Bukidnon – Watershed of Mindanao

Bukidnon is known as the watershed of Mindanao. Several rivers carved the landscape of the province, creating numerous canyons. These rivers then serve as source of potable water for the residents of Bukinon and nearby province of Misamis Oriental. More than a watershed, Bukidnon has a lot to offer, especially when it comes to tourism.

The Kitanglad Mountain Range is where the second highest peak in the country is located – Mt. Dulang-Dulang. The Philippine monkey-eating eagle lives in its thick forest, and the biggest flower in the country, the Rafflesia, is found at the foot of Mt. Kitanglad. The Del Monte Philippines Plantation, the largest pineapple plantation in the Far East, covers the vast lands of the province. With this, Bukidnon can attract tourist with different interests as it has something to offer for everyone.

Demographics

1. Population – 1, 190, 284 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 10, 498.59 sq. km
3. Capital – Malaybalay City
4. Language/Dialect – Cebuano, Bunukid, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions

Cities (2)

• Malaybalay City
• Valencia City

Municipalities (20)

• Baungon
• Cabanglasan
• Damulog
• Dangcagan
• Don Carlos
• Impasug-ong
• Kadingilan
• Kalilangan
• Kibawe
• Kitaotao
• Lantapan
• Libona
• Malitbog
• Manolo Fortich
• Maramag
• Pangantucan
• Quezon
• San Fernando
• Sumilao
• Talakag

Bubunawan River
Connected to the Cagayan River, the Bubunanaw River poses a challenge to any whitewater rapid enthusiast. Some consider it as one of the toughest course in the country.

Rafflesia and Philippine Eagle in Kitanglad Mountain Range
Believed by many scientists as extinct, a Rafflesia Schadenbergiana Gopp, locally known as Rafflesia, was discovered in the thick forest of Mt. Kitanglad. This mountain range also serves as the sanctuary and breeding ground of the Philippine Eagle.

Del Monte Philippines Plantation
It is considered as the biggest pineapple plantation in the Far East. It has vast tracks of land planted to pineapple

Kaamulan Festival
A cultural festival that presents the rich customs and traditions of the 7 ethnic hill tribes of Bukidnon: Talaandig, Higaonon, Umayamnon, Manobo, Tiwahanon, Matigsalug, and Bukidnon.

Cultural

Taalandig Ancestral Territory
Location: Brgy.  Songco, Lantapan, Bukidnon
It is a community of people who are consciously reviving and keeping the ancient ways and wisdom of the tribe. They have resorted to the traditional and tribal way of resolving conflicts and maintaining peace thereby preserving relations and harmony among the dwellers. Customary law is also enforced.

Historical

Mangima Cnanoyon (Stome Mark of Yoshito’s Grave
Location: Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon
A stone inscribed with Japanese characters mark the grave of high-ranking Japanese Officials who was killed during World War II. Roughly elliptical and measuring about 3 feet and 1 foot across, the stone bears two nets of inscriptions that translate as: "On this spot died Miyazaki Yoshito, Chief of Army and "Emperor Chiao". In memory of Kaji Battalion, May 8, 1942."

Man-made

Del Monte Philippines Inc. (DMPI) Pineapple Plantation
Location: Manolo Fortich, Sumilao, Impasug-ong and Libona, Bukidnon
DMPI was incorporated in 1926 and is one of the oldest and largest agro-industrial firms in the Philippines. It is the largest agricultural operation in Bukidnon

Atugan New Bridge
Location: Sayre Highway, Impasugong, Bukidnon
This is said to be the highest bridge in the country, constructed with the latest trend of structural engineering.

Pulangi IV Hydroelectric Plant
Location: Kiuntod, Barangay Camp 1, Maramag, Bukidnon
National Power Corporation (NPC) operates with a capacity of 255 megawatts, contributing 25% of Mindanao’s power needs.

Busco Sugar Milling Co., Inc.
Location: Butong, Quezon, Bukidnon
The first sugar mill in the province of Bukidnon and the second in Mindanao, erected sometime in 1975, it has a capacity of 4000 TCD. BUSCO now operates with a rated capacity of 18,000 tons of cane daily (TCD). It the largest mill/refinery in the Philippines in terms of sugar produced per seasonal crop. It also has the largest refinery in the Southern Philippines, with an estimated capacity of one-third its milling capacity.

Natural

Bobonawan River
Location: Cananglasan, Bukidnon
This is the most accessible white-water river in the country, with only four kilometers away from the Cagayan de Oro Airport.  Waves here are large and often irregular. The 25km whitewater run is consistently fast and drops can be severe. In some sections the river narrows dramatically and runs into sheer rock walls, making 90 degree turns.

Pulangi River
Location: Brgy. Kalabugao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon
Flowing down the inlands of Bukidnon, this majestic river entails a scenic and serene view devoting itself to the beauty of nature with lush forests and hills along its riverbank. It is one of the main tributaries of the Rio Grande of Mindanao

Tagoloan River
Location: Can-ayan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon - Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental
Its headwaters in the mountains of Can-ayan, Malaybalay City. It traverses the province northwestward passing through Malaybalay City, Impasug-ong, Sumilao, Manolo Fortich, Malitbog and finally empties into the sea at Misamis Oriental

Cagayan River
Location: Talakag, Bukidnon - Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental 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 where it is the main source of potable water.

Manupali River
Location: Lantapan, Bukidnon
It is a major tributary of the Pulangi River. It forms part of the natural boundary of the Valencia City and Lantapan. It flows eastward towards Malaybalay City, eventually joining the Pulangi River in Valencia City.

Lake Apo
Location: Guinoyoran, Valencia City, Bukidnon
Lake Apo is a 25 hectares lake dubbed as cleanest and greenest inland body of water in Region 10. Foreign, domestic and local tourist already visited the area.

Pinamaloy Lake
Location: Brgy. Pinamaloy, Don Carlos, Bukidnon
It is the biggest lake in the province, covering about 50 hectares.

Napalit Lake
Location: Brgy. Pigtauranan, Pangantucan, Bukidnon
The lake covers an area of 36 hectares and is one of the tourist spots in the municipality. There are 24 islets floating in the lake.

Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Kitanglad Range National Park
Location: Talakag, Baungon, Libona, Manolo Fortich, Impasug-ong, Lantapan and Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
M.t Kitnaglad, the fourth highest mountain in the country, towers up to more than 9,000 feet and serves as the base of the province’s long distance communication system. The National Park, proclaimed through R.A. 8978, has an area of 31,295 hectares composed of more than a dozen mountain peaks, including Mount Kitanglad, Mount Lumuluyaw, Mount Maagnaw, Mount Tuminungan and Mount Dulang-Dulang, the second highest mountain peak in the country.

Rafflesia Schadenbergiana Gopp
Location: Sitio Kalanganan, Brgy. San Vicente, Baungon, Bukidnon Rafflesia, known as “kolon busaw” among the local dwellers and Higaonon tribe, is the largest flower in the Philippines, having a diameter of seventy (70) centimeter. It was first discovered and collected on Mt. Parag in Mindanao sometime in 1882. The flower gets to bloom only once a year and possess a lifespan of less than one week. When it blooms, it exudes a smell akin to the stench of a rotten flesh.

Sumalsag Cave
Location: Brgy. Kilabong, Sumilao, Bukidnon
The cave boasts of its abundance of stalactites and stalagmites and has a length that stretches to about 1,850 meters. One of its unique features is its exit where one has to dive underwater to get to the other side of the wall in the exit passage. The height of the cave varies from one meter to 20 meters and its width varies from less than a meter to a more spacious 9 meters.

Pinamaloy Cave
Location: Poblacion, Don Carlos, Bukidnon
Measuring at approximately 50 hectares, it has a guitar shape and planted with Gmelina and Mahogany trees. Domestic and local tourists already visited the area. It is also good for boating and picnic area.

Center for Ecological Development and Recreation (CEDAR) Eco-Tourism Site
Location: Brgy. Impalutao, Impasugong, Bukidnon
It is becoming a popular recreation and amusement park in this side of Mindanao. CEDAR has a total land area of approximately 1,703 hectares with an elevation ranging from 600 to 1,200 meters above sea level. Diverse flora and fauna thrive in the area.

Kaamulan Park
Location: Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
The Park has been the site of provincial fairs, foremost of which is the Kaamulan Festival. The park in its natural setting is abounding with pine trees.  The Kaamulan Tree Park, with its vast expanse of green foliage and cool air, is an ideal place for picnics and quiet moments with family and friends, or for a good jog in early mornings or a more leisurely walk in the late afternoon. The area is best used for camping and rodeo activities.

Religious

Monastery of Transfiguration
Location: Brgy. San Jose, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
Made by National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin, The Monastery offers a tranquil place where one enjoys the profound serenity and beauty of nature while relating to the spiritual world.

Carmelite Monastery
Location: Pal-ing, Brgy. Kalasungay, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
The Carmelite Sister’s Monastery is a place for retreat and prayer. The refreshing air, well-kept flower gardens and a beautiful view of some mountains in this part of the city makes it ideal for quiet moments to ponder and take a breather from a busy life.

Kaamulan Festival
Place: Bukidnon
Date: Last week of February to First week of March
Kaamulan comes from the Binukid word amul, meaning “to gather”. The feast is celebrated at the same time as Bukidnon's Foundation Day. It features programs highlighting the historic beginnings of Bukidnon such as trade fair, garden show, food fest, agri-fair, rodeo and horse show, street dancing contest, and rituals showcasing tribal Bukidnon culture.