MAGUINDANAO

Origin/ Etymology of the name

The word Maguindanao or Magindanaw means "people of the flood plains". The word

Magi'inged means "people or citizen" and Danaw means "lake or marsh". Thus Maguindanao

or Magindanaw can also be translated as "people of the lake", identical to their close neighbors,

the Maranao and Iranun. These three groups speak related languages belonging to the Danao

language family.

Recent Population Census

In 2022 Population Census, Maguindanao population is about 1,342,179. The province has

a land area of 9,729.04 square kilometers or 3,756.40 square miles. The population of

Maguindanao grew from 89,871 in 1903 to 1,342,179 in 2020, an increase of 1,252,308 people

over the course of 117 years. The latest census figures in 2020 denote a positive growth rate of

2.86%, or an increase of 168,246 people, from the previous population of 1,173,933 in 2015.

Language/Dialect Usage

Maguindanao language is Austronesian language spoken by a Muslim ethnic group of the

same name who form majority of the population of eponymous provinces of Maguindanao del

Norte and Maguindanao del Sur in the Philippines. It is part of a subgroup of language called

the Danao Language. There are 3 main dialects of Maguindanao which are the Taw sa Ilud, Taw

sa Laya and Biwangen.

Subgroups
 Maguindanaon are classified into four major subgroups based on their location relative to

the Pulangi River.

Taga-Laya. Those along the upper valley of the river. Taga-Ilud. Those along the lower

valley of the river. Taga-Biwangen. Those on the left side of the river. Taga-Kawanan. Those on

the right side of the river.

Locality place of origin

• The south-central part of Mindanao, where most Maguindanaon live, is located between

6° and 8° N and 124° and 126° E. This region has been known historically as Cotabato.

5 Currents Problems of Maguindanao

• Poverty and unemployment

• Insurgency and terrorism

• Limited access to education

• Conflict about Candidacy

• Discrimination and Stereotyping

Status and roles of women in the promotion of peace

• Advancing dialogue and reconciliation: Women participate in peace dialogues and

reconciliation processes, working towards healing and rebuilding relationships within their
communities. They foster dialogue between conflicting parties, providing a space for peaceful

resolution and promoting understanding and empathy.

• Engagement in grassroots initiatives: Women actively engage in grassroots peace

initiatives, such as community dialogues, peace assembles, and workshops. They raise

awareness about the importance of peace building and conflict resolution, mobilize support for

peaceful coexistence, and organize events that foster unity among diverse groups.

Submitted by: Jaminah S. Padate