Jonilyn B.

Mondragon
Kristine Joy D. Pecho

Northern Mindanao Region 10

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
Region X, known as Northern Mindanao occupies the north-central part of
Mindanao Island. The region is composed of the provinces of Bukidnon,
Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental. It has
two (2) urbanized cities, namely, Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City and
seven (7) component cities: El Salvador City, Gingoog City, Malaybalay City,
Oroquieta City, Tangub City, and Valencia City. The total of 84 municipalities;
13, Congressional districts and 2,022, barangays. It is bounded by the
Mindanao Sea on the north , Western Mindanao on the west, Caraga Region
on the east, and Regions XI and XII on the south. Northern Mindanao has a
total land area of 2,049,602 hectares (5,064,680 acres)
Bukidnon has vast agricultural resources which are highly suitable for almost
all types of crops; it is the regions food basket and primary supplier of raw
material for processing in the various agri-industrial centers of the region.
Misamis Oriental is the hub and industrial center of the region; is the home
to the regional airport, international seaport, first class hotels and variety of
agri-based & other manufacturing industries. The island of Camiguin is a
place of unspoiled beauty, white sandy beaches, clear mountain springs and
waterfalls and rustic old world charm. Misamis Occidental is a place of
natural beauty, wetlands, unspoiled forests and rich, fertile soil; it is the base
for most of the regions aquaculture industries And lastly Lanao del Norte,
the newest province added to the Northern Mindanao Region; it is traversed
by several rivers, the most important of which is the Agus River which feeds
the Ma. Cristina Falls, a major source of hydroelectric power for the Mindano
Grid.
CLIMATE AND TOPOGRAPHY
Rainfall in Northern Mindanao is evenly distributed throughout the year. Its
abundant vegetation, natural springs and high elevation contribute to the
region's cool, mild and invigorating climate.
Region 10 is geologically a combination of plains, mountains, rolling hills, and
coastal areas with rich soil, abundant minerals, agriculture, forest and
aquaculture resources. The region is strategically located serving as the

gateway to and from the rest of Mindanao, linking this resource-rich island to
the rest of the country and the world via its relatively modern seaport,
airports and an extensive arterial road network. It is located outside the
typhoon belt and enjoys a climate that is favorable to agriculture and
industrial activities. And lastly the region is blessed with abundant hydroelectric power supply which constitutes the bulk of power available in the
Mindanao Grid and still has a lot of hydro electric potentials ready for
tapping.

Population of Region X - Northern Mindanao (Based on the

2015 Census of Population)
The population of Region X (Northern Mindanao) as of August 1, 2015 was
4,689,302 based on the 2015 Census of Population (POPCEN 2015).
The 2015 population of the region is higher by 391,979 compared with the
population of 4.30 million in 2010, and by 1.18 million compared with the
population of 3.51 million in 2000.
The population of Region X increased by 1.68 percent annually, on average,
during the period 2010 to 2015. By comparison, the rate at which the
regions population grew during the period 2000 to 2010 was higher at 2.06
percent.
Among the five provinces comprising the region, Bukidnon had the biggest
population in 2015 with 1.42 million. It was followed by Misamis Oriental
(excluding Cagayan de Oro City) with 889 thousand, Lanao del Norte
(excluding Iligan City) with 676 thousand, and Misamis Occidental with 602
thousand. Camiguin had the smallest population with 88 thousand. Refer to
Table 3.
The region has two highly urbanized cities (HUCs). Cagayan de Oro City
posted a population of 676 thousand while Iligan City had a population of
343 thousand.
The total population of Region X accounted for about 4.6 percent of the
Philippine population in 2015.
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People

The vast majority of the region's inhabitants are migrants from Cebu and
Bohol. Some inhabitants are of Waray, Tagalog and Maranao descent.

Languages

Cebuano/ Visayan, Tagalog, Hiligaynon, Maranao, Waray, Higa-onon, Ilocano,

Spanish, English.

CULTURE
Northern Mindanaos topography is varied. There are plains, forests,
mountains, hills and coastal areas. The area supports agriculture and
aquaculture. The soil is rich in minerals. There are hydro-electric plants to
provide a steady supply of electricity. Northern Mindanao has a wealth of
natural resources.
Although Mindanao was never fully conquered by Spain, traces of Catholic
influence can be seen throughout the region: the site of the first Christian
settlement in Bayug, Lanao del Norte; the Monastery of the Transfiguration
(home of an impressive boys choir) in Malaybalay; and the Immaculate
Concepcion Cathedral (famous locally for its giant pipe organ) in Ozamiz.
The areas cuisine has a strong Malay influence. Seafood is a staple. Spices
such as turmeric, garlic, ginger, roasted coconut, and chilies are used
liberally.
The regions attractions are a mix of the historical, the natural, and the manmade. There are several beaches good for diving and snorkeling. You can go
on mountain climbing expeditions. For the more adventurous, theres
rappelling in Katibawasan Falls. You can even see the fierce Philippine Eagle
up close. Or go squid fishing and visit the Giant Clams Ocean Nursery in
Kantaan, Guinsiliban.
Museo de Oro
Inside Mindanaos first university, youll find a museum exhibit of the areas
oldest-known human remains. Museo de Oro in Xavier University has a
collection of relics that give museum-goers a better understanding of the
Bukidnon and Maranao cultures.

Museum of Three Cultures

The migrant lowlanders, the indigenous peoples of Northern Mindanao and
the Mranao are all well represented in the Museum of Three Cultures. You
can even play some of their traditional musical instruments!
St. Augustine Cathedral
Originally built by Augustinian friars, the St. Augustine Cathedral was
destroyed in World War II and then rebuilt by American missionaries. Today it
is the heart of Cagayan de Oro.
General MacArthur Marker
The American general that effectively ended Japanese occupation of the
Pacific in World War II passed through this point in his escape from the
Philippines. His statement of I shall return gave Filipinos hope during the
darkest days of the war. And he did return.
Laguindingan Airport

The first International airport in Northern Mindanao.

HOW TO GET THERE? :

Bukidnon
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By Air

Although there are public & private air-strips in Bukidnon, there are no
commercial flights going directly to the province. The nearest airport is the
Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City, catering domestic flights from the
cities of Manila, Cebu, and Davao. From Cagayan de Oro, a travel by land
must be taken to reach Bukidnon.
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By Land

Taking the bus is one of the convenient ways to reach Bukidnon by land.
About 104 kilometers road distance from Cagayan de Oro and that is
approximately one hour and a half land travel straight to the capital city of
Bukidnon, Malaybalay. The capital city could also be reached from Davao City
via Salawagan Quezon Bukidnon and that is about 208 kilometers with an
estimated time travel of three and a half hours.Other public transportation is
also available, like public utility jeepneys and vans for hire.

By Sea

Since Bukidnon is a landlocked province, sea transportation is generally

through its closest port, the Port of Cagayan de Oro City then takes the
transportation by land to reach the cities and municipalities in Bukidnon.
Several ferry services are available connecting Cagayan de Oro City to
seaports in the cities of Cebu, Manila, Bohol and other ports in Luzon and
Visayas.
Misamis Oriental
By Air : To get to Cagayan de Oro, Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines and
Cebu Pacific have daily flights to Lumbia Airport of Cagayan de Oro City.
By Land and Water : (Though Lakwatsero havent try these means of
transportation yet, one can possibly reach Cagayan de Oro by bus and/or
ferry rides from Manila. These alternatives are relatively cheaper than air
travel though quite strenous.)

Philtranco buses offers Manila(Pasay) to Cagayan de Oro for an

approximately 42 hours travel time

SuperFerry, Negros Navigation and Sulpicio Lines have ferries bound to

Cagayan de Oro City for around 30 hours travel time
Misamis Occidental
AIR: There are daily flights to Ozamiz City from Manila and Cebu.
LAND: Buses travel to Ozamiz City from Cagayan de Oro, Pagadian,
Zamboanga City, and Dipolog.
SEA: Ferry trips are scheduled regularly from Mukas, Kolambugan town of
Lanao del Norte across Panguil Bay. 2GO Travel also goes from Manila to
Ozamiz.
Camiguin
AIR: Take a flight to Cagayan de Oro city from from Manila, Ilo-ilo or Cebu.
From CDO, take a bus from Agora Bus Terminal going to Balingoan. Then take
a barge or ferry to Camiguin island.
LAND: Option unavailable

SEA: Take passenger ferries to Cagayan de Oro city from from Manila, Ilo-ilo
or Cebu.
From CDO, take a bus from Agora Bus Terminal going to Balingoan. Then take
a barge or ferry to Camiguin island.

Brief History
An old legend would tell us that the name Cagayan is derived from the root
word kagay which means river. Kagay-an the place where the gold is
panned owing to the rich tributaries that abound with gold. With the arrival
of the Spaniards, however, Kagay-an was changed to Cagayan. Later
on, when gold was found in the river traversing the village, the phrase de
Oro was added. The signing of the charter creating the city of Cagayan de
Oro on June 15, 1950 by then President Quirino marked its birth as a charter
city.