The Municipality of Cateel, officially founded on October 29, 1903, is a thriving coastal town nestled in eastern Davao Oriental. As the first municipality in Mindanao and a landing site of early Spanish explorers, it bears a rich cultural and historical heritage Spanning over 545 km², Cateel is home to more than 44,000 residents across 16 barangays and is classified as a 1st class municipality.

Rooted in tradition yet forging towards development, Cateel is resilient—rising from the devastation of Typhoon Pablo in 2012—and remains a bridge between its storied past and a promising future.

Blessed with natural grandeur, Cateel is famously known as the gateway to Aliwagwag Falls—the country’s tallest multi-tiered waterfall—surrounded by virgin rainforest and thriving biodiversity. Beyond the falls, its landscape offers pristine beaches, rivers, caves, and eco-parks. The community’s livelihood thrives on agriculture, especially coconut, copra, rice, and abaca.

VISION

Cateel to be socially stable, economically progressive, and spiritually abiding through the pursuit of agri-industrialization and tourism promotion within the context of a balanced ecology.

MISSION

Development of the resources and potentials towards a progressive and sustained agri-industrialized, eco-tourism destination propelled by enlightened leaders and empowered citizenry committed to sustainable countryside development.