CHAPTER 10

REGION VIII: WESTERN VISAYAS REGION

➢ 3 Islands: Samar, Leyte, and Biliran
➢ 6 Provinces : Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte, Northern Leyte, and Biliran
➢ Caligara or Kangara – 1st town that was established in the entire region by the Spaniards
by 1570s
➢ Main livelihood: Fishing and Farming

BILIRAN
➢ Island province of Northern Leyte
➢ During the Spanish era, it was called as “Isla de Panamao” which refers to the ethnic fishing
net
➢ It is derived from the word “Bilir” which means “corner/edge of a boat”
➢ Smallest and Newest province
➢ Formerly sub-province of Leyte
➢ May 11, 1992, officially became a province
➢ 43% of the population are Waray and speaks “Waray-Waray” while 55% are Cebuano

Capital: Naval
- Former President Fidel V. Ramos announced that Biliran was included in the Guinness world
record as the “World’s Sweetest-Tasting water” on January 1994

Tourist Attractions:
1. Casyawan Waterfalls
- Located in Cabucgayan
- The 80-meter falls are hidden by dense undergrowth and huge mahogany trees rising
like giant pillars, with rocks over three meters wide.

2. Hudyaka Festival
- Held in Naval
- The annual festival is celebrated through street dancing. It commemorates the
establishment of this picturesque island as a province. The event is usually held every
May 11.

3. Kasabangan Falls
- Located in Cabucgayan
- The falls is 20 meters high and is hidden in dense undergrowth.

4. Tomalistis Falls
- Located in Caibiran
- The water from this falls is unbelievably clear and sweet-tasting and is even said to be a
wondrous elixir with healing powers. It is believed to be the clearest that ships come to
this place to supply fresh water.

SAMAR, EASTERN SAMAR, AND NORTHERN SAMAR

➢ Separated by the virtue of R.A. No. 4221
➢ Separation was approved on June 19, 1965
➢ “Waray Tribe”
➢ Main livelihood: Farming and Fishing

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EASTERN SAMAR
➢ One of the most easternmost provinces in the country.

Capital: Borongan

Tourist Attractions:

1. Barawalte
- Located in Borongan
- A watchtower was built during the Spanish era to guard the townsfolk against intruding
Moros.

2. Kantican Island
- Kantian is also known as Pearl Island because of it is the site of pearl culture farm
- The waters teem with lobsters, shells, fishes, abalone, and corals.
- Developed on 1972 as Pearl Farm by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
(BFAR) because it is rich in marine life
- 52-hectares Fish Sanctuary

3. Sulangan Beach
- Located in Guiuan
- This is home of the world-famous golden cowrie.
- It is ideal for deep-sea fishing and scuba diving.
- “Cowrie” means marine snail/shell

NORTHERN SAMAR
➢ The third largest island in the country.
➢ Laoang and Papalpag are one of the oldest town of the US
➢ During the Spanish Era, Papalpang is their trading port of the “Galyon or Galleon Trade” which
is the trade between PH and ACALPULCO in Spain using Spanish ships which carry luxury
goods from the East.

Capital: Catamaran

Tourist Attractions:

1. Embajada Festival
- Held in Catarman
- The festival has been celebrated annually (every January 22) in Catarman since 1992 that
it was declared an official provincial festival.
- It features a reenactment of the Christianization of the Filipino natives by the Spanish
conquistadors.

2. Biri Island Natural Rock Formation

- Located in Formation Biri
- This is perhaps one of the most beautiful natural formations in the Philippines. The solid
reenactment

3. Veriato Falls
- The waterfalls form a 10-foot-deep pool that is ideal for swimming.

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SAMAR (WESTERN SAMAR)
➢ Samad – the local language
- It means “Wound or Cut”
- It describes the rough physical features of the island
➢ It is home to Asia’s 2nd largest cave system (Langon – Gabingob Caves in Calbiga)
➢ Biringan City - The Black City or the city of the uknown
- “invisible portal”
- Home of the Encantos
- This City is supposed to be hidden between these towns: Gandara,
Tarangman, and Pagsanhan.
- City that rises from the water to towns
- Story of Carolina

Capital: Catbalogan

Tourist Attractions:

1. Mayaw - Mayaw Ethnic Festival

- Held in Pinabacdao
- It is a thanksgiving ritual from pre-Spanish times.
- Today the celebration is highlighted by a dance and drama competition, street
dancing, and cultural presentations.

2. Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral

- Located in Calbayog City
- Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral is the biggest church in the entire province of Samar,
occupying one whole block at the center of the city.
- Its dome-shaped roof, spires, and thick walls are a blend of Spanish and modern
architecture.

LEYTE

➢ During 16th century, Leyte is known as Tandaya

➢ Site of the Battle of Leyte Gulf
- Battle that took place during 2nd World War
- The U.S. forces landed on October 20, 1944
- The war ended on October 26, 1944
Capital: Tacloban City
- Typhoon Yolanda hit on November 8, 2013

Tourist Attractions:

1. Hill 522
- Located in Palo, 12 km from Tacloban City
- This hill, commonly called Guinhangdan Hill, was the site of a battle during World War II.

2. San Juanico Bridge

- The 2.16-kilometer-long San Juanico Bridge is the longest and most beautifully designed
bridge in the Philippines.
- It links the islands of Leyte and Samar, spanning the picturesque San Juanico Strait
which is considered the narrowest but most navigable body of water in Eastern Visayas.

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SOUTHERN LEYTE
➢ Well-known for its quality abaca fiber products
➢ The country’s major producer of abaca fiber product

Capital: Maasin

Tourist Attractions:

1. Limasawa Island
- Directly off the shores of Padre Burgos
- The island boasts of historical markers, wonderful beaches, cliffs, caves, and
spectacular dive sites.
- Going around it will take a day on foot and an hour in motorboat.

2. Magellan Cross
- Located in Limasawa Island
- The shrine was built on the spot where Ferdinand Magellan attended the first Catholic
Mass in the Philippines on March 31, 1521.
- The life-size cross is the same one used during that mass.
- It is surrounded by portraits depicting scenes from the Spanish colonization.

3. Tancaan Point
- Located in Sta. Sofia Beach, Padre Burgos
- This natural watchtower offers a view of the deep sea and historic Limasawa Island.
- There are numerous small caves behind a white pebbled beach.

CHAPTER 11
REGION IX: WESTERN MINDANAO REGION (ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA)
➢ Zamboanga City is an independent City
➢ During the Spanish rule, it was formerly called “SIBUGAY/SIBUGUEY”
➢ JAMBONGAN – Derived from a Malay word that means “where flower grows”
➢ Language: Filipino, English, and Chinese.
➢ 2/3 of the population speak Visayan-Cebuano
➢ Chavacano – Spanish derivative Creole language that is spoken in Zamboanga City.
(Creole means simplified version of another language.)

ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE

Capital: Dipolog City

Tourist Attractions:

1. 3,003 Stpes to Linabo Park

- Located at Dipolog City
- “Orchid City”
- Dubbed as “Twin city province” because of the beauty and charm of wild orchids
- These concrete steps, winding through tunnels of verdant trees, lead to Dipolog’s
highest elevation point and a spectacular panoramic view of Zamboanga del Norte’s
twin cities.

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 2. Dapitan City Plaza
- Located at Dapitan City
- The present city plaza is the same one developed and beautiful by Dr. Jose Rizal with
the assistance of Gov. Ricardo Carcinero.
- The plan was to make the plaza comparable to those found in Europe.
- Cultural heart
- Philippines’s first heritage zone – because Dr. Jose Rizal lived here when he was in his
exile for 4 years.

3. Holy Rosary Cathedral

- Located at Dipolog City
- This church was created by Spanish friars in 1895, long before Dipolog became a
municipality.
- Records are showing that the altar was designed by Dr. Jose Rizal during his exile in
Dapitan.

ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR

➢ Largest province in the Western Mindanao Region
➢ Little HongKong of the South
➢ Well-known for its Tricycle
➢ Famous from Yakan weaving village

Capital: Pagadian City

Tourist Attractions:

1. Mt Pinokis
- Located in Brgy. Lison Valley, Pagadian
- It is covered by a virgin forest that is home to several monkeys and other wildlife.

2. Santa Cruz Islands

- Located in Zamboanga City
- The two Sta. Cruz islands, the Great and the Little, are both ethnic charms, but it still is
worthwhile place to visit.
- To great to it, one must cross a wooden bridge that spans a narrow river.

3. Yakan Weaving Village

- Located in Zamboange City, 7 kilometers on the West Coast
- The Yakans, the original inhabitations of Basila province, display their fine craftmanship
in the cloths that they weave, which command a high price in the market.

ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY
➢ Formerly part of Zamboanga del Sur
➢ One of the newest provinces in the Philippines, created only in 2001 through Republic Act
8973 signed by former President Joseph Estrada.
➢ 4 Islands comprise the province: Olutanga, Laginugan, Letayen, and Polalaum Lutangan.

Capital: Ipil

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Tourist Attractions:

1. Baluran Falls
- The waters cascade down a craggy hillside and provide the centerpiece to this
picturesque area.

2. Moalboal Caves in Moalboal Ritay

- A great stone face carved by the elements over thousands of years guards the
entrance to one of these caves.

CHAPTER 12
REGION X: NORTHERN MINDANAO REGION
➢ Comprises of 5 provinces:
1. Misamis Oriental
2. Misamis Occidental
3. Camiguin
4. Bukidnon
5. Lanao Del Norte

BUKIDNON
➢ Biggest Province
➢ “highlander” or ‘Mountain Dweller”
➢ Food Basket of Mindanao – because it is the major producer of rice and corn
➢ The Bukidnon Tribe – believed that there is only one God and they call it “Magbabaya”
also the main ruler of the Mankind
➢ “Ibabasok” God of Agriculture

Capital: Malaybalay City

Tourist Attractions:

1. Del Monte Philippines, Inc.

- Located in Manolo Fortich, Libona, Imasugsog, and Sumilao
- Del Monte is considered the biggest pineapple plantation in the Far East, which
includes a famous world-class 18-hole golf course located in Cawayanon, San Miguel

2. Kaamulan Festival
- Held in Malaybalay
- Kaamulan is an indigenous Binukid term, which means “gathering together for a
purpose.”
- The festival carries you to another world in another era by bringing together different
cultural groups whose ways have remained unchanged over the countries.
- The festival is held every first to second week of March.

3. Mt. Kitanglad
- Located in the southern portion of the province of Bukidnon
- Rising 9,696 feet above sea leel, Mt. Kitanglad is the second highest peak in the
Philippines.
- Once known as “Lumuluyaw”

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 4. Pineview park in Malaybalay Town
- The park which is covered with pine trees is also known as “Little Baguio”

CAMIGUIN
➢ Pear-shaped island in the Bohol Sea
➢ Smallest Province in Region X
➢ It is derived from the word “Kamagong”
➢ It is called “Born of Fire” because it is a Home for 7 volcanoes
➢ It also has 3 most well-known peaks, these are: Mt. Tempoong, Mt. Mambajao, and Mt. Hibok-
Hibok.

Capital: Mambajao

Tourist Attractions:

1. Sto. Niño cold spring

- Located in 4km north of catamaran
- The cold water of this spring forms a pool that measure 25 by 40 meters and is 0.5 to 2
meters deep.
- Native stores, picnic huts, cookout facilities, and restrooms are available in the area
making it ideal for picnics and outings

2. Mt. Hibok-Hibok
- Located in Barangay Esperanza, Mambajao
- This volcano last erupted in the 1950s and is the only active volcano among seven
others found on the island.
- Its 1,250-meter slope is a challenge even to seasoned climbers.

3. Sunken cemetery
- Locates in 20 feet underwater in front of barrio bonbon.
- A volcanic eruption in 1871 submerged this community cemetery with encrusted
tombstones.

MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL
➢ Derived from the word Subanen word “Kuyamis,” which is a variety of coconut that is
considered as their food

Capital: Oroquieta City

Tourist Attractions:

1. Ceriaco Pastrano Hanging Bridge

- Located in Barangay Layawan and Taboc Norte
- This 75-meter hanging bridge connects barangay Layawan and Taboc Norte.
- From it one can get a good view overlooking the sea and the entire market sea.

2. Hoyohoy Island Park

- The park is situated at the foot of Malindang Mountain, from whose slopes one can get
a panoramic view of the neighboring cities and municipalities with the still-waters of
Panguil Bay as the backdrop.

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 3. Immaculate Conception Cathedral
- Located in Misamis Occidental
- The church houses a pipe organ that is considered the largest in Mindanao and the
second largest in the entire country.

MISAMIS ORIENTAL
➢ During the World War II on 1942, the Japanese soldiers landed in Misamis and eventually
occupied the province.

Capital: Cagayan de Oro City

- “City of Golden Friendship” – because it reflects the warm welcome of the people
- “River of gold”

Tourist Attractions:

1. Kagay-han or Kagay-an Festival

- This annual celebration is held on the feast day of the city’s patron, Saint Augustine.
- It features a three-hour parade of civic military groups wearing colorful costumes.

2. Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village

- Located in 12 kilometers from Cagayan De Oro City along Macalajar Bay
- This theme park features the muti-facilitated culture of Mindanao’s indigenous tribes.
- It offers a breath-taking view of Macalajar Bay as well as a museum, tribal houses, flora
and fauna collections, and conference facilities.

LANAO DEL NORTE

➢ “Land of Beauty and Bounty”
➢ Derived from Maranao word “ranao” which means Lake
➢ It is surrounded by water falls

Capital: Tubod

Tourist Attractions:

1. Cathedral Falls
- Located in Kapatagan
- This beautiful waterfall got its name from cathedral-like rock formation over which flows.

2. Sta. Cruz Waterfall

- Located in Sta. Cruz, Kapatagan
- The locals call this waterfall “Tinago Falls (tinago menas hidden)”,because very few
people know about it.
- It lies in a forest inhabitaed by numerous wildlife.

3. Maria Christina Falls

- Located in Iligan City
- Illigan’s greatest heritage is this most resplendent of all the city’s 20 waterfalls.
- Also known as the “Mother of Industry” and the “Fountainhead oof Progress”, the 320-
foot-tall or 98 meters tall Maria Christina Falls is the veritable source of industrial life in the
city.

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 CHAPTER 13
REGION XI: SOUTHERN MINDANAO REGION (DAVAO REGION)
➢ It was formerly part of Maguindanao where its name was derived from the word
“Pinagurasan” (Davao Region)
➢ 6 Provinces:
1. Davao
2. Davao Oriental
3. Davao del Sur
4. South Cotabato
5. Sarangani
6. Compostela Vallley
➢ 2 chartered cities:
1. General Santos City
2. Davao City

DAVAO ORIENTAL
➢ Coconut Capital of the Philippines
➢ Top producer of Coconut and Copra
➢ Home to Mount Hamiguitan Wild Range Life Sanctuary (Included in UNESCO)

Capital: Mati

Tourist Attractions:

1. Pujada Island
- Located in Pujada Bay, Mati
- Sharks, sea cows, and dolphins populate the waters surrounding this privately owned
156.5-hectares island.

2. Tinagong Dagat
- Tinagong Dagat simply means “hidden sea”.
- Situated 1,000-feet above sea level the site is uninhabited and considered one of the
most puzzling phenomena of nature in the province.

DAVAO DEL NORTE

➢ Banana Capital of the Philippines
➢ 7th largest province in the country

Capital: Tagum City

Tourist Attractions:

1. Island Garden City of Samal

- Located in Samal Island
- A paradise island of white-sand beaches, bountiful marine life, lush vegetation, natural
caves, and fresh water springs.

2. Talicud Cave
- Located in Talicud, Kaputian Samal Island

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 - There are three separate caves, two as well for small entrances, and are inhabited by
giant pythons.
- One of these subterranean tunnels is said to cross the Davao Gulf.

DAVAO DEL SUR

➢ Created from the old province of Dava in 1967.
➢ Derived from the Bagobo word “Daba-Daba” – where Datu Buli referred it to the sacred brass

Capital: Digos
- It is the largest city

Tourist Attractions:

1. Mt. Apo National Park

- Located in Davao City
- Toweing 10,311 feet above sea level, Mt Apo is country’s highest peak and is
considered by many as the international mecca for mountain climbing.
- It will take four days to climb to the top of this imposing mountain, which is blessed with
numerous springs, waterfalls, and rivers as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna.

2. Sibulan River
- Located in Sibulan, Sta. Cruz
- Sibulan River is emerging as a new adventure destination in the Davao region.
- Many of the locals come here to take part in a new sport called “river tunimg”, eherein
one rides an interior tube of a truck wheel down the rough waters of the river.

SARANGANI
➢ It is a 4th-class municipal
➢ Hometown of the Filipino Boxing Champion/Icon, Manny Pacman Pacquiao

Capital: Alabel

Tourist Attractions:

1. Gumasa Resort
- Located in Glan
- This southern paradise situated on a hilly coastal barangay is said to be the “Boracay of
the South” because of its powdery white-sand beaches lined with coconut trees.

2. Kapatan Reef
- Located in Glan
- The area is ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling.

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DAVAO CITY
➢ Durian Capital
➢ Sashimi Capital
➢ Safe Home of Philippine Eagles
➢ It has a Philippine Eagle Foundation

Capital: ---

Tourist Attractions:

1. Davao Museum
- Located in Insular Village
- The museum houses tribal art, customes, jewelry, handicrafts, weapons, and musical
instruments as well as paintings, sculptures, and ceramics.

2. Lon Wa Buddhist Temple

- Located in Cabugio Avenue
- This Buddhist temple is considered the biggest temple in the whole of Mindanao.
- It houses a golden Buddha with a thousand hands that sit stop a slab of Italian marble.

3. The Philippine Eagle Foundation

- Located in Malagos, Calinan
- The place serves as a sanctuary and breeding center for eagles, especially the
Philippine Eagle or monkey-eating eagle, as we as the other birds and animals.

COMPOSTELA VALLEY
➢ It is now called Davao de Oro
➢ Mines Geoscience Bureau declared Davao de Oro as “Gold District”

Capital: Nabunturan

Tourist Attractions:

1. Lake Leonard
- Located in Maco
- The area around Lake Leonard is inhibited by butterflies of varied colors and species.

2. Rock Garden Falls

- Located in Anitapan, Mabini. 40 km from the población
- This waterfall cascades down a path surrounded by magnificent rocks and boulders set
amidst the lush mountain vegetation.

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