I mentioned before about the lack of addresses here in the Philippines. That can make it difficult to locate places, especially those that are on streets that cover some distance. Another factor is that many of the streets’ names change.
I notice this more in the downtown area than elsewhere, but I can think of several right off the top of my head that have changed. How recently, I’m not sure. You see both names are still commonly used, and street signs (when you can find them) seem to indicate either the new or the old. I don’t see a system. Jeepneys will also use either name on their placards and route directions.
Some that come to mind are: Claveria -> C.M. Recto, Magallanes -> Pichon, and Legaspi -> Pelayo.
Another aspect of this is that the same street changes name as it moves through the city. Matina Apalya Rd turns into Ecoland Dr, then into Quimpo Blvd, then Quezon Blvd (also know as Boulevard), then Leon Garcia St, and finally into Cabaguio Ave. I think most people just ignore most of those but it very confusing for the uninitiated.
Though I’ve only lived here a year and a half, I find that I know more of the city than many of the people I meet. It seems they go from home to school or work, and not many other places than the mall. Not true for everyone of course, but more common than I would have imagined. It’s not very helpful asking directions in most cases.
I don’t know “Why the streets are renamed in Davao.” I do wish that it was implemented in a fashion that it would be followed strictly enough to understand it though.
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Mar 09, 2014 @ 11:13:14
Most of the streets you mention were renamed many years before I moved here. Still, I find that most people, including me, use the old names. Most street signs that I see have the new names. I never really thought much about this before, but it is an interesting observation.
Mar 09, 2014 @ 11:52:00
I had no idea it had been that long. I would have guessed a recent development due to the usage, and lack of.
I agree, most of the street signs have the new names, I’m pretty sure I’ve seen some old ones though. Maybe not?
Mar 09, 2014 @ 11:46:50
“Another aspect of this is that the same street changes name as it moves through the city.”
Same thing happens in Mexico. This was a lighthearted complaint of mine when I lived there. I got lost a few times because of this.
I only realized Davao did the same when I moved back. I never really noticed this before. Like you said, everyone ignores the new names and that included me.
I still say Magallanes, Bacaca, Claveria etc, but it is definitely confusing especially when the large influx of new Davao transplants call the streets by their present names. Hey, maybe you get bonus street cred for using the original names while speaking Bisaya
Mar 09, 2014 @ 11:55:11
Well I’m starting to get it figured out, but it’s taken me awhile. At first I had no idea that there were old and new names. I’d look for the street and it was no where to be found
Good thing most tourist/newbies take taxis.