Northern Mindanao

Northern Mindanao (Filipino: Hilagang Mindanao) (Region X) is a region of the Philippines, composed of five provinces and two cities classified as highly-urbanized, all occupying the north-central part of Mindanao island, and the island-province of Camiguin. The regional center is Cagayan de Oro City. Lanao del Norte was transferred to Northern Mindanao from Region XII (then called Central Mindanao) by virtue of Executive Order No. 36.

Provinces - 5 Cities 7 Municipalities 84 Barangays 2,022 Cong. districts 11 Languages Cebuano, Manobo, Maranao and others.

Cultural groups

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

Climate

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.

Land use

Northern Mindanao has a total land area of 14,032.93 km of which 6,571 km is alienable and disposable lands, and the remaining 7,461.99 km.

Natural resources

More than 60% of Northern Mindanao's total land area are classified as forest land. Its seas abound with fish and other marine products.

Economy

The economy of Northern Mindanao is the largest regional economy in the island of Mindanao. The economy in Northern Mindanao is mainly agricultural. But there is also a booming growth of industries particularly in Cagayan de Oro City and in Iligan City. The famous Del Monte Philippines located in the Province of Bukidnon and its processing plant is located in Cagayan de Oro City, which shipped to the entire Philippines and Asia-Pacific region. The Agus-IV to VII Hydroelectric Plants in Iligan City and Baloi, Lanao del Norte supplies most of its electrical power in Mindanao.

Political divisions

Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City are highly-urbanized cities; figures are excluded from Misamis Oriental and Lanao del Norte respectively.

Cities

Bukidnon Malaybalay City Valencia City Misamis Occidental Oroquieta City Ozamiz City Tangub City Misamis Oriental El Salvador City Gingoog City

Laguindingan International Airport, the first International airport in Northern Mindanao

region. Found in Municipality of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental. It is designed to serve the general areas of Cagayan de Oro of Misamis Oriental and Iligan City of Lanao del Norte in the Philippines. The airport will replace Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro.

Festivals
Sunggod Ta Ka Manga - February 27 Thanks Giving Celebration of the Manobo Tribe of Quezon, Bukidnon.

Panaad sa Camiguin - April 9 to April 10

Annual holy week activity where devotees flocked to the island and walked the 64 kms. Circumferential road as form of sacrifice either in fulfillment of a vow or penance of sins.

Sagayan Festival - July 2

The festival narrates the exploits, mysterious powers and remarkable character of Datu Bantugan. A colorful spectacular war and reconciliation festival every first week of July, depicting the Maranao-Maguindanao epic Darangen (Datu Bantugan and Bae Lawanen).

Binalbal Festival - January 1

The Binalbal Festival is held every New Year. The term binalbal is derived from balbal, a root word which in Cebu-Visayan dialect means witch or demon.Participants disguise through the use of masks shaped like demons which allow them full freedom of inhibition during the New Year. Santo Nino Sinulog Sa XU - January 28 A sinulog inspired dance / music parade at Xavier University usually participated by devotees and churchgoers right after the mass