Malita

Malita
Municipality of Malita
Hilltop view of Malita
Nicknames: 
  • Jewel of the South
  • Whaleshark Capital of Mindanao
Motto: 
Angat Malita!
Map of Davao Occidental with Malita highlighted
Interactive map of Malita
Malita
Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 6°24′39″N 125°36′52″E / 6.41083°N 125.61444°E / 6.41083; 125.61444
CountryPhilippines
RegionDavao Region
ProvinceDavao Occidental
District Lone district
FoundedNovember 17, 1936
Barangays30 (see Barangays)
Government
 • TypeSangguniang Bayan
 • MayorBradly L. Bautista
 • Vice MayorEstefanie B. Dumama
 • RepresentativeLorna Bautista-Bandigan
 • Municipal Council
Members
  • Benjamin T. Bautista III
  • Carlo Chino G. Baliota
  • Elvira L. Gabaldon
  • Girly D. Licuan
  • Allan G. Colina
  • Isabelo M. Masiwel
  • Tomas D. Alcordo Jr.
  • Josie James D. Rillo
 • Electorate74,037 voters (2025)
Area
 • Total
883.37 km2 (341.07 sq mi)
Elevation
197 m (646 ft)
Highest elevation
1,786 m (5,860 ft)
Lowest elevation
0 m (0 ft)
Population
 (2024 census)
 • Total
118,438
 • Density134.08/km2 (347.25/sq mi)
 • Households
29,489
Economy
 • Income class1st municipal income class
 • Poverty incidence
35.66
% (2021)
 • Revenue₱ 799.1 million (2022)
 • Assets₱ 1,671 million (2022)
 • Expenditure₱ 617.4 million (2022)
 • Liabilities₱ 500.3 million (2022)
Service provider
 • ElectricityDavao del Sur Electric Cooperative (DASURECO)
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
8012
PSGC
IDD:area code+63 (0)82
Native languagesDavawenyo
Cebuano
Kalagan
Tagalog
Websitewww.malita.gov.ph

Malita, officially the Municipality of Malita (Cebuano: Lungsod sa Malita; Filipino: Bayan ng Malita), is a municipality and capital of the province of Davao Occidental, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 118,197 people making it the most populous town in the province.

Malita is known for various cultural arts and heritage of its people and tribes. Gaginaway Festival is celebrated annually every full moon on the month of November and Araw ng Malita is celebrated annually on November 17, the day of its establishment's enactment in 1936.