Maitum, Sarangani
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Maitum is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Sarangani, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 35,536 people in 7,640 households, and a land area of 324.35 km². Its coordinates are
Internationally, Maitum is known for the discovery of very old cave artifacts called Maitum Anthropomorphic Potteries in one of the caves nearby.
It is bordered on the west by the province of Sultan Kudarat, on the east by the municipality of Kiamba, on the north by the province of South Cotabato, and on the south by the Celebes Sea.
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[edit] People and culture
The majority of the population are of Ilocano origin. One of the indigenous peoples living in mountainous areas of Maitum is known as T'boli. The annual Binuyugan Festival is celebrated in May.
[edit] Economy
The economy of Maitum is largely based on agriculture and is often called the "rice-granary" of Sarangani due to its high level production of rice. Aqua-culture is the second biggest income earner, notably the culture of milkfish (bangus), prawns (particularly giant prawns) and shrimps for export. Other agricultural products are coconuts, maize, sugarcane, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, pork, eggs, beef, and fish. Maitum is also a food basket nationally famous for its dried fish.
The economy has accelerated in the past decade driven by advances in global communication technology and the finishing of a modern highway that tremendously improved trade and transport.
[edit] Barangays
Maitum is politically subdivided into 19 barangays.
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[edit] Wildlife
Tarsiers have been discovered in Maitum's mountainous areas.
Caves and the rainforest of Maitum are the natural habitat of a rare fruit bat species called Giant Golden-crowned Flying Fox (Acedoron jubatus). The rare Writhed-billed Hornbill and Tarictic Hornbill are also found in the surrounding rainforest. The Philippine Eagle (a monkey-eating eagle) also thrives in the area.
The endangered Hawksbill Turtles have their nesting grounds in Maitum's former main village called "Old Poblacion".
Other wild animals are wild boar, deer, monkeys, and various species of snake.
[edit] History
According to local folklore, "Maitum" refers to the black stones in Saub River. It is believed that the river stones turned black when the local native princess and her warrior lover passed through it as they eloped and escaped from the wrath of the princess' father who disapproved their marriage. "Maitum" is a native word meaning black. In 1928, Maitum became part of the municipality of Kiamba. It became a separate municipality on May 7, 1959 through Republic Act 2189.
[edit] External links
- Town of Maitum website
- Philippine Standard Geographic Code
- 2000 Philippine Census Information
- Maitum cave yields artifacts similar to 1991 find
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