REGION 9

Location

Region 9, also known as the Zamboanga Peninsula Region lies at the Southernmost portion of the
Philippine archipelago. Located at the western tip of the island of Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula is
strategically situated in close proximity to Sabah, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia. Thus, its
appellation as the Philippines’ gateway to the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth
Area or BIMP-EAGA.

Composition and Land Area

Region 9 occupies a land area of 17,046.64 sq. km and is composed of three provinces - Zamboanga del
Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga del Sur; and five cities - Dapitan, Dipolog, Pagadian,
Zamboanga, and Isabela. It has 8 congressional districts and 67 municipalities.

Zamboanga City is the industrial and commercial center of the region while Pagadian City is now the
acknowledged regional center following the transfer of most government regional offices there from
Zamboanga City. The region prides itself as one of the centers of trade and commerce in Mindanao.

Demography

Region 9’s population as of 2010 stood at 3,407,353 with an average annual population growth rate of
1.87%. Zamboanga del Sur has the largest population with 959, 685 persons, followed by Zamboanga del
Norte with 957,997 persons, Zamboanga City with 807,129, Zamboanga Sibugay with 584,685, and City
of Isabela with 97,857.

Region 9 has a relatively young population, the bulk of whom are 15 years old and below. Men also slightly
outnumber women.

About a third of the region’s population is composed of ethnic people. These groups, usually erroneously
classified under the general heading of “Muslims”, are actually culturally distinct from each other. They are
generally divided into the Tausugs, Yakans, Badjaos, Samals, and the Subanens of Zamboanga del Norte,
Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay.

The first settlers of Zamboanga Peninsula are the Subanens (People of the River), occupying it long before
the arrival of the Spaniards.

Filipino, English and Chinese are the predominant languages spoken in the region. Visayan-Cebuano,
spoken by about two-thirds of the population is the predominant dialect. Chavacano on the other hand is
the main dialect spoken in the City of Zamboanga.

Roman Catholicism is the major religion practiced in the region. The other major religions are Islam, and
Born-Again Christianity.

Climate and Topography

The region's topography is relatively rugged. Roughly 51% of its area are hilly; some having steeped slopes
and within the elevation range of 100 to more than 1,000 meters above sea level. In terms of land
classification, about 51 per cent is considered alienable and disposable and the remaining 49 per cent is
classified as forest land. Almost 60,000 hectares of land that can be developed for planting crops still
remain idle, while around 310,000 hectares of coconut land can be utilized for multi-cropping and pasture
purposes.

The region's climate is generally classified as type 3 and 4. It has no pronounced rainy seasons, but has
relatively dry season from December to May. There is a relatively uniform rainfall distribution throughout
the year. The annual average rainfall is 2,372 millimeters which is highly suitable for agricultural
production.

Economy
Zamboanga Peninsula’s economy is basically rooted in agriculture with farming and fishing as the main
economic activities of families.

As measured by the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), the region’s economy in 2008 stood at
PhP 35.806 billion (at constant 1985 prices), growing at an average of 2.2% for the period 2007-2008.

By industrial origin, the Agriculture/Fishery/Forestry Sector contributes about 50% of the GRDP, followed
by the Services Sector at 35%. The Industry Sector meanwhile, contributes the remaining 15% of the
regional economy.

The industry sector of Region 9 is characterized by a proliferation of micro, small and medium-scale
companies. Most manufacturing activities are based in the cities of Zamboanga, Dipolog, and Pagadian.

Resources

The region has vast forest resources. Logs, lumber, veneer and plywood are once among its major export
products. It is also richly endowed with mineral deposits both metallic and non-metallic. Metallic reserves
include gold, silver, copper, chromite, iron, lead, and manganese ore. The non-metallic minerals consist of
coal, clay, asbestos, limestone, quartz, silica, phosphate rock and marble.

Comparative Advantages

Situated outside the typhoon belt and surrounded by five of the Philippines’ richest fishing grounds, the
region enjoys several distinct advantages:

It is the no. 1 commercial marine fish producing region in the country, contributing 16.48% of the national
fish production and 37% of Mindanao’s total production (BAS 2004 data). The whole industry employs
approximately 35,000 workers not counting those employed in the allied industries such as shipping,
stevedoring, cold storage, etc. It has also extensive areas developed as aqua farms for brackish water and
freshwater fishes.

It supplies 70% of the Philippine domestic requirements for dried fish. There are to date a total of 104 big
dried fish processors in the region.

It supplies 75% of the country’s total domestic requirements for canned sardines. Hence, its appellation as
the Sardines Capital of the Philippines. To date, there are eight major canning factories based in
Zamboanga City.

Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte, meanwhile, is renowned for pioneering the production of in-glass or
bottled sardines in the country. With concerted support from DTI, DOST, DOLE, TESDA and other
government agencies, this budding industry has rapidly grown over the years and is now making inroads
into the export market. As of last count, there are now 34 bottled sardines processors based in the region.

Region 9 ranks third in terms of seaweeds production contributing roughly 12% of the total national output.
It produces and exports dried seaweeds and semi-refined and refined carageenan. Carageenan, derived
from seaweeds is a major ingredient in the cosmetics and food processing industries.

Coconut is one other crop extensively grown in the region. Coco-based products such as coco-oil, pellets
and others remain the region’s biggest traditional export. It is also a major producer of VCO and edible oil
for the domestic market. In 2006, 363,530 hectares of coconut farms produced 1,723,659 metric tons of
harvest.

Zamboanga Peninsula is Mindanao’s second biggest producer of mango next to Southern Mindanao. In
2006, 16,091 hectares were planted to mango in the region producing 53,932 metric tons of harvest.

Its huge deposits of precious minerals include gold, silver, copper, chromite, iron, lead, manganese, coal,
clay, asbestos, limestone, quartz, silica, phosphate rock and marble.

It is home to ZAMBOECOZONE, the only economic zone and freeport in all Visayas and Mindanao. On
top of generous incentives granted to investors and locators, ZAMBOECOZONE also guarantees free flow,
entry and movement of machineries and other good tax free within its jurisdiction.
It has state of the art banking and communications facilities; modern educational and healthcare services;
world class hotel and convention centers; abundant water; and stable power supply.

Nature also endowed it with so much natural attractions such as white sand beaches, spectacular
waterfalls, dive spots, caves for spelunking, marine sanctuaries and awesome coral formations, among
others.

Above all, much of Zamboanga Peninsula’s strength lies on its people – hospitable, warm and proud of
their rich cultural heritage. Its workforce - highly educated, skilled and multi-lingual.

PROVINCIAL PROFILE

Isabela City

Isabela City in the province of Basilan was named after a former Queen of Spain. Once the premier
municipality of Basilan, her status changed on March 5, 2001 when Republic Act No. 9023 “An Act
Converting the Municipality of Isabela, Province of Basilan into a component city to be known as the City
of Isabela” was signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. On April 25, 2001 Isabeleños ratified the
new status of Isabela.

Sailing into the channel that leads to Isabela gives the visitor the first glimpse of the beauty of the city.
Mangrove areas giving way to houses on stilts on the waters itself, the sight of an old mosque at Kaun
Purna, sailboats in the distance silhouetted against the morning or afternoon sun – all combine to give a
preview of what is come.

Isabela’s Malamawi Island is truly spectacular for its beach, sunsets, and the wild ducks that give the place
a special flavor of its own. Sumagdang Beach on the mainland has its own charms. And the rubber
plantations with row upon row of trees providing a canopy of green over the land are a pleasure to behold.

The wealth of the sea can be seen at the Isabela public market where. Exotic species of food fish can be
had at the fraction of the process they command in some other places. Isabela is an island city worth
visiting, along with Yakan natives whose woven cloth has made a name in the world.

Zamboanga City

City of Flowers, Asia’s Latin City, Preciosa Perlita Orgullo de Mindanao, these are Zamboanga of the many
names in legend and song. Beaches, mountains, gardens, culture, people – all are part of Zamboanga’s
beautiful face to the world. Named by early Malay settlers as Jambangan for the flowers that bloomed in
profusion, Zamboanga’s history is rich and the envy of many. As early as the 13th and 14th centuries, she
was already a known trading center for the Malay, Chinese and natives.

Spain came to her shores in 1593 and on June 24 1635, the most enduring landmark of Spanish heritage
was built –Fort Pilar. Today, it still stands as a shrine to the Lady of the Pilar. The largest and most
exuberant fiesta of the City centers on the Lady – October 12, Fiesta Pilar – around which the annual
Zamboanga Hermosa Festival revolves. The legacy of Spain is also the city’s unique language –
Chavacano – a Spanish patois that is kept vibrant by locals today.

From 1903 to 1913 of the American era, Zamboanga was the center of the whole of Mindanao, capital of
the Moro province. As such, it was once the largest city in the world.

Zamboanga today continues to be the center of trade, commerce, transportation, communication,

education, technology, tourism, and religion in the Zamboanga peninsula. She is simply living up to
tradition. As alluring as ever, Zamboanga City shines out … as she has always done

Zamboanga del Norte

Zamboanga del Norte shared Zamboanga del Sur’s birth but ever before the province existed separately;
its Shrine City of Dapitan was already renowned as the home of the country’s most famous exile, national
hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal just before his martyrdom. Today, Dapitan retains much of the old world ambiance
and charm, succeeding in retaining the delicate balance the progress of the times and the heritage of a
city with a special niche in Philippine history. Its rustic character blooming with the reminders of an age
long gone makes it a must for every visitor. Dapitan also hosts a world-class and the region’s leading resort
– Dakak Beach Resort.

Dipolog City, the capital of Zamboanga del Norte, and known as the Orchid City has a charm all its own,
tracing roots from a Spanish settlement in 1634. While it is the urban and commercial center of Zamboanga
del Norte, it has also managed to preserve the air of a countryside village that endears it too many seeking
the conveniences of modern life with the ease and peace of countryside living.

Zamboanga del Norte also abounds with natural beauty – lush forest parks and falls, scenic beaches and
coves plus historical landmarks that take the visitor on many nostalgic trips to the past.

Zamboanga del Sur

Zamboanga del Sur came into her came into her own on June 6, 1952, becoming a separate province
carved out of Zamboanga City along with sister province Zamboanga del Norte.

Once the Zamboanga Peninsula’s largest and most populous province, she in turn gave way in 2001 when
her southern end become the new province of Zamboanga Sibugay.

With Pagadian City as her capital and now the regional government center of the peninsula, Zamboanga
del Sur’s beauty and bounty are undeniable. The four bays of Sibuguey, Dumanguilas, Maligay, and
Pagadian are perfect foils to the coastal plains and verdant mountain hinterlands of the province.

Numerous waterfalls dot the provincial landscape and lakes such as Lakewood and Dasay provide oasis
experiences. Add to them caves, beaches, and scenic mountains that make for a hard-to-beat nature
package. Get a preview by standing at high point in Pagadian City and take in the sweeping vista down to
where the wharf is. It is easy to see why Pagadian is called the Little Hongkong of the South.

Add in the native color and mystery of the Subanens, the dominant tribe in the province. The attraction of
Zamboanga del Sur is undeniable indeed.

Zamboanga Sibugay

Zamboanga Sibugay is the peninsula’s newest province. There had been many attempts to carve up the
large province of Zamboanga del Sur as far back as the ‘60s.

In 1993, businessman turned politician Jose Cabaral Tiu, started the Zamboanga Occidental Movement.
This created a wave of political consciousness in the then 3rd District of Zamboanga del Sur that swelled
until the momentum for a separate province become inexorable.

During the May 1997 barangay elections, a People’s Initiative on the issue of a separate province was
conducted. The result was an overwhelming majority of voters coming out in favor of the new province.

The process for Zamboanga Sibugay’s birth began with House Bill No. 1311 authored by Congressman
George T. Hofer, which was approved in November 2000, and culminated with the issuance and signing
into law of Republic Act 8973 by the President Joseph E. Estrada. In February 2001, the province of
Zamboanga Sibugay came into existence with Ipil leading 15 other towns in composing the Zamboanga
Peninsula’s newest province. Zamboanga Sibugay is beautiful. One only has to see sites such as Looc
Labuan Beach in Tungawan, Litayon Island, Baluran Falls in Imelda, the Moalboal Caves, and the intriquing
sea snakes in Olutanga among others to realize that it is a gem of a province.

INDUSTRIAL PROFILE

Champion Products

 Rubber
 Abaca
 Coconut
 Mango
 Seaweeds
 Fish and Fish Products
 REGION 10
Strategically located in the southern part of the Philippines’ resource-rich island of Mindanao, Northern
Mindanao or Region 10 is a highly-diversified region that enjoys quality living and sustained economic
growth. It is home to the Phividec Industrial Estate, the country’s largest industrial estate that hosts light to
medium industries. The region is also a site to big multi-national corporations which existed for decades.

Northern Mindanao Quickstats

INDICATORS DATA REFERENCE

Region 10 Total Population 4,689,302 August 2015
Land Area 20,186 sq km 2010
Average Annual Family Income P221,000 2015
Average Annual Family Expenditure P161,000 2015
Annual Per Capita Poverty Threshold (in Php) P22,345 2015
Poverty Incidence (among Families) 30.3% 2015
Poverty Incidence (among Population) 36.6% 2015
GRDP (in thousand pesos; at Constant 2000
P283,238,432 2015
Prices)
GRDP Growth Rate 5.5% 2014-2015
Consumer Price Index (2006=100) 156.8 Dec. 2016
Inflation Rate 2.4% Dec. 2016
Purchasing Power of Peso 0.64 Dec. 2016
Labor Force Participation Rate 67.2% Oct. 2016
Employment Rate 95.9% Oct. 2016
Unemployment Rate 4.1% Oct. 2016
Underemployment Rate 26.9% Oct. 2016

It is an ideal business location. The international seaport and container terminals, serving the region and
the rest of Mindanao, are considered the most efficient outside Metro Manila. Electricity is reliable and
relatively cheap, water is abundant and telecommunications are modern. There is a large pool of skilled,
English-speaking and highly-trainable workforce. In summary, the region prides the following advantages:

 Presence of power generation service

 Vast agricultural lands and rich natural resources
 Strategic location
 Huge potential for industrial development
 Peace-loving people, and skilled and literate workforce

Economic Performance – GRDP Growth Rate

GRDP-Gross Regional Domestic Product

Structure of the Economy

*AHFF-Agriculture, Hunting, Fishing & Forestry

Top 10 Export Commodities of Region 10 – First Quarter, 2016

1. Oleo chemicals
2. Canned Pineapple Products
3. Coconut Oil
4. Abaca Fiber, Processed
5. Sintered Ore
6. Desiccated Coconut
7. Fresh Pineapple
8. Cane Raw Sugar
9. Coconut Shell Charcoal
10. Copra Meal/Cake
Investment Opportunities

Growth and investment opportunities in the region thrive in agriculture, food processing, tourism, service-
related industries, trade infrastructure services, and industrial, environmental, and ecological support
facilities.

Phividec Industrial Estate Priority Locator Industries

 Manufacturing
 Steel/Metal
 Shipbuilding
 Food Processing
 Port Logistics and Ancillary Services

PIE-MO Incentives

 Low land lease rates

 Exemption from customs duties and taxes if goods are 70% for export
 Availment of Board of Investments (BOI) and/or Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)
privileges if eligible for registration

BOI Privileges

 Income Tax Holiday (ITH)

 Exemption From Taxes And Duties On Imported Spare Parts
 Exemption From Wharfage Dues And Export Tax, Duty, Impost and Fees
 Tax Exemption On Breeding Stocks and Genetic Materials
 Tax Credits
 Additional Deductions From Taxable Income

PEZA Privileges

 Income Tax Holiday (ITH), 4-8 years

 5% Special Tax on gross income, after ITH in lieu of all local and national taxes
  Value Added Tax (VAT) zero-rating

Provincial Trade and Industry Profiles

Northern Mindanao has five provinces, namely, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon, Lanao
del Norte and Camiguin. It comprises two (2) highly-urbanized cities, seven (7) constituent cities, 84
municipalities and 2,022 barangays.

Misamis Oriental

Among the five provinces under Northern Mindanao is Misamis Oriental. Based on Philippine Statistics
Authority’s records in 2015, Misamis Oriental already has a population of 889 thousand, excluding the
population of Cagayan de Oro. The highly-urbanized city of Cagayan de Oro alone has a population of 602
thousand.

Misamis Oriental’s strategic location allows it to qualify as a centre of industry, trade and commerce in the
region. To date, there are already 37 major industrial and manufacturing firms that are based in Misamis
Oriental.

Misamis Occidental

Rich in aquamarine and agricultural products, Misamis Occidental is seen to get more economic
opportunities in the future. The province is also open to eco-tourism investments since its location is
efficient to most ports in Northern Mindanao and since it also has a wide range of pristine natural grandeur.

The province boasts off its long coastline where one of the country’s shrimp spawning grounds is located.
Aside from shrimps, Misamis Occidental also offers other aquamarine resources such as shellfishes,
prawns and crabs which will eventually pave its way to become the aquamarine centre of the Philippines.

Camiguin

Camiguin – also known as the “Paradise Island” of Mindanao - boasts off its scenic sea and mountain
views, natural hot and cold springs and white beaches. Camiguin is located 90 kilometres north of
Cagayan de Oro. Anyone coming from Cagayan de Oro can take a 45-minute boat ride through the Benoni
Port to reach the province of Camiguin. The province has a population of around 88 thousand and has a
land area of 292 square kilometre.

Bukidnon

Bukidnon, the province which sits at the heart of Mindanao, gets a taste of every benefit each province in
Region 10 enjoys. The province has a good road system that is very accessible for those who are travelling
by land through Cagayan de Oro and through other entry points in Mindanao. It is also located in an area
where the climate is very ideal for foreign and local dwellers. Bukidnon’s vast land of pineapple and other
produce allows it to perform remarkably in the agri-business industry. In fact, two of the country’s biggest
pineapple companies – Del Monte Philippines and Dole Philippines - have been operating in the province
for years. Meanwhile, several adventure and eco-tourism parks have also added to the province’s
popularity, making it one of the top go-to places for tourists visiting the Philippines.

Lanao del Norte

The province of Lanao del Norte vaunts its 153,738 hectares of developed agricultural land, a rich coastline
for aquamarine produce, and some private fishing grounds. Coming along the launching of the Cagayan-
Iligan Industrial Corridor is the support from downstream and major industrial plants. The province also
has a lot of potentials in the agri-business sector and can push through its global aim to become one of
the top agro industries in the province.
 REGION 11

Davao Region is located on the southeastern portion of Mindanao, comprises 5 provinces: Compostela
Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Davao del Sur. Just recently, the President signed RA 10360
creating the country’s newest province, Davao Occidental, in effect dividing into two the province of Davao
del Sur.

The region has six cities, namely: Davao, Digos, Mati, Panabo, Samal, and Tagum; and 43 municipalities,
grouped into 11 congressional districts and divided into 1,162 barangays.

The region covers a total land area of 20,357 sq.km. Its premier city is Davao City which has an area of
2,443.6 sq. km.

Income Classification

The region has the following income classification of LGUs: 1 first class highly-urbanized city and four
1st class provinces. For the component cities, there are 1 first class, 1 second class and 1 fourth
class. Among the municipalities, 19 are first class, 12 are second class, 10 are third class, and 5 are fourth
class.

LGU Income Class LGU Income Class

Compostela Valley First Class Davao del Norte First Class
Davao del Sur First Class Davao Oriental First Class

Highly-urbanized City Income Class

Davao City First Class

Population

The region serves as melting pot of many cultural groups. Cebuanos, Boholanos, and Ilonggos are the
majority groups. Others include Maguindanaos, Maranaos, Manobos, T’bolis, Bagobos, B’laans, Samals,
and Agtas. Smaller communities of Ilocanos, Tagalogs, Warays, and Bicolanos have also settled here.

In terms of population, is the country’s 5th fastest growing region with 4.8 million residents, making up 20%
of Mindanao’s population and 5% of the country’s total.

Davao City’s population hit 1.62 million based on the latest survey results released by the Philippine
Statistics Authority (PSA) for 2015.

Competitive Advantage

Considered as a region of royalties, is home to the Philippine Eagle — the world’s largest eagle and king
of Philippine skies; Waling-waling — the queen of orchids; irresistible Durian — the king of fruits; and Mt.
Apo — the country’s highest peak and king of Philippine mountains.

Region’s Top Produce

The region is blessed with fertile soil and good climate conducive to the cultivation of agricultural crops. In
2011, the region was the country’s #1 producer of coconut, durian, bananas, cacao and coffee. It was
ranked 2nd in abaca production, next only to the Bicol Region. As for present, the principal products are
bananas, coconut, palay, sugarcane, corn durian and mango.

The devastation brought by Typhoon Pablo in December 2012 had a tremendous effect on the region’s
crop production, particularly in the provinces of Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte.

Some of Davao’s well-known tourist destinations

Mount Apo, at 9,692 feet, is one of the most popular climbing destinations in the country. Our dive spots
in the Davao Gulf are one of the country’s best.

In Samal, there is the Monfort Bat Cave, whose bat colony was certified by the Guinness Book of World
Records as the largest colony of fruit bats in the world with a population ranging from 1.8 to 2.5 million. It
boggles the minds of the scientific community as bats are known to be nocturnal creatures, but these
Geoffroy’s Rousette bats do not shy away from the light. Visitors are amazed at how they manage to stay
glued to their posts in broad daylight, occasionally flying within the large openings of the five sinkholes
within the property.

In Mati City, Davao Oriental, lies the The Sleeping Dinosaur, a land formation along Pujada Bay that
resembles a submerged dinosaur sleeping on its belly, offering a wonderful break from the landscape of
mostly ricefields and coconuts.

Just like the rest of the Philippines, is the place to be for fiestas. Davao City comes alive with the
celebration of the “Kadayawan sa Dabaw” every third week of August, coinciding with the harvest of fruits,
flowers and agricultural produce.

The Musikahan sa Tagum is internationally known as the all-inclusive and longest running music festival
in the country that showcases the talents of Tagumeños, Mindanaoans and Filipinos in general.

The Bulawan or Gold Festival of Compostela Valley, which is celebrated every 1st week of March is
reflective of Comval’s gold and other mineral wealth to promote the vision of transforming the province into
a jewelry- making center. As a province-wide event, the festival involves various events and friendly
competitions participated in by all other sectors of the community.

These are just a handful of the many tourist attractions of which is richly blessed.

REGION 12
Soccsksargen (officially styled as SOCCSKSARGEN) (pronounced [sokˈsardʒɛn]), formerly known
simply as Cotabato or Kota Bato, is an administrative region of the Philippines, located in south-
central Mindanao. It is numerically designated as Region XII. The name is an acronym that stands for the
region's four provinces and 2 cities (South Cotabato, Cotabato
Province, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos). The region used to be called Central
Mindanao. The regional center is in Koronadal located in the province of South Cotabato, and the center
of commerce and industry is General Santos, which is the most populous city in the Region.

Geography
The region is bounded on the north by Northern Mindanao, on the east by the Davao Region, and on the
southwest by the Celebes Sea. The province of Maguindanao is situated between Cotabato City, North
Cotabatoprovince, and Sultan Kudarat.
The region has extensive coastlines, valleys and mountain ranges. Known for its river system, the region
is the drainage basin of Mindanao, particularly at the Cotabato Basin, a large depression surrounded by
mountain ranges on three sides. Within the basin runs the Rio Grande de Mindanao, the longest river in
Mindanao and the second longest in the Philippines. The river empties into the Illana Bay of the larger Moro
Gulf at the west of Cotabato City.
At the south of the basin lie the Tiruray Highlands, a moderately high mountain range blocking the basin
from the southern coastline. Southeast of the mountains lie the Sarangani Bay.

History
The oldest civilization in the region is located in Maitum, Sarangani, where the Maitum Anthropomorphic
Potterywere found. The jars have been declared as National Cultural Treasures, and are subject to the
high protections ensured by Philippine and international laws.
Central Mindanao
The region used to be named Central Mindanao. Prior to the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao (ARMM) it comprised the following provinces:

 Maguindanao
 North Cotabato
 Sultan Kudarat
 Lanao del Norte
 Lanao del Sur
With the creation of ARMM, Lanao del Sur,and Maguindanao (excluding Cotabato City) were removed
from the region, leaving Lanao del Norte, Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, and Iligan, Marawi and Cotabato
City as constituent provinces and cities. Lanao del Norte and Iligan were later transferred to Northern
Mindanao, while Marawi became part of the ARMM.
SOCCSKSARGEN
On September 2001, Executive Order No. 36 was signed by President Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo transferring South Cotabato, Sarangani, General Santos (also known as the SocSarGen District),
and Koronadal from Southern Mindanao to Region XII, and renaming the region, from Central Mindanao,
to SOCCSKSARGEN.
Koronadal City, New Regional Center
By virtue of Executive Order No. 304 signed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Koronadal
City was named as the Regional political and socio-economic center of SOCCSKSARGEN on March 30,
2004. Regional departments, bureaus and offices were ordered to move from Cotabato City, the former
Regional Center of the Region.
Cotabato City Exit
Traditionally resisting efforts for inclusion to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao despite serving
as the government center of the ARMM, the January 21, 2019 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region creation
plebiscite resulted in the surprise ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law. This means Cotabato City
may now formally serve as the capital of the region and the offices of the current ARMM will be retained
for use by the Bangsamoro Regional Government and now formaly exited to the SOCCSKSARGEN
Region.
Map of Region XII
Soccsksargen comprises 4 provinces, 1 highly urbanized city, 3 component cities, 45 municipalities and
1,195 barangays.
Province or Ci Population (201 Citie Mun
Capital Area Density Bgy.
ty 5) s i.
/sq
km2 sq mi /km2
mi
Kidapaw 30.4 1,379,74 3,478.3
Cotabato 9,008.90 150 390 1 17 543
an % 7 6
12.0 1,390.4
Sarangani Alabel 544,261 3,601.25 150 390 0 7 141
% 5
South Koronada 20.1 1,519.6
915,289 3,935.95 230 600 1 10 199
Cotabato l % 8
Sultan 17.9 2,045.7
Isulan 812,095 5,298.34 150 390 1 11 249
Kudarat % 0
General 13.1 1,20
† — 594,446 492.86 190.29 3,100 — — 26
Santos % 0
4,545,27 22,513.3 8,692.4 1,19
Total 200 520 5 45
6 0 3 5
 Province or Ci Population (201 Citie Mun
Capital Area Density Bgy.
ty 5) s i.
 † General Santos is a highly-urbanized city; figures are excluded from South Cotabato.
Cities[edit]
Component cities[edit]

 Kidapawan — the only city of Cotabato province

 Koronadal — the political regional center of Soccsksargen
 Tacurong — only city of Sultan Kudarat
Highly-urbanized city

 General Santos — a highly urbanized city, it serves as the center of the Metropolitan and Regional
Center for trade and industry of Soccsksargen.

Area Population Tax collection IRA Income

Rank City class
as of 2015 as of 2012 as of 2015
in sq.km

General Php 1,086.25

1. 492.86 594,446 P1.175 billion 1st
Santos million

P917 million
2. Koronadal 277.00 174,942 Php 504.77 million 3rd
(including South Cotabato)

P554 million
3. Kidapawan 358.47 140,195 Php 509.68 million 3rd
(including Cotabato Province)

P555 million
4. Tacurong 153.40 98,316 Php 350.57 million 4th
(including Sultan Kudarat
Province)

REGION 13
Caraga, officially known as the Caraga Administrative Region or simply Caraga Region and designated
as Region XIII, is an administrative region in the Philippines occupying the northeastern section of the
island of Mindanao. The Caraga Region was created through Republic Act No. 7901 on February 23,
1995. The region comprises five provinces: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao
del Sur and Dinagat Islands;[3] six cities: Bayugan, Bislig, Butuan, Cabadbaran, Surigao and Tandag; 67
municipalities and 1,311 barangays. Butuan is the regional administrative center.

Etymology
Caraga is said to have originated from the native word Kalaga which means "spirit of soul". Hence, the
whole Provincia de Caraga of AD 1622 was called region de gente animosa, that is "region of spirited
men". Another fictional etymology of the name flows from a local legend as coming from the word Cagang,
a numerous small crabs matting the beach of Caraga, which is also known as katang to the native
inhabitants. Legend goes that the town was named as such because the first Spanish missionaries who
came in the early years of 1600 found numerous small crabs matting the beach.

History
During pre-colonial times, the Rajahnate of Butuan ruled in what is now Agusan del Norte and Butuan City.
It had much influenced on all of Caraga, portions of Northern Mindanao, and western side of Bohol.
According to records, Butuan was in conflict with the Sultanate of Ternate in the present-day Moluccas of
Indonesia. The Ternateans would attack and ransack Butuan and its wealth, but Butuan always prevailed.
It was known that the Rajahnate of Butuan had friendly relations with the Rajahnate of Cebu which it
considered as an ally. The Rajahnate of Butuan became a powerful Hindu state which is much known for
its goldsmithing and boat-making. The people of Butuan used gigantic boats known as balangay which
carried numerous men. Relics of these gold crafts and giant boats have been unearthed and preserved by
the National Museum of the Philippines and other international museums. Butuan also had cordial relations
with the Kingdom of Champa in what is now central Vietnam. The Butuan people managed to traverse the
Sulu Sea and the South China Sea to reach Champa for trade. While the Rajahnate of Butuan was at
large, the indigenous lumads of the inner sections of Caraga were free and had their own democratic
societies that were highly advanced. Their societies were known for their knowledge on nature, medicine,
mythology, and warfare. Chinese traders eventually came into Butuan and the Sino-Butuan trade became
the focal point of Champa-Butuan relations, where both nations were competing against each other to win
favor of better trade with Chinese traders. Eventually, Butuan started to weaken due to massive attacks
from Ternate. Cebu was unable to help at the time because it was also being attacked by Ternate. Likewise,
the Kedatuan of Dapitan in Bohol, "The Venice of the Visayas", was also destroyed by an attack from
Ternate.
When the Spaniards came and subjugated the Rajahante of Butuan which was already weak due to much
tensions with the Sultanate of Ternate, the boat-making and goldsmithing traditions were eradicated and
the relations between the coastal Butuan and the lumads of the interior became less known. The lumads
of the interior were also converted to Christianity, which diminished some of their traditions on nature
worship. The Spanish attacked the Sultanate of Ternate to negate any future attacks in Caraga, which they
succeeded at due to much gun power. With the Spaniards having full control of Caraga, they started
establishing Spanish-modeled centers to maximize their coverage and control over the territory, where
they succeeded. The Spaniards would rule the country until the United States defeats them in a war which
would lead into the handling of the entire archipelago into American possession.
The "Kalagan", called "Caragan" by the Spaniards, occupied the district composed of the two provinces of
Surigao, the northern part of Davao Oriental and eastern Misamis Oriental. The two Agusan provinces
were later organized under the administrative jurisdiction of Surigao and became the independent Agusan
province in 1914. In 1960, Surigao was divided into Norte and Sur, and in June 1967, Agusan followed
suit.] While Butuan then was just a town of Agusan, the logging boom in the 1950s drew business to the
area. On August 2, 1950, by virtue of Republic Act 523, the City Charter of Butuan was approved.
On February 23, 1995, the Caraga region was created through the issue of Republic Act No. 7901 during
the administration of President Fidel Ramos. The provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del
Sur and Surigao del Norte (of the former Northern Mindanao region) and Surigao del Sur (of the former
Southern Mindanao region) were annexed as part of the newly-created region.
It is reported that during the early years of the Caraga Region, its inhabitants came from mainland Asia,
followed by Malayans, Arabs, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish and Americans. Migrants from the Visayan and
Luzon provinces later settled in the area. Most of its inhabitants speak Cebuano and reside in the rural
areas.

Geography
Caraga Region, situated in the northeast section of Mindanao, is between 8 00' to 10 30' N. latitude and
125 15' to 126 30' E. longitude. It is bounded on the north by the Bohol Sea; on the south by the provinces
of Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental of Region XI; on the west
by Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental of Region X; and on the east by the Philippine Sea of the Pacific Ocean.
The region has a total land area of 18,846.97 square kilometres (7,276.86 sq mi), representing 6.3% of
the country's total land area and 18.5% of the island of Mindanao. 47.6% of the total land area of the region
belongs to the province of Agusan del Sur. Of the total land area, 71.22% is forestland and 28.78% is
alienable and disposable land. Major land uses include forestland comprising 31.36% and 23.98% of
agricultural and open spaces.
Environment and Wildlife
The region contains one of the last ecological frontiers of the Philippines. It is home to 12 Key Biodiversity
Areas identified by Haribon Foundation and the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural
Resources. The Key Biodiversity Areas include: Mt. Kambinliw and Mt. Redondo in Dinagat
Islands which is home to the critically endangered Dinagat bushy-tailed cloud rat which was recently
rediscovered after decades of disappearance, the endangered Dinagat hairy-tailed rat, Dinagat
Gymnure which has been declared by the EDGE Species Programme of the Zoological Society of
London as one of the top 100 most evolutionary distinct and globally endangered species in the world, and
a strange sub-species of the Philippine Tarsier which is unusually larger and darker in color than the
common Philippine tarsier; Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape in Surigao del
Norte which is the surfing capital of the country; Carrascal Bay in Surigao del Sur; Consuelo and
General Islands in Surigao del Sur; Mt. Hilong-hilong which is shared by Agusan del Norte, Agusan del
Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur and is regarded as one of the most expansive home of the
critically endangered Philippine Eagle; Magsaysay in Agusan del Norte; Mt. Kaluayan-Mt.
Kinabalian which is shared between Agusan del Sur and Northern
Mindanao's Bukidnon province; Cagwait in Surigao del Sur; Mt. Diwata Range which is shared between
Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur and is a focal point in the West Mindanao Ecological
Frontier; Hinatuan Bay in Surigao del Sur which is famous for its Hinatuan Enchanted River; Bislig
Rainforest between Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur; and Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in
Agusan del Sur which is part of the UNESCO Tentative List.
Topography
The region is characterized by mountainous areas, flat and rolling lands. Mountain ranges divide Agusan
and Surigao provinces and sub-ranges separate most of the lowlands along the Pacific coast. The most
productive agricultural area of the region lies along the Agusan River Basin. The well-known Agusan
Marsh sits in the middle of Agusan del Sur. Among the lakes in the region, Lake Mainit is the widest. It
traverses eight municipalities: Alegria, Tubod, Mainit and Sison in Surigao del Norte,
and Tubay, Santiago, Jabonga and Kitcharao in Agusan del Norte.
Climate
Caraga Region has Type II climate, with no pronounced wet and dry season. During the months of
November to February, heavy rains are usually experienced in the region.
Caraga comprises 5 provinces, 1 highly urbanized city, 5 component cities, 70 municipalities, and
1,310 barangays.
Province or H Population (20 Citie Muni
Capital Area Density Bgy.
UC 15) s .
/km /sq
km2 sq mi 2 mi
Agusan del Cabadbar 12.1 1,054.
354,503 2,730.24 130 340 1 10 166
Norte an % 15
Agusan del Prosperid 23.9 3,856.
700,653 9,989.52 70 180 1 13 314
Sur ad % 98
Dinagat
San Jose 4.3% 127,152 1,036.34 400.13 120 310 0 7 100
Islands
Surigao del Surigao 16.5
485,088 1,972.93 761.75 250 650 1 20 335
Norte City %
Surigao del 20.2 1,904.
Tandag 592,250 4,932.70 120 310 2 17 309
Sur % 53
11.5 1,10
Butuan 337,063 816.62 315.30 410 86
% 0
2,933,77 22,294.9 8,608. 1,31
Total 130 340 6 70
2 7 14 0

† Butuan is a highly-urbanized city; figures are excluded from Agusan del Norte.

Demography
Based on 2015 census, the total population of the region was 2,933,772. The annual growth rate over this
period was over 20%. Among the five provinces, Agusan del Sur registered the largest population at
700,653, and Dinagat Islands was the smallest at 127,152. Surigao del Norte was the fastest growing
province with an annual average growth rate of 1.76% over the last five years, while Dinagat Islands was
the slowest at 0.05% over the same period.
Butuan and Surigao cities had total populations of 337,063 and 154,137, respectively. Butuan City
recorded an annual growth rate of 1.62% in the period 2010–2015.
Language
Cebuano is widely spoken by 33.79% of the households in the region. Surigaonon is spoken by 33.21% of
the households, followed by Butuanon by 15%; Kamayo, by 7.06%, and Manobo, by 4.73%. The rest speak
Boholanon, by 5.87%; Hiligaynon, by 2.87%; and other dialects by 7.20%.
Religion
The dominant religion in the region was Roman Catholic, with 74% of the total household population in
Caraga. Other significant religious minorities includes Protestants that constitute 20% of the total
household population and Aglipayan that constitute 6% of the total household population.
Cultural groups
The majority of the inhabitants of the region are of Visayan heritage. The province is home to several
minority groups, totaling 675,722 in 1995, representing 34.7% of the region's population. Most numerous
were the Manobos with 294,284 or 43.55% of the total population of ethnic minorities. Other cultural groups
in the region with significant population were the Kamayo, Higa-onon, Banwaon, Umayamnon, Kalagan,
and Mamanwa.
Most members of these cultural groups reside in the province of Agusan del Sur.
Poverty rate
Poverty in the region decreased by 1.7% from 44.7% in 1997 to 42.9% in 2000. Another positive
development is the increase in the regional annual family income based on the 1997 and 2000 Family
Income and Expenditure Survey, which increased by 13.65% from ₱71,7126.00 in 1997 to ₱81,519.00 in
2000. Regional annual family expenditures also posted a 16.65% increase, from ₱61,815.00 in 1997 to
₱72,108.00 in 2000. The average annual savings slipped by 5% from ₱9,911.00 to ₱9,411.00. Poverty
incidence data for 2003 is not yet available.
On a national and Mindanao-wide perspective, Caraga Region is one of the most impoverished regions in
the country. The region has the fourth highest poverty incidence level of families among all the regions in
the country for years 1997 and 2000 while among Mindanao regions, Caraga has the third highest poverty
incidence (in terms of incidence of families).

Regional economy

The expansion view of the Robinsons Place in Butuan City

From 2001 to 2003, Caraga Region consistently maintained its performance vis-à-vis other regions in
Mindanao. Caraga posted a 0.9% growth rate compared to the 9.5% growth rate of Region 12 and the
2.6% growth rate of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Caraga's growth rate in 2001–
2002 and the 2002–2003 period was the same (0.9%). This was much less than the growth of the
population. This performance was better however than the region's performance in the 2000–2001 period,
where the region's economy declined by 1.4%.
The region's contribution to Mindanao's domestic product is 7.58% in 2003. Caraga has the second lowest
per capital income among Mindanao regions and nationwide. In 2003, the region accounted for 1.35% of
the country's GNP.
Gross regional domestic product (GRDP)
The region performed fairly well in terms of regional output contributing 8.01% in 1998, 8.25% in 1999 and
8.29% in 2000 to the Mindanao GRDP. The region contributed 1.44% in 1998, 1.48% in 1999 and 1.50%
in 2000, to the Philippine economy. In terms of growth rate, the region accelerated faster and outpaced
the other regions in Mindanao from 1998 to 2000, except for the Southern Mindanao Region which posted
a 6.06% increase in 1999–2000. Caraga Region recorded a 5.42% increase during the same period.
GRDP in 2000 amounted to P14.336 billion as against the 1999 performance of P13.599 billion. The
deceleration of the region's economy from 6.03% in 1999 to 5.42% in 2000 was attributed to the slowdown
of the agriculture, fishery and forestry (AFF) and services sectors. The improved performance of the
Industry sector, from 5.69% in 1999 to 6.69% in 2000, cushioned the effects of what could have been a
slowdown of the region's economy.
From the 1.4% decrease in the GRDP in 2000–2001, the GRDP bounced back in 2001–2002 by a 0.9%
growth. The positive trend was maintained in 2002–2003, with the region's GRDP growing by 0.9%, the
same growth rate from the previous year.
The agriculture, fishery and forestry (AFF) sector is Caraga's banner economic sector, exhibiting an
increasing growth trend of 3.8% and 6.8% growth rates in 2001 and 2003 respectively. Despite the
decreasing growth trend of the agriculture and fishery subsectors, the sizeable growth rate of the forestry
subsector more than compensated for the decrease. The forestry subsector grew by 36.3% in 2003, the
highest growth rate for any subsector in the region. It is also important to note that Caraga Region has the
highest GVA in the forestry subsector among all regions in the Philippines.
The services sector is also one of the bright spots in the region's economy. After experiencing a
decelerated growth rate in 2002 compared to the previous year's 6.1% growth rate, the sector bounced
back in 2003 with a 5.6% growth rate. Moreover, the trade subsector continued to be the dominant
subsector posting a 5.6%, 6.6% and 6.3% growth rate in 2001 to 2003 respectively. It is significant to note
that all the subsectors posted positive growth rates in 2001 and 2003. The transportation, communication
and storage sub-sector posted the highest growth rate of 8.4% among the sub-sectors in the services
sector.
The industry sector was the worst performing sector of the regional economy with a continuous decline
from 2001 to 2003. Although the sector's slide slightly decelerated in 2002 (-6.7% in 2002 from -13.3%
decline in 2001), it contracted by -12.1% in 2003. The construction subsector had the largest decline of
16.6%, 11.3% and 33.5% in 2001, 2002 and 2003 respectively. The mining subsector also posted negative
growth rates but the decreasing trend in this subsector decelerated. The manufacturing offset the decrease
in the two sub-sectors by growing at 8.9% in 2003, making it the biggest contributor to this sector. Even
with the negative performance of the mining and quarrying sector, Caraga was the second highest
producer of metallic minerals, with metallic mineral productions valued at PhP 1.25 billion in 2001
(Philippine Yearbook, 2003).
Exports and investments
Investments in the region fell by 25.4% from PhP 6.3 billion in 2002 to PhP 4.6 billion in 2003. All provinces
in the region posted a negative growth rate in investments, with Agusan del Sur posting the biggest year-
on-year decline of 62.6% for the 2002–2003 period. Agusan del Norte's percentage share on investments
increased from 64.8% to 79.5% despite an 8.5% decline. Per DTI Caraga's advise, the data on investments
are partial at best and is not reflective of the whole investment level in the region. DTI Caraga's data does
not include public investment figures.
Exports decreased by 19.08% in the 2000–2001 period and 57.52% in 2001–2002. Agusan Norte, Surigao
Norte and Surigao Sur posted negative growth rates in the 2000–2001 period, with Surigao Sur posting
the biggest decrease in exports (81.31%). In 2002, Agusan Norte posted an impressive 741.04% increase
in exports, a harbinger of increased economic activity in the province. Surigao Norte posted the biggest
decrease in exports for 2002 (63.17%).
In 2000, the region contributed 1.87% to Mindanao's exports; this expanded to 2.68% in 2001 only to
decrease to 0.77% in 2002.
Natural resources
The region is noted for its wood based economy, its extensive water resources and its rich mineral deposits
such as iron, gold, silver, nickel, chromite, manganese and copper. Its leading crops are palay, banana
and coconut.
The region features several beaches, abundant seafood, hot and cold springs, evergreen forests and
balmy weather.
Major products
Major agricultural products of the region include palay, corn, coconut, gold, banana, rubber, oil palm,
calamansi, prawns, milkfish, crabs, seaweeds and mango. Caraga's proximity to Cebu and Manila makes
it a favorable shipping point for products to and from these markets. Nasipit Port can serve as a secondary
shipping hub to Cagayan de Oro when traffic volume from other points in Mindanao increases. With a roll-
on, roll-off (RORO) ferry service now in place, Surigao City serves as a vital transportation link for trucks
and buses bound for Luzon.

Agusan Agusan Dinagat

Surigao del Norte Surigao del Sur
del Norte del Sur Islands

Ironwood, nickeliferous laterite palay, corn, coconut, abaca,

gold ore, gold, chromite, lode ore, and soybeans, coffee, and other
seafood,
mining, laterite ore; limestone, silica high value crops; prawns,
Palm oil, coconut and
rice, deposits, guano, rock milkfish, and crabs; are
coconut, other lumber
coconut, phosphate, sand, and gravel; Narra, red and white Lauan,
and rice products,
and chromate; Marlin, tuna, lapu- Mayapis, Almon, Apitong,
mines
bananas lapu, mollusks, crabs, even Yakal, Bagtikan, Tanguile,
squid, stingrays, and octopuses Rattan and Bonbon

Surfing
Siargao, popularly known as the "surfing capital of the Philippines", hosts an annual international surfing
event. The huge "pacific rollers" have been ranked among the top five breaks in the world, including the
"Cloud Nine" considered as one of the world's top surfing waves. Other breaks, which offer exploratory
surfing without crowds, are found in the towns of Cantilan, Tandag and Lanuza.
Islands
The islets and islands of Guyam, Daku, Naked or Pansukian, La Janosa, Pig-ot, Dinagat, Bucas Grande,
Britania and the General Island in Cantilan feature white-sand beaches which are ringed by coral reefs
suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
Other attractions include naturally-carved water channels amidst mangrove forests in Barangay Manjagao;
the floating village of Barangay Dayasan, the Buenavista Cave; and the tropical white sand beaches in
Sagisi island. The Britania in San Agustin-Surigao del Sur features 25 islets and islands of white sand and
clusters of limestone hills.
Mountain-biking
Biking trails within Kawas, Alabel City, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Siargao play host to cross-
country and downhill competitions participated by local and international bikers.
Trekking
Mt. Mas-ai and Mt. Hilong-Hilong features panoramic views of the vast lower Agusan Valley. Close to Mt.
Mas-ai lies Lake Mainit, the fourth-largest lake in the country, with an area of 147 square kilometres
(57 sq mi). Through the years, the lake has been a known lair for pidjanga, tilapia, kasili, banak, haw-an,
gingaw, saguyon and igi. Migratory birds, pagosi and tabokali flowers are its intermittent added attractions.
The 8,000-hectare (80 km2) mangrove forests in Del Carmen form one of the largest contiguous mangrove
forests in the Philippines.[11] Sohoton Cave and Lagoon in Bucas Grande Island, which is more than an
hour boat ride from Siargao, features limestone formations to a point where one enters a narrow channel
which soon becomes a cave.
Caves
The limestone karst bedrock of some areas in Surigao and Agusan provinces (particularly in the towns of
San Agustin, Tagbina, Lianga, Rosario, and Bislig) features several caves, but none of these are regular
destinations for recreational cavers. Located within the towns of Tagbina and Bislig, Banbow and Tatol
caves (which are ranked the 6th and 9th longest caves in the Philippines) have recently been declared by
the Japanese cave explorers as the third longest cave in the country.Some of the most frequently visited
and accessible caves in the region are the Buenavista and Silop Caves in Surigao City and the Libas Cave
in Jabonga-Agusan del Norte. These caves have limestone formations and naturally carved stalagmites,
stalactites and columns.
Agusan Marsh
The 14,000-hectare (140 km2) Agusan Marsh in Agusan del Sur is one of the biggest wetlands in the
country and is host to diverse species of birds.
Events and festivals
Festivals include the Naliyagan Festival of Agusan del Sur, Kahimunan, Balangay, Kaliguan Festival of
Cagwait in Surigao del Sur, Lisagan and the most famous in the region, the Bonok-Bonok Maradjaw
Karadjaw festivals, in honor of its Patron Saint San Nicolas de Tolentino. Surfers from around the world
converge in Siargao during the annual international surfing competition.

ARMM
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao abbreviated as ARMM) was an autonomous region of
the Philippines, located in the Mindanao island group of the Philippines, that consisted of five
predominantly Muslim provinces: Basilan (except Isabela City), Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu,
and Tawi-Tawi. It was the only region that had its own government. The region's de facto seat of
government was Cotabato City, although this self-governing city was outside its jurisdiction.
The ARMM included the province of Shariff Kabunsuan from its creation in 2006 until 16 July 2008, when
Shariff Kabunsuan ceased to exist as a province after the Supreme Court of the Philippines declared the
"Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act 201", which created it, unconstitutional in Sema vs. COMELEC.
On October 7, 2012, President Benigno Aquino III said that the government aimed to have peace in the
autonomous region and that it would become known as the Bangsamoro Autonomous
Region,[6] a compound of bangsa (nation) and Moro.[7] On July 26, 2018, Aquino's successor,
President Rodrigo Duterte, signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which paved the way for the
establishment of a new autonomous political entity in the area, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in
Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
ARMM was nominally disestablished after the ratification of BOL and will be effectively replaced by the
BARMM upon the constitution of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, an interim government for the
region. The law was "deemed ratified" on January 25, 2019 following the January 21 plebiscite.

Geography
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was situated in mainland Mindanao in the southern
Philippines and was created by virtue of the Republic Act No. 6734 which signed into law by
President Corazon Aquino on August 1, 1989. The plebiscite was conducted in the proposed area of
ARMM on November 17, 1989 in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
The region was strengthened and expanded through the ratification of Republic Act No. 9054, amending
for the purpose of Republic Act No. 6734, entitled "An Act Providing for the ARMM" as amended in
September 2001. The plebiscite paved the way for the inclusion of the province of Basilan and the city
of Marawi as part of ARMM.

History
For the most part of Philippines' history, the region and most of Mindanao have been a separate territory,
which enabled it to develop its own culture and identity. The region has been the traditional homeland
of Muslim Filipinos since the 15th century, even before the arrival of the Spanish, who began to colonize
most of the Philippines in 1565. Muslim missionaries arrived in Tawi-Tawi in 1380 and started the
colonization of the area and the conversion of the native population to Islam. In 1457, the Sultanate of
Sulu was founded, and not long after that, the sultanates of Maguindanao and Buayan were also
established. At the time when most of the Philippines was under Spanish rule, these sultanates maintained
their independence and regularly challenged Spanish domination of the Philippines by conducting raids on
Spanish coastal towns in the north and repulsing repeated Spanish incursions in their territory. It was not
until the last quarter of the 19th century that the Sultanate of Sulu formally recognized Spanish suzerainty,
but these areas remained loosely controlled by the Spanish as their sovereignty was limited to military
stations and garrisons and pockets of civilian settlements in Zamboanga and Cotabato, until they had to
abandon the region as a consequence of their defeat in the Spanish–American War.
The Moros had a history of resistance against Spanish, American, and Japanese rule for over 400 years.
The violent armed struggle against the Japanese, Filipinos, Spanish, and Americans is considered by
current Moro Muslim leaders as part of the four centuries long "national liberation movement" of the
Bangsamoro (Moro Nation). The 400-year-long resistance against the Japanese, Americans, and Spanish
by the Moro Muslims persisted and morphed into their current war for independence against the Philippine
state.
In 1942, during the early stages of the Pacific War of the Second World War, troops of the Japanese
Imperial Forces invaded and overran Mindanao, and the native Moro Muslims waged an insurgency
against the Japanese. Three years later, in 1945, combined United States and Philippine Commonwealth
Army troops liberated Mindanao, and with the help of local guerrilla units, ultimately defeated the Japanese
forces occupying the region.
Precursors
In the 1970s, escalating hostilities between government forces and the Moro National Liberation
Front prompted President Ferdinand Marcos to issue a proclamation forming an Autonomous Region in
the Southern Philippines. This was, however, turned down by a plebiscite. In 1979, Batas Pambansa No.
20 created a Regional Autonomous Government in the Western and Central Mindanao regions. [17]
Establishment of the ARMM
The Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao region was first created on August 1, 1989 through Republic
Act No. 6734 (otherwise known as the Organic Act) in pursuance with a constitutional mandate to provide
for an autonomous area in Muslim Mindanao.[18] A plebiscite was held in the provinces
of Basilan, Cotabato, Davao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Palawan, South
Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga del Sur; and in
the cities of Cotabato, Dapitan, Dipolog, General Santos, Koronadal, Iligan, Marawi, Pagadian, Puerto
Princesa, and Zamboanga to determine if their residents wished to be part of the ARMM. Of these areas,
only four provinces — Lanao del Sur (except Marawi City), Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi — voted in
favor of inclusion in the new autonomous region. The ARMM was officially inaugurated on November 6,
1990[19] in Cotabato City, which was designated as its provisional capital. Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act
No. 42, enacted on September 22, 1995, sought to permanently fix the seat of regional government
at Parang in Maguindanao, pending the completion of required buildings and infrastructure. [2] However,
the move to Parang was never made. Until the passage of Republic Act No. 9054 in 2001, which directed
the ARMM Regional Government to once again fix a new permanent seat of government in an area within
its jurisdiction, Cotabato City remained the de facto seat of ARMM's government, and remains so at
present.
2001 expansion of the ARMM
A new law, Republic Act No. 9054, was passed by Congress on February 7, 2001 with a view to expand
the territory and powers of the ARMM by amending the original Organic Act (R.A. No. 6734) and calling
for a plebiscite to ratify the amendments and confirm which other provinces and cities would like to join the
region. RA 9054 lapsed into law on March 31, 2001, without the signature of President Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo. A plebiscite was held on August 14 in the provinces of Basilan, Cotabato, Davao del Sur, Lanao
del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Palawan, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan
Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay, and the
cities of Cotabato, Dapitan, Dipolog, General Santos, Iligan, Kidapawan, Marawi, Pagadian, Puerto
Princesa, Digos, Koronadal, Tacurong, and Zamboanga. In the plebiscite, a majority of votes cast in the
original four provinces were in favor of the amendments; outside these areas, only Marawi and the province
of Basilan (excluding Isabela City) opted to be included in the ARMM.
Bangsamoro state
Due to the challenges in establishing the Bangsamoro entity in the previous administrations,
then Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of Davao City announced his intent to establish a federal form of government
which would replace the unitary form of government in his campaign speeches for the 2016 Philippine
presidential election, which he subsequently won. In his plan, ARMM, along with the areas that voted to
be included in ARMM in 2001, plus Isabela City and Cotabato City, will become part of a federal
state. Aquilino Pimentel Jr., a Duterte ally and advocate for federalism, said in an interview that Isabela
City, Basilan, Lamitan, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi may become a single federal state, while Lanao del
Sur, Marawi, Cotabato City, and Maguindanao may become a single federal state as well because the
Muslims of the Sulu archipelago have a different heritage from the Muslims in mainland Mindanao.
Bangsa Sug and Bangsa Moro
In 2018, a unification gathering of all the sultans of the Sulu archipelago and representatives from all ethnic
communities in the Sulu archipelago commenced in Zamboanga City, declaring themselves as the Bangsa
Sug peoples and separating them from the Bangsa Moro peoples of mainland central Mindanao. They
cited the complete difference in cultures and customary ways of life as the primary reason for their
separation from the Muslims of mainland central Mindanao. They also called the government to establish
a separate Philippine state, called Bangsa Sug, from mainland Bangsa Moro or to incorporate the Sulu
archipelago to whatever state is formed in the Zamboanga peninsula, if ever federalism in the Philippines
is approved in the coming years.

Administrative divisions
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao consisted of 2 component cities, 116 municipalities, and
2,490 barangays. The cities of Isabela and Cotabato were not under the administrative jurisdiction of the
ARMM despite the former being part of Basilan and the latter geographically considered but not politically
part of Maguindanao province.
Population (201 Citie Muni
Province Capital Area Density Bgy.
5) s .
/km /sq
km2 sq mi 2 mi
Lamita
Basilan 9.2% 346,579 1,103.50 426.06 310 800 1 11 210
n
27.6 1,045,42 1,495.3 1,15
Lanao del Sur Marawi 3,872.89 270 700 1 39
% 9 3 9
Maguindanao[ 31.0 1,173,93 1,880.9
a] Buluan 4,871.60 240 620 0 36 508
% 3 4
21.8
Sulu Jolo 824,731 1,600.40 617.92 520 1,300 0 19 410
%
Bonga 10.3
Tawi-Tawi 390,715 1,087.40 419.85 360 930 0 11 203
o %
3,781,38 12,535.7 4,836.2 2,49
Total 300 780 2 116
7 9 3 0
 Population (201 Citie Muni
Province Capital Area Density Bgy.
5) s .
/km /sq
km2 sq mi 2 mi
a. ^Figures exclude the independent component city of Cotabato, which is under the jurisdiction
of SOCCSKSARGEN.

The Office of the Bangsamoro People, the seat of the ARMM regional government in Cotabato City
Executive
The region was headed by a Regional Governor. The Regional Governor and Regional Vice Governor
were elected directly like regular local executives. Regional ordinances were created by the Regional
Assembly, composed of Assemblymen, also elected by direct vote. Regional elections were usually held
one year after general elections (national and local) depending on legislation from Congress. Regional
officials had a fixed term of three years, which could be extended by an act of Congress.
The Regional Governor was the chief executive of the regional government, and was assisted by a cabinet
not exceeding 10 members. The top official was tasked to appoint the members of the cabinet, subject to
confirmation by the Regional Legislative Assembly and also had control of all the regional executive
commissions, agencies, boards, bureaus, and offices.
Executive council
The executive council advises the Regional Governor on matters of governance of the autonomous region.
It was composed of the regional governor, 1 regional vice governor, and 3 deputy regional governors (each
representing the Christians, the Muslims, and the indigenous cultural communities). The regional governor
and regional vice governor had a 3-year term, maximum of 3 terms; deputies' terms are coterminous with
the term of the regional governor who appointed them.
Legislative
The ARMM had a unicameral Regional Legislative Assembly headed by a Speaker. It was composed of
three members for every congressional district. The membership at the time of ARMM's abolition was 24,
where 6 are from Lanao del Sur including Marawi City, 6 from Maguindanao, 6 from Sulu, 3 from Basilan,
and 3 from Tawi-Tawi.
The Regional Legislative Assembly was the legislative branch of the ARMM government. The regular
members (3 members/district) and sectoral representatives, had three-year terms; maximum of three
consecutive terms. It exercised legislative power in the autonomous region, except on the following
matters: foreign affairs, national defense and security, postal service, coinage and fiscal and monetary
policies, administration of justice, quarantine, customs and tariff, citizenship, naturalization, immigration
and deportation, general auditing, national elections, maritime, land, and air transportation,
communications, patents, trademarks, trade names, and copyrights, foreign trade, and may legislate on
matters covered by the Sharia, the law governing Muslims.
ARMM powers and basic principles
RA 9054 provided that ARMM "shall remain an integral and inseparable part of the national territory of the
Republic." The President exercised general supervision over the Regional Governor. The Regional
Government had the power to create its own sources of revenues and to levy taxes, fees, and charges,
subject to Constitutional provisions and the provisions of RA 9054. The Sharia applied only to Muslims; its
applications are limited by pertinent constitutional provisions (prohibition against cruel and unusual
punishment).
The people of the Bangsamoro region, including Muslims and non-Muslims, have a culture that revolves
around kulintang music, a specific type of gong music, found among both Muslim and non-Muslim groups
of the Southern Philippines. Each ethnic group in ARMM also has their own distinct architectures, intangible
heritage, and craft arts. A fine example of a distinct architectural style in the region is the Royal Sulu
architecture which was used to make the Daru Jambangan (Palace of Flowers) in Maimbung, Sulu. The
palace was destroyed during the American period due to a typhoon in 1932, and was never rebuilt. It used
to be the largest royal palace built in the Philippines. A campaign to faithfully re-establish it in Maimbung
town has been ongoing since 1933. A very small replica of the palace was made in a nearby town in the
2010s, but it was noted that the replica does not mean that the campaign to reconstruct the palace in
Maimbung has stopped as the replica does not manifest the true essence of a Sulu royal palace. In 2013,
Maimbung was officially designated as the royal capital of the Sultanate of Sulu by the remaining members
of the Sulu royal family.