UNIT II TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, CULTURE, AND

GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES

LESSON 4. Geographical Characteristics,

Culture, and Tourist Attractions in
Mindanao

Presented by:
Esteban, Rizza
Javier, Angelina Isabel
Esquierdo, Chantelle
Cabanguisan, Regine
Bagoyoro, Josefina
Bianes, Rosalinda
Abude, Cyril Jane
Lacdao, Jamaica
Lacdao, Mae Joy
Alota, Jemarlyn
Tabago, Pamela
Elecho, Girlie
Taon, Joy
 MINDANAO is composed of four (4) regions namely;
1. Region IX;
2. Region x;
3. Region XI and;
4. Region XII

MINDANAO is the second-largest island in the Philippines, after Luzon,

and seventh-most populous island in the world. Located in the southern
region of the archipelago, the island is part of an island group of the same
name that also includes its adjacent islands, notably the Sulu Archipelago.
According to the 2020 census, Mindanao has a population of 26,252,442
people, while the entire island group has an estimated population of
27,021,036 according to the 2021 census.
Mindanao is divided into six administrative regions: the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao,
the Caraga region, the Davao region, Soccsksargen, and the autonomous region of Bangsamoro. According
to the 2020 census, Davao City is the most populous city on the island, with 1,776,949 people, followed
by Zamboanga City (pop. 977,234), Cagayan de Oro (pop. 728,402), General Santos (pop.
697,315), Butuan (pop. 372,910), Iligan (pop. 363,115) and Cotabato City (pop. 325,079). About 70% of
residents identify as Christian and 24% as Muslim. Mindanao is considered the major breadbasket of the
Philippines.

Lesson Proper

A. Geographical Characteristics in Mindanao

 B. Cultures in Mindanao

Major Cultural groups are Visayan, Cebuano, Chavacano and Tausug.

Chavacano is a Spanish-based creole spoken in the Philippines. The language is most spoken in Zamboanga
City and Christian-majority towns of Basilan, but is also spoken in Cavite City and Ternate, and previously
in Ermita, Cotabato City, and Davao. The dialect dates back to over 400 years old with its roots coming
from Spanish influences.
The name Tausug supposedly means “people of the current”,
“tau” refers to person, and “Suug” is the old name of Jolo.
Tausug, also spelled Tau Sug or Tausog, also called
Joloano, Sulu, or Suluk, one of the largest of the Muslim
(sometimes called Moro) ethnic groups of the southwestern
Philippines. They live primarily in the Sulu Archipelago,
southwest of the island of Mindanao, mainly in the Jolo island
cluster.
The Tausug are the dominant ethnic group is the Sulu
archipelago not only due to their numbers but also because of their political and religious institutions.
Traditional political structure is the Sultanate with the Sultan as head. Succession is through an election of
the staff but succession is ideal. Datus are recognized and occupy ascribed status.
Lumad is a Bisayan term meaning “native” or
“indigenous”. The term Lumad is the ascribed collective name
of the indigenous peoples of Mindanao. These presently
comprise the 18 ethno- linguistic indigenous peoples whose
previous generations have continuously inhabited the island of
Mindanao since time immemorial.
The Lumads are Austronesian indigenous people of Southern
Philippines with Visayan Roots but are based in Mindanao.

Manobo group occupies a wide area of distribution

within the provinces of Saranggani, Agusan del Sur, Davao
provinces, Bukidnon, and North and South Cotabato. Manobo
tribe is culturally rich in traditional practices, medicinal uses,
diversity, and traditional knowledge based on their community
plant resources. They dwell in hinterlands and mountainous
regions in the southern part of the Philippines and live an
intricate life dependent on agriculture and forest plants.

The Maranaos have settled by lake Lanao;

hence the title “People of the Lake”. They profess Islam and
live 2200 feet above sea level. They practice dry rice agriculture
in the hilly areas and wet land cultivation in the flood plains.
Maranao, largest of the Muslim cultural- linguistic groups of
the Philippines. Numbering more than 840,000 in the late
20th century.
 The T’boli people are an Austronesian ethnic group
native to South Cotabato in southern Mindanao in the
Philippines. Tbolis currently reside on the mountain slopes on
either side of the upper Alah Valley and the coastal area of
Maitum, Maasim and Kiamba in the province of Sarangani.
The T'boli's are very religious in their own rights. They are not
only guided by dreams but also with the “taboos and traditions”
that are very prevalent among them. One example is the
“Lemuhen Bird”, considered as the god of fate, whose song
when heard is thought to presage misfortune.

The Blaan people, are one of the indigenous peoples of

Southern Mindanao in the Philippines. Their name could have
derived from "bla" meaning "opponent" and the suffix "an"
meaning "people". According to a 2021 genetic study, the
Blaan people also have Papuan admixture. These groups are
organized under a local Datu who has autonomous authority
over an area where he has personal influence. Said position is
hereditary and assumed by the first born in case of death.

C. Tourist attractions in Mindanao

C.1. Attractions, and Activities in Zamboanga Peninsula

Zamboanga del Norte [ Historical, Cultural, and Heritage Attractions]

Fort
Zamboanga del de[ Natural
Norte Dapitan Attractions] Rizal National Park

Dakak Beach Sicayab Beach

Ancestral House P’gsalabuk Circle

Zamboanga del Norte [ Built Attractions]

St. James Church Casa Bernedo

Zamboanga del Sur [ Natural Attractions]

Linabo Peak Dapitan City Plaza

Lakewood Lake Dasay

Mt. Timolan Mt. Susong Dalaga

Gloria’s Fantasy Land

Zamboanga del Sur [ Built Attractions]

Aurora Mountain Resort La Suerte Hanging Bridge

Lower Sipatan Hanging Bridge

Zamboanga Sibugay [Natural Attractions]

Pandilusan Island Tagbilat Falls

Zamboanga Sibugay [Built Attractions]

Zamboanga City [ Historical, Culture, and Heritage Attractions]

Zamboanga City Hall Fort Pilar

Rio Hondo
Climaco Village
Freedom Yakan Weaving
Park Village

Zamboanga City [Natural

Attractions]
 Sta. Cruz Island Mount Pulong Bato

Patonanca Eco Park

La Vista del Mar Merioquet Falls

Zamboanga City [Built Attractions]

Zamboanga Cathedral Paseo del Mar

 Taluksangay Mosque Zamboanga Golf and
Country Clun

Jardin Maria Clara Cawa-Cawa Boulivard

C.2. Special Events in Zamboanga Peninsula

Zamboanga del Norte

Buklog Festival- (February 2) a thanksgiving festival of the Subanen where religious rituals and rites are
done.

Hudyaka Festival- (May 29-June) a week-long celebration to showcase Zamboanga del Norte’s best- argri-
tourism booth, street dancing and face off with the participation from the different municipality of the
province
 Kinabayo Festival- (June 12- July 25) annual celebration for St. James Dapitan’s Patron Saint

Zamboanga del Sur

Kutsitsa Festival (April 26) thanks giving festival for a bountiful harvest it highlights its street dancing
competition and Agri-trade fair.
 Megayon Festival- (September 11-17) annual celebration of the founding anniversary of the province

Zamboanga Sibugay
Sibug-Sibug Festival (February 15-26) oysters in Zamboanga Sibugay is dubbed as the “most delicious,
juiciest, and biggest oysters”. The locals hold the Sibug-Sibug Festival to celebrate its oyster industry.

Pasasalamat Festival- (January 25-29) a street dancing competition presenting the traditional way of
holding thanksgiving celebration among the Subanens and Kalibugans.

Kasikas Festival- (May 1) annual celebration honoring Sr. San Jose Mamumuo, the patron of Ipil.

Bangus Festival- (December) a thanksgiving festival celebrating

the abundance of Bangus or milk fish in the province; the festival highlights its annual culinary contest.
Kasadyaan Festival- (December 15-19) it is celebrated to commermorate the founding anniversary of the
Municipality of Diplahan, the highlights of the festival including street dancing, parade and the search for
Miss Diplahan

Zamboanga City
Zamboanga Hermosa Festival/Fiesta Pillar (October 10-12) is celebrated in honor of the miraculous
image of our lady of the Pillar at the legendary Fort Pilar

Regatta de Zamboanga- it is a highlight of Zamboanga Hermosa Festival where colorful vintas and set to
race.
 C.3. Attractions, and Activities in Northern Mindanao Region

Bukidnon [Historical, Cultural, and Heritage Attractions]

Ereccion Del Pueblo Monastery of the Transfiguration

Bukidnon [Natural Attractions]

Nasuli Spring Two Trees Mountain

Kaamulan
Mt. Kitanglad Nature
Range Park Park
National
Bukidnon [Built Attraction]

Bukidnon Provincial Capitol Roxas Monument

Del Monte Pineapple Plantation D’Stable Eco Resort

Misamis Oriental [Historical, Cultural, and Heritage Attractions]

Vega Ancestral Home Huluga Caves

 City Museum of Cagayan De Oro Museum of Three Culture

Misamis Oriental [Natural Attractions]

Libon-Lawit Falls Initao National Park

Misamis Oriental [Built Attractions]

Whitewater Rafting Adventure

Mintugsok Falls

Lasang Secret Adventure Eco-tourist Mapawa Nature Park

Park
 Night Café and Market Ziplines Adventures

Misamis Occidental [Historical, Cultural, and Heritage Attractions]

Fort Santiago Shrine of the Neustria Senora De la

Conception Del Triunfo
 Bukagan Hill Bacarro Ancestral Home

Misamis Occidental [Natural Attractions]

Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park Sebucal Hot Spring

Guiban Falls Sunrise Beach

Piduan falls
Misamis Occidental [Built Attractions]

Naomi’s Botanical Garden

Nazareno Damand Tourist Cerciaco Pastrano Hanging Bridge
Misamis Occidental Aquamarine
Inn Park

Oroquieta City Plaza

Lanao Del Norte [Historical, Cultural, and Heritage Attractions]

Macapagal Macaraeg Ancestral

Fort Almonte
House
Lanao Del Norte [Natural Attractions]

Maria Cristina Falls Tinago Falls

Limunsudan Falls Timoga Spring

Pikalawag Public Beach Lake Nunungan

Lanao Del Norte [Built Attractions]

Lanao del Norte National

Comprehensive High School
Camiguin [Historical, Cultural, and Heritage Attractions]

Catarman Church
Ancestral Ruins
Houses
Camiguin [Natural Attractions]

Katibawasan Falls Tuasan Falls

Tangub Hit Spring Macao Cold Spring

Mantigue Island Mount Hibok-Hibok

Ardent Hot Spring White Island

Camiguin [Built Attractions]

C.4. Special Events in Northern Mindanao Region

BUKIDNON
Kaamulan Festival- (February) it is an ethic cultural festival held annually in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

MISAMIS ORIENTAL
Kagay-an Festival- (August 26) in features street dancing competitions and trade fairs
 Hudyaka Festival- (May 30-June 9) it is a week- long celebration featuring agro-industrial fair, space,
concert, and cultural shows.

MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL
Pasungko Festival- (November) is a commemorates the founding Anniversary of the province.

Dalit Festival- (September 29) it celebrates the feast of

Saint Michael the Archangel

Subayen kug Subanen Festival- (July 16) it is a

week-long festival celebrating the feast of Nuestra Senora de la conception Triunfo (Our Lady of Triumph)

LANAO del NORTE

 Alimango Festival-(March 22) it is a colorful festival in the town of Lola in the province of Lanao del
Norte. The festival also promotes and enhances a community-based development and sustainable tourism.

CAMIGUIN
Lanzones Festival- (October) a two-day grand festival composed of Agri-cottages industry products
exhibits, Barangay Beautification, Indigenous sports, display of local culture, and the parade of lanzones.
 C.5. Attractions, and Activities in Davao Region
Compostela Valley [ Historical, Cultural, and Heritage Attractions]

Marasugan Mansaka Community

Compostela Valley [Natural Attractions]

Tagbibinta Falls White Peak

Mahayahay Cave Beach View Resort

Compostela Valley [Built Attractions]

Aguacan Spring Resort Dizon Farms

Japanese Tunnel San Pedro Cathedral

Davao City [Historical, Cultural, and Heritage Attractions]

 Mt. Apo Samal Island

Davao City [Natural Attractions]

Davao City [Built Attractions]

Davao Crocodile Park Philippine Eagle Center

Deca Wakeboard Park Malagos Garden Resort

Davao del Norte [Historical, Cultural and Heritage Attractions]

Veterans Memorial Shrine Ata-Manobo Tribe

Davao del Norte [natural Attractions]

Madgao River Casilak Falls

Davao del Norte [Built Attractions]

TADECO Banana Plantation Organic Rice Farms

Davao del Sur [Historical, Cultural, and Heritage Attractions]

Kublai Art Garden Benedictine Monastery

Davao del Sur [Natural Attractions]

Marawer Hot Spring

Davao Del Sur [Built Attractions]

Passig Islet Camp Sabros

Davao Oriental [Historical, Cultural, Heritage Attractions]

Davao Oriental [Natural Attractions]

Caraga Church Pusan Point

Aliwagwag Falls Tinagong Island

Davao Oriental [Built Attractions]

Provincial Capitol Park Subangan Museum

Davao Occidental [Historical, Cultural, Heritage Attractions]

Malita Museo

Davao Occidental [Natural Attractions]

Balut Island Sabang Hot Spring

Davao Occidental [Built Attractions]

Culaman Lighthouse

C.6. Special Events in Davao Region

 Compostela Valley
Kaimonan Festival-(June 17) thanksgiving celebration for the bountiful harvest.

Diwanag Festival- (December 5-26) in celebration of the Christmas season, the festival showcases different
Christmas lights decorations.

Dagupan Festival- (May28) a gathering to celebrate the abundance of coastal resources of the town of
Mabini.

Fruit Festival-(October 20) a thanksgiving celebration for the bountiful harvest by showcasing each town’s
most known products.

Davao City
Kadayawan Festival-(3rd week of August) a celebration of life and serenity of living, and a thanksgiving for
bountiful harvest.