Bukidnon

Bukidnon (/buːˈkɪdnɒn/) (Cebuano: Lalawigan sa Bukidnon; Binukid and Higaonon: Probinsya ta Bukidnon) is a landlocked province in the Philippines located in the Northern Mindanao region.[5] Its capital is the city of Malaybalay. The province borders, clockwise starting from the north, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, and Lanao del Norte. According to the 2015 census, the province is inhabited by 1,415,226 residents.[4] The province is composed of 2 component cities and 20 municipalities. It is the third largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction behind Palawan and Isabela respectively.

For the indigenous people in the province known as the "Bukidnon", see Lumad: Bukidnon.

Bukidnon
Province
Province of Bukidnon
Top to bottom: Kitanglad Range National Park; Pulangi River at San Jose, Quezon; Bukidnon Welcome Marker at Alae, Manolo Fortich; Mangima Canyon; Bukidnon Provincial Capitol; Overview at Palacapao, Quezon; Kalatungan Range National Park
Flag Seal
Nicknames:  "The Primary Food Basket of Mindanao" "The Eco-tourism and Cultural Heritage Capital of Northern Mindanao" "Highland Paradise in the Heart of Mindanao" [1]
Anthem: Bukidnon Kanak Ha Banuwa
Location in the Philippines
Coordinates: 7°55′N 125°05′E
Country	Philippines
Region	Northern Mindanao (Region X)
Founded	September 1, 1914 (Commission Act 2408)[2]
Capital	Malaybalay
Government
• Type	Sangguniang Panlalawigan
• Governor	Jose Maria R. Zubiri, Jr. (Bukidnon Paglaum Party)
• Vice Governor	Rogelio N. Quiño (Bukidnon Paglaum Party)
• Provincial Board	Bukidnon Provincial Board Members 1st Provincial District Mario Albarece, Jr. Alex Calingasan 2nd Provincial District Lorenzo Dinlayan, Jr. Melchor Maramara Nemesio Beltran, Jr. 3rd Provincial District Benito Baguio Joseph Palmada Minerva Casinabe 4th Provincial District Ranulfo Pepito Arlyn Ayon Commission on Elections
• Representatives	Congress (Lower House) Members 1st Legislative District Ma. Lourdes O. Acosta-Alba 2nd Legislative District Jonathan Keith T. Flores 3rd Legislative District Manuel F. Zubiri 4th Legislative District Rogelio Neil P. Roque Commission on Elections
Area [3]
• Total	10,498.59 km^2 (4,053.53 sq mi)
Area rank	3rd out of 81
Highest elevation (Mount Dulang-dulang)	2,941 m (9,649 ft)
Population  (2015 census)[4]
• Total	1,415,226
• Rank	16th out of 81
• Density	130/km^2 (350/sq mi)
• Density rank	61st out of 81
Divisions
• Independent cities	0
• Component cities	2 Valencia Malaybalay
• Municipalities	20 Baungon Cabanglasan Damulog Dangcagan Don Carlos Impasugong Kadingilan Kalilangan Kibawe Kitaotao Lantapan Libona Malitbog Manolo Fortich Maramag Pangantucan Quezon San Fernando Sumilao Talakag
• Barangays	464
• Districts	1st to 4th districts of Bukidnon
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	8700–8723
IDD : area code	+63 (0)88
ISO 3166 code	PH-BUK
Spoken languages	Cebuano Higaonon Bukid Ilianen Matigsalug Hiligaynon Maranao Iranun Filipino English
Income Classification	1st class[3]
Website	www.bukidnon.gov.ph

The name "Bukidnon" means "highlander" or "mountain dweller." Occupying a wide plateau in the north central part of the island of Mindanao, the province is considered to be the food basket of the region, being the major producer of rice and corn. Products from plantations in the province also include pineapples, bananas and sugarcane.

Situated within Bukidnon is Mount Dulang-dulang, the 2nd highest mountain in the country, with an elevation of 2,938 metres (9,639 ft) located in Kitanglad Mountain Range.[6] Mount Kitanglad (2,899 m), Mount Kalatungan (2,860 m), Mount Maagnaw (2,742 m), Mount Lumuluyaw (2,612 m), and Mount Tuminungan (2,400 m), the 4th, 5th, 8th, 17th, and 30th highest mountains in the country respectively, are also found in the province.[7]

Bukidnon was ranked 5th in the list of richest provinces in the Philippines according to the Commission on Audit's 2018 Annual Financial Report posted in 2019.[8]

History

Political history

Bukidnon became a part of Misamis in the latter part of 1850. The whole area was then called "Malaybalay" and the people were known as Bukidnons (highlanders or mountain dwellers). The Philippine Commission, then headed by Commissioner Dean C. Worcester, Secretary of Interior, proposed the separation of Bukidnon from Misamis Province. On August 20, 1907, the Philippine Commission Act No. 1693 was enacted the Province of Agusan and sub-province of Bukidnon. Bukidnon became a regular province on March 10, 1917 by virtue of the creation of the Department of Mindanao and Sulu under Act 2711.

Bukidnon Provincial Capitol, Malaybalay City

In 1942, invading Japanese troops entered Bukidnon. Mount Capistrano was a civilian evacuation area in the World War II. In 1945, the province was liberated from Japanese occupation by Filipino and American troops with the aid of Bukidnon-based Filipino guerrillas during the Second World War.

Cultural history

One of the "tulugan" at Kaamulan Park, Malaybalay City

Aerial view of the Kaamulan Grounds

According to oral history of the indigenous people of Bukidnon, there were four main tribes in Central Mindanao: the Maranaos who dwell in Lanao del Sur, and the Maguindanao, Manobo and Talaandig tribes who respectively inhabit the eastern, southern, and north-central portions of the original province of Cotabato. When the civil government divided central Mindanao into provinces at the turn of the 20th century, the groups included in the province of Bukidnon are the Talaandig and the Manobo, as well as other smaller Lumad tribes. The Visayans, particularly the Cebuanos and the Hiligaynons from the Northern Mindanao coastline and the southern Visayas, migrated into the province. The Visayans are still referred to by the Lumad as the dumagat ("sea people") to distinguish them from the original mountain tribes.[9] This was followed by various groups from Luzon, namely, the Ilocanos, the Igorots and the Ivatans, many of whom were merchants and wealthy businessmen. All contributed massive acculturation among the indigenous tribes. Most of those who moved to the mountains and forest continued to hold on their ancestors' cultural heritage. The wide variety of Filipino groups now thrives in the province and contributed immensely in the socioeconomic development.

Geography

Bukidnon is a landlocked plateau in North Central Mindanao. It is bounded on the north by Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro; on the south by North Cotabato and Davao City; on the east by Agusan del Sur and Davao del Norte; and west by Lanao del Sur. It lies between parallels 7°25' and 8°38' north latitude and meridians 124°03' and 125°16' east longitude. Malaybalay, the capital town, is about 850 kilometers (530 mi) by air from Manila and 91 kilometers (57 mi) by road from Cagayan de Oro.

It has two important landmarks, Mount Kitanglad and Pulangi River. Mount Kitanglad has a peak of 2,899 meters (9,511 ft) above sea level. Pulangi River, on the other hand, traverses through the northeastern and southern part of the province towards the Rio Grande of Mindanao

Land area

The province's total land area is 10,498.59 square kilometres (4,053.53 sq mi),10,498.59 making it the largest in Mindanao in terms of land area. It accounts for 59 percent (59%) of Northern Mindanao. Thirty-eight percent (38%) is alienable and disposable. The rest is classified timberland.

It also accounts for 80 percent (80%) or 34 million metric tons of the region's nonmetallic mineral deposits, which include high grade white and red clay, gold, chromite, copper, serpentine, manganese, quartz and limestone deposits can also be found in the province.

Topography

Del Monte Pineapple fields in Manolo Fortich

Mangima Canyon at Maluko, Manolo Fortich. Also located in the town is a canyon near barangay Lunocan, dubbed as the "Grand Canyon of the Philippines".

Bukidnon is generally characterised as an extensive plateau but the southern and eastern boundaries are mountainous area. The province's average elevation is 915 meters (3,002 ft) above sea level. The slope gradient peaks at 2,899 meters (9,511 ft) of Mount Kitanglad, an extinct volcano occupying the central portion. Two other mountain bodies are found in its southern portion, Mount Kalatungan and Mount Tangkulan, which rise to 2,287 meters (7,503 ft) and 1,678 meters (5,505 ft), respectively. Gently rolling grassland plateau cut deep and wide canyons of the Cagayan, Pulangi, and Tagoloan Rivers and their tributaries, which cover a greater part of the province. The whole eastern and southern border adjoining the provinces of Agusan, Davao del Norte, and Cotabato are covered by lofty and densely forested mountains of the Pantaron Mountain Range (Central Cordillera). The Bukidnon plateau is mainly of volcanic zone consisting of pyroclastic, basaltic and andesitic cones.

View from Musuan Peak of the Maapag Plain of central Bukidnon. The foothills of the Kalatungan Mountain Range is visible on the upper right.

The Central Cordillera is a mountain range of sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks. About 49% of the land resource of the province is of rugged hills and mountains and 33% of undulating to rolling terrain. The rest of the province is composed of nearly level terraces, alluvial lowland, canyons and gorges. The volcanic terraces and volcanic foot slopes that are ≥500 m above sea level are estimated to be about 221,600 hectares (548,000 acres).

At Mailag, 23 kilometers (14 mi) south of Malaybalay, the plateau begins to descend and gradually merges into the lowlands of Cotabato province.

Climate

Two types of climate prevail between the northern and southern sections of Bukidnon, The northern part is classified as belonging to Type III, that is, there is no pronounced rain period but relatively dry during the months of November to May. In the southern portion of the province, the climate is classified as Type IV with no dry season. The driest area is Baungon, while the wettest is the Calabugao plain. The climate is relatively cool and humid throughout the year.

The average annual rainfall is 2,800 millimeters (110 in). Just like in other parts of the country, rainfall is more pronounced from June to October compared to other months of the year. February to April are the drier months.

Temperature ranges vary with elevation. In areas lower than 500 meters (1,600 ft) above sea level (m.a.s.l.), the recorded temperature range is between 20 to 34 °C (68 to 93 °F). Areas with elevations greater than 500 meters (1,600 ft) above sea level would have temperatures ranging from 18 to 28 °C (64 to 82 °F).

Relative humidity also varies with elevation, with those above 500 m having relative humidity of about 80%, while areas lying below 500 meters (1,600 ft), 65-7 percent. Thus, the Malaybalay-Impasug-ong area and those around the volcanic cones approximate semi-temperate conditions and can support the cultivation of highland tropical crops.

Based on the records of climatological stations within and near the province, lithology and land form, three agro-ecological zones are identified. One covers the mountainous eastern side (Central Cordillera), which is generally wet, with rainfall of about 2,340 to 4,000 millimeters (92 to 157 in) per annum. Another covers the high altitude volcanic plains, the Malaybalay-Impasug-ong area and the footslopes of Mount Kitanglad and Mount Kalatungan. These areas have an annual rainfall in the range of 2,490 to 3,680 millimeters (98 to 145 in). The third zone covers the south-central and the north-western parts of the province, with elevations of less than 500 meters, relatively dry with mean annual rainfall in the range of 1,700 to 2,600 millimeters (67 to 102 in).

Bodies of water

A waterfall found within the boundaries of the Kalatungan Mountain Range

Bukidnon is known as the watershed of Mindanao. It is endowed with six major river systems namely: Pulangi, Tagoloan, Cagayan, Manupali, Muleta, and Bobonawan Rivers. These rivers carved the landscape of the province creating numerous canyons.

The Pulangi River, considered the longest river in the province, is a tributary of the Rio Grande of Mindanao. Its headwaters are found in the mountains of Kalabugao, Impasugong. It is the largest as well as the longest river found in the province. It covers the following cities and municipalities of the province: Impasugong, Malaybalay, Cabanglasan, San Fernando, Valencia, Maramag, Quezon, Don Carlos, Kitaotao, Dangcagan, Kibawe and Damulog.

The Tagoloan River has its headwaters in the mountains of Can-ayan, Malaybalay. It traverses the province northwestward passing through Malaybalay, Impasugong, Sumilao, Manolo Fortich, Malitbog and finally empties into the sea at Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

The Pulangi River winding through the Maapag Plain in Valencia City

The Cagayan River watershed is found mostly in the municipality of Talakag. Its headwaters are found in the Kitanglad Mountain Range in central Bukidnon. The river flows northward through the municipalities of Talakag and Baungon. Its mouth lies at Cagayan de Oro in Misamis Oriental, where it is the main source of potable water.

The Manupali River, a major tributary of the Pulangi River, start in the mountains of Lantapan, Bukidnon, picking up tributaries along the way from the Kalatungan and Kitanglad Mountain Ranges. It forms part of the natural boundary of the Valencia and Lantapan. It flows eastward towards Malaybalay, eventually joining the Pulangi River in Valencia.

The Muleta River is found in the southern portion of the province covering the municipalities of Pangantucan, Don Carlos, Kitaotao, Dangcagan, Kibawe, Kadingilan and Damulog. It is another important tributary of the Pulangi River and flows southward. It will join the Pulangi River in the boundary of Bukidnon and Cotabato province.

The Blue Water Cave in Quezon

The Bobonawan River, found in the municipality of Cabanglasan, is another tributary of the Pulangi River. It covers most of the parts of the municipality, flowing southward towards Pulangi River.

Aside from the relatively important river systems, various lakes also dot the landscape of the province. Pinamaloy Lake, in Don Carlos, Bukidnon, is the biggest in the province covering about 50 hectares. It was named after Barangay Pinamaloy, the place where the lake is located. Another lake is found in Pigtauranan, Pangantucan called the Napalit Lake. The lake covers an area of 36 hectares and is one of the tourist spots in Pangantucan, Bukidnon. There are 24 floating islets in the lake. The third significant inland body of water in the province is Apo Lake at Guinoyoran, Valencia. It occupies an approximate area of 25 hectares. A man-made lake called Maramag Basin is found in Maramag, Bukidnon, which was the result of the construction of the Pulangi IV Hydroelectric Dam of the National Power Corporation (NPC) in the course of the Pulangi River.

There are numerous springs and waterfalls located in the province. Some of the waterfalls include the Alalum Falls, Dimadungawan Falls, Dila Falls, Gantungan Falls, Natigbasan Falls, Sagumata Falls, Magubo Falls, and Balisbisan Falls.

Transportation

Overview Nature and Culture Park in Quezon, overlooking the Bukidnon–Davao Road ("BuDa")

The province is very well accessible by road primarily from the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Davao with alternate road networks as well to the cities of Butuan (via Agusan del Sur), Iligan, Marawi (via Talakag), Tagum (via San Fernando), and the province of Cotabato.

The four-lane Sayre Highway in Malaybalay City

The entire province is bisected from north to south by the four-lane Sayre Highway from Cagayan de Oro to Kabacan, North Cotabato via Maramag; and by the two-to-four lane Bukidnon–Davao Road (colloquially known as "BuDa") from Quezon to Davao City. Both are components of the National Route 10 (N10) of the Philippine highway network, and a spur of the Asian Highway 26 (AH26) of the Asian highway network. The Sayre Highway intersects with the BuDa Road in the town of Dologon in Maramag, where it changes to route N943 and continues on to Dangcagan, Damulog, and Kabacan.[10][11][12]

The Sayre Highway (formerly "Route 3") was renamed in honor of Francis Bowes Sayre, Sr., the U.S. Philippine High Commissioner who spearheaded its construction during the American occupation of the Philippines.[13]

There are several airstrips in the province being used by private firms. Commercial flights used to be flown from the Malaybalay Airstrip, but it was closed down by the provincial government in the late 1990s. The airport where it used to be located was converted into a low-cost housing project. A proposed domestic airport site in the municipality of Don Carlos has already been on the talks since 2008 and in 2013, the Bukidnon Airport Development Project proposal was finalized.[14][15][16] Budget allocation was done in 2017[17] and construction started in 2018.[18] There are no seaports in Bukidnon because the province is landlocked. The nearest passenger seaport is in Cagayan de Oro City.

Politics and administration

Administrative divisions

Bukidnon is subdivided into 20 municipalities and 2 cities.

Political divisions

•  †  Provincial capital and component city
•  ∗  Component city
•      Municipality

City or municipality Date of creation Population ±% p.a. Area[19] Density Barangay Coordinates^[A] (2015)[4] (2010)[20] km^2 sq mi /km^2 /sq mi Baungon 13 Feb 1957[21] 2.4% 34,336 32,868 0.84% 328.34 126.77 100 260 16 8°18′45″N 124°41′14″E Cabanglasan 13 Aug 1979 2.4% 33,997 32,427 0.90% 243.30 93.94 140 360 15 8°04′35″N 125°18′04″E Damulog 16 Aug 1971 2.1% 30,302 25,538 3.31% 244.19 94.28 120 310 17 7°28′53″N 124°56′20″E Dangcagan 29 Aug 1961 1.7% 23,723 22,448 1.06% 422.69 163.20 56 150 14 7°36′36″N 125°00′15″E Don Carlos 18 Jun 1966 4.7% 66,959 64,334 0.76% 213.72 82.52 310 800 29 7°41′02″N 124°59′41″E Impasugong 6 Sep 1877[22][23] 3.4% 47,859 43,587 1.80% 1,051.17 405.86 46 120 13 8°18′12″N 125°00′03″E Kadingilan 16 Aug 1971 2.4% 33,778 31,756 1.18% 171.94 66.39 200 520 17 7°36′00″N 124°54′36″E Kalilangan 18 Jun 1966 2.9% 41,601 39,847 0.82% 251.43 97.08 170 440 14 7°44′48″N 124°44′53″E Kibawe 1 Jul 1956 2.8% 39,612 35,767 1.96% 304.13 117.43 130 340 23 7°34′04″N 124°59′25″E Kitaotao 18 Jun 1966 3.6% 50,260 49,488 0.30% 788.78 304.55 64 170 35 7°38′20″N 125°00′27″E Lantapan 18 Jun 1966 4.4% 61,776 55,934 1.91% 328.35 126.78 190 490 14 8°01′34″N 124°59′17″E Libona 1 Jul 1956 3.1% 43,969 39,393 2.11% 374.37 144.55 120 310 14 8°20′05″N 124°44′37″E Malaybalay † 19 Oct 1907 12.3% 174,625 153,085 2.54% 969.19 374.21 180 470 46 8°09′19″N 125°07′49″E Malitbog 25 Jun 1963 1.7% 24,453 22,880 1.27% 581.85 224.65 42 110 11 8°32′11″N 124°52′45″E Manolo Fortich 21 Jun 1957 7.1% 100,210 91,026 1.85% 413.60 159.69 240 620 22 8°21′57″N 124°51′49″E Maramag 1 Jul 1956 7.2% 102,089 90,901 2.23% 447.26 172.69 230 600 20 7°45′40″N 125°00′17″E Pangantucan 25 Jun 1963 3.8% 53,126 48,775 1.64% 461.72 178.27 120 310 19 7°49′56″N 124°49′42″E Quezon 18 Jun 1966 7.4% 104,116 94,584 1.85% 626.86 242.03 170 440 31 7°43′51″N 125°06′00″E San Fernando 18 Jun 1966 4.0% 56,138 50,207 2.15% 705.06 272.23 80 210 24 7°55′00″N 125°19′43″E Sumilao 1 Jul 1956 2.0% 27,660 25,668 1.43% 196.95 76.04 140 360 10 8°19′37″N 124°58′40″E Talakag 22 Feb 1917 5.1% 71,644 67,123 1.25% 786.40 303.63 91 240 29 8°13′56″N 124°36′13″E Valencia ∗ 16 Jan 1961 13.6% 192,993 181,556 1.17% 587.29 226.75 330 850 31 7°54′10″N 125°05′23″E Total 1,415,226 1,299,192 1.64% 10,498.59 4,053.53 130 340 464 (see GeoGroup box) ^^ Coordinates mark the city/town center, and are sortable by latitude.

Barangays

The province has 464 barangays under its jurisdiction. The table below shows the Top 20 Largest Barangays according to population.[4]

Rank	Barangay	City/Municipality	Population (2015)[24]
1	Poblacion	Valencia City	35,793
2	Casisang	Malaybalay City	25,696
3	Lumbo	Valencia City	16,082
4	Poblacion	Quezon	15,247
5	North Poblacion	Maramag	14,799
6	Dologon	Maramag	14,093
7	Butong	Quezon	13,258
8	South Poblacion	Maramag	12,165
9	Damilag	Manolo Fortich	11,713
10	Batangan	Valencia City	11,550
11	Kisolon	Sumilao	11,532
12	Don Carlos Sur (Poblacion)	Don Carlos	11,385
13	Poblacion	Impasugong	11,279
14	Poblacion	Pangantucan	10,970
15	Bagontaas	Valencia City	10,619
16	Halapitan (Poblacion)	San Fernando	10,221
17	Agusan Canyon	Manolo Fortich	11,385
18	Sumpong	Malaybalay City	9,302
19	Alae	Manolo Fortich	9,135
20	Barangay 9 (Poblacion)	Malaybalay City	9,033

Legislative districts

Main article: Legislative districts of Bukidnon

Bukidnon has four legislative districts namely the first, second, third and fourth districts.

Legislative District	City/Municipality	Land Area	Population (2015)[4]	Density (2010)
1st District	Municipalities: Baungon, Libona, Malitbog, Manolo Fortich, Sumilao and Talakag	2,229.17 km²	302,272	125.14 person/km²
2nd District	City: Malaybalay City Municipalities: Cabanglasan, Impasugong, Lantapan and San Fernando	3,144.44 km²	374,395	106.60 person/km²
3rd District	Municipalities: Damulog, Dangcagan, Don Carlos, Kadingilan, Kibawe, Kitaotao, Maramag and Quezon	1,816.11 km²	450,839	228.08 person/km²
4th District	City: Valencia City Municipalities: Kalilangan and Pangantucan	1,104.06 km²	287,720	244.71 person/km²

Demographics

Population census of
Bukidnon

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1903	21,163	—
1939	57,561	+2.82%
1948	63,470	+1.09%
1960	194,368	+9.77%
1970	414,762	+7.86%
1980	631,634	+4.30%
1990	843,891	+2.94%
1995	940,403	+2.05%
2000	1,060,415	+2.61%
2007	1,190,284	+1.61%
2010	1,299,192	+3.24%
2015	1,415,226	+1.64%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[4][20][20][25]

Based on the 2015 census, Bukidnon has a total population of 1,415,226 residents.[4]

In the 2000 census, males slightly edge the females with 546,234, accounting for about 52% of the province's total population while females, with 514,181, account about 48%. Based on age distribution, Bukidnon has a fairly young population, with ages 14 and below accounting 42.15% or 446, 952. The 15-34 age bracket account for 33.68% of the province's population or 357,112. Ages 55 and above barely accounts 6.5% of the total. The average population growth rate of the province is 2.05% (2.03% if exponential) from 2000-2010. Male-to-female ratio in the province stood at 1.06.

Population density

The average population density for the province is 128 persons per square km. The cities/municipalities with the highest population densities are the following: Don Carlos (353/km²), Kitaotao (250/km²), Valencia City (244/km²), Maramag (213/km²) and Quezon (202/km²). The cities/municipalities with the lowest densities, on the other hand are: Impasugong (29/km²), Talakag (58/km²), San Fernando (63/km²), Malitbog (75/km²) and Damulog (83/km²).

Population by congressional districts

Population percentage by District (2010)

By congressional districts, District III has the highest population among the four capturing 31.86% of the total population of the province. It is followed by District II with 26.45% of the total population. Third is District I has a population percentage of 21.36%. The least populated district is District IV with population percentage of 20.33%.

Valencia City has the highest population among the cities/municipalities of the province with 192,993 inhabitants, accounting 13.64% of the province's total. It is closely followed by Malaybalay City with 174,625 inhabitants or 12.34% of the total. Quezon is at third with 104,116 inhabitants or 7.36% of the total. Maramag and Manolo Fortich are 4th and 5th with 102,089 and 100,210 inhabitants, respectively.

The four largest local government units of Bukidnon (Valencia, Malaybalay, Quezon, and Maramag) are clustered together in the central part of the province. It is also in the national roads of these cities/municipalities that daily road use volume are high.

Languages

Languages Spoken (2010)[26]
Language			Speakers
Cebuano/Bisaya			734,848
Higaonon			154,295
Hiligaynon			119,133
Binukid/Bukidnon			76,812
Talaandig			55,757
Ilocano			26,954
Matigsalug			18,263
Others			108,815

The lingua franca of the region is Cebuano. Also spoken, although at low percentages, are Higaonon, Bukid, Ilianen, Matigsalug, Hiligaynon, Maranao, Iranun, Ilocano, and Waray. English is generally understood and is widely used in schools, business, and government offices.

Religion

Religion in Bukidnon[27]
Religion			percentage
Roman Catholic			80.7%
Protestant (other Christians)			15%
Islam			4%

Majority are Christians (predominantly Roman Catholic, 80.7% with significant other Christian denomination minority, 15%). Islam has 4% while the percentage who listed as others are at 0.3%.

Ethnicity

Bukidnon's population by ethnic origin (2000)

According to ethnicity, majority of the people in Bukidnon are Cebuano accounting approximately 41% of the total population. The Bukidnon lumads (Bukidnon, Higaonon, Manobo, Talaandig, etc.) account about 24% of the total population of the province. The Maranaos are about 8% of the total population. The Hiligaynon/Ilonggo and Boholano groups follow with 12.7% and 7.37%, respectively, of the province's total population.

Indigenous inhabitants of Bukidnon are the Lumad peoples, including the Bukidnon, Higaonon, Manobo, and Talaandig. Their cultures and traditions are embodied in oral folk literature of the province, which are classified into; Antoka (riddles), Basahan (proverbs or wise sayings), Kaliga (ceremonial songs), Limbay (lyric poem), Sala (love song), Idangdang (ballad), Ulaging (epic), and Nanangon (folktales). Religion is monotheistic. They believe in one God. Magbabaya (the ruler of all) has minor gods and goddesses under his command (Example: Bulalakaw watches rivers and lakes, Tumpas Nanapiyaw or Itumbangol watches the bases of the earth, night, and day).

Many of the province's inhabitants, however, are descendants of immigrants from Cebu or elsewhere in Central Visayas.

Economy

Binaki, a type of steamed corn cake wrapped with corn husks is believed to have originated in Bukidnon

Bukidnon is an agricultural economy. It is a major producer of rice, maize, sugar, coffee, rubber, pineapple, banana, tomato, flowers, cassava, and other fruits and vegetables. Almost all large firms operating in the province are into production or processing of these agricultural products. Recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization as a foot-and-mouth disease-free province, it is also a major producer of poultry, hogs, goats, and cattle.

Valencia City, the center of trade and commerce in the province

The Philippine Carabao Center's outlet in Central Mindanao University make dairy products from water buffalos. Due to being landlocked, Bukidnon relies on the nearby cities of Cagayan de Oro and Davao for the supply of marine products. However, the province has its own supply of freshwater products such as tilapia, carp, catfish, mudfish, gourami, goby, freshwater eels, giant freshwater prawn or shrimps, native freshwater snails, and freshwater crabs, either via inland fishing or fry production aquaculture in inland fish farms and fish hatcheries.

Del Monte Philippines, Inc. (DMPI), Lapanday Diversified Products Corp. and Mt. Kitanglad Agri-Development Corporation are engaged in pineapple production. Dole Philippines (Skyland) and Mt. Kitanglad Agri-Ventures, Inc. are into banana production. DMPI is also engaged in cattle fattening. Bukidnon Sugar Milling Corporation (BUSCO) and Crystal Sugar Milling are into sugar milling and refining.

Phil-Agro Industrial Corporation is in starch production. Menzi Agricultural Development is in cacao production. Agaropyta Phils. Inc., Bukidnon Greens Inc., FP Obrero Farms and ARDEM, Inc. are in cutflower production.

Aerial view of the public market and bus terminal of the town of Maramag. The Sayre Highway is visible on the upper right.

Food manufacturing giants, San Miguel Foods Corp. (SMPFCI), Monterey Farms Corp., Swift Foods, Inc. have intensified their contract breeding and growing operations in the province. Valencia Rubbertex, Inc., an 80-20 Japanese-Filipino joint venture produces rubber boots and rubber shoes for Japan.

Robinsons Place Valencia

As one of the major anchors in crop production, Bukidnon is moving forward towards establishing its position as a principal trader of rice, corn, sugar, potato, tomato and many other commercial and industrial crops. As the second largest producer of corn in the country, it reached a total production of 481,370 metric tons. In year 2000, vast tracts of cornfields, rice paddles, and sugar plantations are distributed all over the province.

Bukidnon has already assumed its role as producer and supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables. These produce are either sold in domestic markets or exported to Japan and other neighboring countries. Fresh pineapples, banana, sugarcane and cutflower grown over the years are among its exports. New agri-business industries are still growing such as strawberry farming. Even export of rubber boots and shoes, an infant industry in the province is increasing tremendously.

A wide variety of resource-based handicrafts is extensively produced from rattan, bamboo, and wood. San Fernando is known for its rattan furniture. Bamboo baskets, wood wares and carvings, mats, and other handmade products are ideal souvenir items.

Bukidnon Investment Grid

During the mid-1990s, the provincial government of Bukidnon, after careful studies and consultation, has adopted a strategic program called the Bukidnon Investment Grid or BIG. This program is aimed to confine all its investment promotion activities and projects to the strip of land three kilometers from both sides of the Sayre Highway from Damulog to Manolo Fortich, and along the national/provincial road from Kibawe to Kadingilan; Don Carlos to Kadingilan; Maramag to Quezon; Maramag to Kadingilan; Kadingilan to Pangantucan; Valencia City to San Fernando; Malaybalay City to Cabanglasan; Malaybalay to Lantapan; Manolo Fortich to Libona; Libona to Cagayan de Oro; Talakag to Pangantucan; and Malitbog to Tagoloan in Misamis Oriental.

Education

Universities and colleges

The following universities and colleges of Bukidnon are the tertiary schools.

Main entrance to the Central Mindanao University grounds

Valencia Colleges (Bukidnon), Inc.

School	Location
ACLC College of Bukidnon	Hagkol, Valencia City
Bukidnon State University	Malaybalay City
Central Mindanao University	Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon
Don Carlos Polytechnic College	Poblacion, Don Carlos, Bukidnon
IBA College of Mindanao	Valencia, Bukidnon
Maramag Polytechnic College	North Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon
Mindanao Arts and Technological Institute	Malaybalay City
Mountain View College	MVC Complex, Mt. Nebo, Valencia City
Northern Bukidnon Community College	Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon
Philippine College Foundation	Valencia, Bukidnon
Philippine Countryville College	Maramag, Bukidnon
Quezon Institute of Technology, Inc.	Quezon, Bukidnon
San Agustin Institute of Technology	Valencia City
San Isidro College	Impalambong, Malaybalay City
STI College	Malaybalay City and Valencia City
St. James School of Science and Technology	Malaybalay City
Valencia Colleges (Bukidnon), Inc.	Valencia City

Festivals

A Kaamulan float

The province celebrates the Kaamulan Festival, an ethnic cultural festival held annually in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon from the mid-February up to March 10, the founding date of the Bukidnon as a province in 1917. It is held to celebrate the culture and tradition of the seven ethnic tribal groups—Bukidnon, Higaonon, Talaandig, Manobo, Matigsalug, Tigwahanon, and Umayamnon—that originally inhabit the province. Kaamulan comes from the indigenous Binukid word amul meaning "to gather". Kaamulan is gathering for a purpose—a datuship ritual, a wedding ceremony, a thanksgiving festival during harvest time, a peace pact, or all of these together. The festival started in 1974 and is celebrated until now. It is the only authentic ethnic festival in the Philippines.[28]

Bukidnon Hymn: Bukidnon My Home

The Provincial Hymn was composed by Filomeno Bautista between 1925 and 1932. Nimecio Jun Beltran authored a provincial resolution requiring the singing of the provincial hymn in all and every events in the Province of Bukidnon where the Philippine National Anthem is also sung.

Official Binukid Version: Bukidnon Kanak Ha Banuwa	Official English- version: Bukidnon My Home	Unofficial Cebuano Version: Bukidnon Matahum
Bisán pa hindu a Lalag ku'g ulì a Dini ta Bukidnun Kanak ha banuwa Buntud ha matangkaw, Kalasan...makupal, Pátag ha malu-ag, Ha tungkay madagway. Chorus: Bunturen, balalayan Basakan, kapatagan Pastuhan, kapinyahan Alan-alan kauyagan Langit din piglambungan Pig-aldawan kalamagan Singenem uranan Alan-alan kaayaran	Wherever I may roam The distant lands to see I long to go back home To sweet Bukidnon home Her lovely mountains high Her forests old and grand Bring memories to me The home I long to see. Chorus: There my heart, yearns to be In far away, Bukidnon land. Under its blue starry sky, Where love and joy never die. (Repeat Chorus)	Bisan asa kita Sa hakayong dapit Mobalik gihapon sa atong Bukidnon Nindot ang Kabukiran Lunhaw'ng Kalasangan Tam-is palandungon Yuta ko'ng matahum KORUS: Dughan ko nagahandum Sa yuta ko nga Bukidnon May Kahayag ug Kalinaw Gugma'g kalipay sa kanunay (Balik KORUS)

Notable people

• Gerald Tabios - elite endurance athlete
• Arcelle Tadena - scaled crossfit athlete
• Alfredo Lagamon - Associate Justice, Court of Appeals
• Caesar Fortich - Secretary of Agriculture
• Clare Cabiguin - Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition 1 - 4th Placer
• Elenito Galido - Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Iligan
• Joey Ayala - Singer-songwriter and composer
• Juan Miguel Zubiri - Politician
• Lorenzo S. Dinlayan - USEC, Office of Cultural Communities
• Oona Barretto - Scholar of Pinoy Dream Academy (season 1)
• Nelbert Omolon - PBA Player
• Nereus Acosta - Politician
• Reynan Dal-Anay - 1st Runner-up of The Voice Kids (Philippines season 2)
• Roel Manlangit - Grand Champion of Pilipinas Got Talent (season 4)
• Romeo M. Recina - Brig. Gen., PC-INP Recom 11 Commander
• Sheree (real name Sweet Faye Agustin) - Singer / dancer / model & actress (former Viva Hot Babe)
• Virgilio Garcillano - Former government official
• Ivy Grace Paredes – The X Factor UK 2016 contender
• Rowell "Roy" Ucat – internet celebrity, songwriter, popularly known as "Medyo Maldito"
• Mario Fernandez – a multi-medalist national boxer
• Teofisto Guingona III – politician/former senator
• Archie Gamboa - 21st Chief of the Philippine National Police

See also

• Kitanglad Mountain Range

References

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2. "Bukidnon Celebrates 100th Year in 2014". Provincial Government of Bukidnon. 2014-03-19. Archived from the original on 2015-09-28. Retrieved 2015-09-27.
3. "List of Provinces". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Archived from the original on 11 January 2013. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
4. Census of Population (2015). "Region X (Northern Mindanao)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. PSA. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
5. Sombrito, Elvira. "Soil Redistribution Studies Using Fallout 137Cs" (PDF). International Atomic Energy Agency. Retrieved 9 September 2010.
6. "Mt. Dulang-Dulang (2,938+)". ~ Pinoy Mountaineer. 2007-09-02. Archived from the original on 2012-08-30. Retrieved 2012-10-27.
7. "The highest mountains in the Philippines ~ Pinoy Mountaineer". Pinoymountaineer.com. 2008-02-02. Archived from the original on 2012-10-25. Retrieved 2012-10-27.
8. COA: Makati is Philippines’ richest city, Cebu the richest province (2018) by GMA News 2019
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10. "Bukidnon 2nd". www.dpwh.gov.ph. Retrieved 2018-08-27.
11. "Davao City 2nd". www.dpwh.gov.ph. Retrieved 2018-08-27.
12. "Cagayan de Oro 2nd". www.dpwh.gov.ph. Retrieved 2018-09-09.
13. "HyperWar: US Army in WWII: Fall of the Philippines [Chapter 28]". www.ibiblio.org.
14. "Bukidnon Airport (Maraymaray Airstrip) in Don Carlos, Bukidnon by Philippine Aviation". PBase. Archived from the original on 23 October 2017. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
15. Bukidnon airport to be constructed in 2012 – Sen. Zubiri (Bukidnon News) Archived 2015-12-22 at the Wayback Machine
16. Don Carlos is best choice for Bukidnon airport (MindaNews)
17. Maraymaray, Don Carlos; Bukidnon Airport Development Project (Don Carlos Official Website) Archived 2017-08-08 at the Wayback Machine
18. Admin, CDODev (7 January 2018). "PROJECT WATCH: New Bukidnon (Don Carlos) Development Airport to start this year; P425 million budget allocated". cdodev.com. Archived from the original on 8 January 2018. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
19. "Province: Bukidnon". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
20. Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region X (Northern Mindanao)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. NSO. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
21. http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/1957/02feb/19570213-EO-0235-RM.pdf
22. https://impasugong.com.ph/archives/14
23. https://www.facebook.com/Bukidnon.ph/photos/municipality-of-impasug-ongadministrative-center-poblacionpopulation-43587-12th-/10152731730459165/
24. Census of Population (2015). Highlights of the Philippine Population 2015 Census of Population. PSA. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
25. Cairns, Malcolm (2015). Shifting Cultivation and Environmental Change: Indigenous People, Agriculture and Forest Conservation. Routledge. ISBN 9781317750192. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
26. "Table 11. Household Population by Ethnicity and Sex: 2010" (PDF). psa.gov.ph. Archived (PDF) from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
27. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2018-03-04. Retrieved 2018-03-04.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
28. "Foreign diplomats to grace Bukidnon's Kaamulan fest".

External links

• Media related to Bukidnon at Wikimedia Commons
• Geographic data related to Bukidnon at OpenStreetMap
• Provincial Government of Bukidnon
• Philippine Standard Geographic Code listing for Bukidnon