In the 1960s, a group of doctors, young and brimming with hope, came back to the Philippines after their specialty training in the United States. Challenged by the idea of exploring new territories, they ventured to Davao-a quaint city, then surrounded by a lush forest and the prospect of progress in the land of promise.

1961. Dr. Honorio Hilario, owner of Botica Villa, invited Dr. Luisito Guanlao to set up a clinic in the pharmacy. Soon after, more doctors set up their clinics there as well. Within four years, Botica Villa became a melting pot of medical specialists with various expertise. In 1965, Dr. Guanlao broached the $1 million question "Why not build a hospital for maximum healthcare?"

Thus, in August of 1966, Clinica Hilario, Inc. became a corporation, built on the desire to provide healthcare to the community. Over the years, from the original 15 incorporators with P85,000 capitalization, the Corporation's stockholders increased to 154 with a capitalization of P2 million in 1969. Davao Doctors Hospital then opened its doors to the public, starting with a 10-bed occupancy. 

In the 1970s, bed capacity increased to a hundred fifty. Provisions for an Intensive Care Unit was set in place and an Annex was built to accommodate doctors' clinics. To complement its nursing care, DDH opened the Davao Doctors Hospital School of Nursing with an initial student count of 52. This branch would eventually grow into the subsidiary now known as the Davao Doctors College, currently offering 11 baccalaureate degrees and serving over 3,000 students.

The entry of the1980s was greeted with economic crisis, prompting the temporary suspension of expansion projects and redirecting the Hospital's focus on people and the improvement of services. As DDH recovered, the set-up of medical and diagnostic units resumed at a more rapid pace. The Pulmonary and Bronchoscopy Units, Pediatric Ward, Rehab Section, Residents' Quarters and more Doctors' clinics were installed.

The 90s was a decade of investments and developments. Rapid growth prompted the definition and reaffirmation of the Hospital's direction through the formulation of its vision and mission statements.

 In 2000, DDH made history by being the 1st ISO-accredited hospital in the region and the 2nd in the country, having been awarded the ISO 9001 Certification recognizing the Hospital's service excellence against international standards. It also continued to foster many other firsts in the region, with its Radiation Oncology Department becoming fully operational on top of other improvements.

 Finally, in May of 2008, the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation or MPIC acquired a 34% shareholding in Davao Doctors Hospital. MPIC is a holding company, with a view to becoming the Philippines' leading investment and management firm, by making significant investments in utilities, infrastructure and hospitals for the greater cause of nation building.

 The entry of MPIC spurred transformation. A new board of directors was set in place under the chairmanship of Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan a.k.a. "the man with the golden touch". 

 The main hospital building underwent renovations and improvements, accompanied by equipment upgrades. 

 Today, Davao Doctors Hospital is the largest and most modern hospital in Mindanao, with a 289 bed-capacity, offering state-of-the-art diagnostic, therapeutic and intensive care facilities in a one-stop medical center. We are the leader in all medical specialties in the region, making us the healthcare provider of choice for both patients and medical practitioners alike. DDH is the leader in all medical specialties in the region-cardiovascular medicine, orthopedics, gastroenterology and endocrinology, neurology and neurosurgery, ophthalmology, nephrology, digestive and liver diseases, oncology and radiation oncology.

 We are now home to eleven medical departments, each with an approved Medical Residency Training Program, namely:  These departments are manned by more than 400 consultants, accredited by various U.S. and Philippine Specialty and Sub-specialty boards.

 With PhilHealth-accreditation as a Level 4 Tertiary Facility, DDH continues to move towards higher standards of patient care in Mindanao and the Southeast Asian region, by providing excellent service, the most comprehensive facilities, the latest technology and world-class expertise.

 This is in line with our corporate philosophy of quality patient care. We ensure this through our relentless pursuit of excellence.

 Thus, we are diligent in our efforts to improve and expand our horizons for the future by constantly improving our equipment, infrastructure and processes with a view to enhancing the overall healthcare experience.

At the core, we desire to uplift life itself. We pride ourselves in providing care that enables our customers to live life to the fullest through a lifelong partnership with our organization. Because, here, at Davao Doctors Hospital, We Care for Life!