|
Maguindanao - The Seat Of Muslim Mindanao
Maguindanao is the only predominantly
Muslim province of the four that were created out of the former
province of Cotabato. Today it holds the seat of the Autonomous
Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), specifically in Cotabato
City. As the seat of ARMM, Cotabato City and the rest of Maguindanao
has become the center of trade and culture of the region.
More than a regional capital,
Cotabato City has its own array of wonderful sights for the
nature loving visitor. As for the municipalities of Maguindanao,
its treasures await discoverers who will pronounce to the world
the wonderful gems of the province.
Demographics
1. Population – 1,532,868
(as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 7,318.0 sq. km
3. Capital – Shariff Aguak
4. Language/Dialect – Maguindanaoan, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (1)
- Cotabato City (independent city)
Municipalities (36)
- Ampatuan
- Barira
- Buldon
- Buluan
- Datu Abdullah Sangki
- Datu Anggal Midtimbang
- Datu Blah T. Sinsuat
- Datu Hoffer Ampatuan
- Datu Odin Sinsuat (Dinaig)
- Datu Paglas
- Datu Piang
- Datu Salibo
- Datu Saudi-Ampatuan
- Datu Unsay
- Gen. S. K. Pendatun
- Guindulungan
- Kabuntalan (Tumbao)
- Mamasapano
- Mangudadatu
- Matanog
- Northern Kabuntalan
- Pagagawan
- Pagalungan
- Paglat
- Pandag
- Parang
- Rajah Buayan
- Shariff Aguak (Maganoy)
- Shariff Saydona Mustapha
- South Upi
- Sultan Kudarat (Nuling)
- Sultan Mastura
- Sultan sa Barongis (Lambayong)
- Talayan
- Talitay
- Upi
Famous For ...
Autonomous Region
for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Compound
It is a showcase of a unique blend of modern and Muslim architecture.
Rio de Grande de
Mindanao
It is the second largest river in the Philippines and the longest
in Mindanao, crisscrossing with its tributaries the city's vast
area.
P.C. Hill
This historic hill served as a watchtower for the natives in
their defensive drive to detect and repel assaults by enemies.
Kutawato Caves
It is the only cave in the country that is right in the heart
of the city.
Our Lady of Lourdes
Grotto
It is a replica of France's Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto and believed
to be miraculous.
Places of Interest
Historical
Takumi Butai Memorial
Shrine
Location: San Sebastian Compound, Cotabato City
The monument is in honor of Takumi Butai and the Japanese soldiers
who died here during the second World War. Takumi was the Provincial
Commander of the Japanese forces assigned in Cotabato City.
Before he died, he requested that some of his ashes be buried
in Cotabato City.
Kutawato Caves
Location: Tantawan Hill, Cotabato City
It got its name from the words “kuta” means fort
and “wato” means stone hence the name fort of stone.
Kutawato caves with its walls of white, beige and brownish shade,
glitters in the dark and echoes a colorful past dating back
to the days when no foreign foot yet trampled upon this island.
These caves had given sanctuary to the natives when the Spaniards
tried to convert them into the faith. It also served as garrison
and armory for Filipino guerillas who fought the invading force
of the Japanese Imperial Army during the Second World War.
Man-made
Autonomous Region
for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Compound
Location: Gov. Gutierrez Avenue, Cotabato City
Considered as the symbol of the Bangsamoro’s struggle
for self-determination, the ARMM conducts governance in a 4-hectare
compound housing the Office of the Regional Governor, Regional
Legislative Assembly, Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center, Regional
Museum and Regional Offices, including those of Region XII of
which Cotabato City is a part of. The buildings in the compound
showcase unique blend of modern and Muslim architecture.
Cotabato City Hall
Location: Cotabato City
It is a century-old structure that houses almost all the city
government offices. It showcases a unique antique architectural
design depicting Muslim art.
Caverna Espanola
Location: Cotabato City
Twenty one flights of stairs and three unconnected winding tunnels
lead to cave bowels bearing a colonial-era Spanish Dungeon turned
World War II Japanese jail.
Natural
P.C. Hill / Tantawan
Hill
Location: Cotabato City
This is a stone fort towering over the city with a height of
90 feet. It houses the Cotabato City Internal Defense Command.
This historic hill served as a watch tower for the natives.
It commands a panoramic view of the city and Rio Grande de Mindanao.
Rio Grande de Mindanao
Location: Cotabato City
It is the second largest river in the Philippines and the longest
in Mindanao, crisscrossing with its tributaries the city's vast
area. It is estimated to be 182 kilometers long and 96 meters
wide. Water sports and boat racing are the popular attractions
of the river, usually held to coincide with the Shariff Kabunsuan
Festival and the Feast of Hariraya Puasa.
Timako Hill
Location: Cotabato City
The hill overlooks the Illana Bay. It is graced by the beach
resorts of Linik, Kushiong, and Tapian Point, characterized
by blue waters and a sandy white beach. Timako is an ideal site
for camping, boating, swimming, and fishing.
Bagua Cave
Location: San Vicente St., Cotabato City
The caverns filled with rock and mineral formations has been
transformed into stages for theatrical and musical performances.
Spring water flows into various pools that augment the ambiance
during art and photo exhibits, while the many hidden chambers
support myths of treasures hidden by the Japanese during World
War II.
Kweba ni Satur
Location: Tantawan Hill, Cotabato City
It is a former snake pit once thought to be the mouth of hell.
One has to descends via vine or rope or marches down a flight
of stairs to go inside the feared cave.
Religious
Our Lady of Lourdes
Grotto
Location: Brgy. Awang, Cotabato City
It is a replica of France's Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. The
site has attracted many visitors, mostly devotees, believing
that the statue has been a source of miracles. The compound
boasts an ideal retreat house for recollections and seminars,
a mini zoo, and a children's park.
Tamontaka Church
Location: Brgy. Tamontaka, Cotabato City
It was built in 1872 following Spanish architecture and design.
The oldest church in the city, it is a relic of the living past.
Festivals
Shariff Kabunsuan
Festival
Place: Cotabato City
Date: December 19
It is a colorful festival commemorating the arrival of Sharif
Muhammed Kabungsuwan via Rio Grande de Mindanao more than 500
years ago to introduce Islam to the natives. The festival is
highlighted by a fluvial parade along Rio Grande de Mindanao
followed by the re-enactment of his arrival. Water sports, boat
racing, ethnic sports competition, cultural dances, and a week-long
trade fair, add color to the festival.
Araw ng Cotabato
Place: Cotabato City
Date: June 20
It commemorates the creation of Cotabato as a charter city.
The celebration is marked by cultural presentations, trade exhibits,
athletic competitions, and other events such as the drum and
bugle corps competition and "saranggolahan" (Kite
Festival). The highlight of the affair is the "Mutya ng
Kotabato" pageant on the eve of the foundation day.
|
