occidental further to the west. The region’s administrative center is Davao City.