Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

Lake Sebu
Municipality

The eponymous Lake Sebu

Seal

Map of South Cotabato with Lake Sebu highlighted
Lake Sebu

Location within the Philippines

Coordinates: 06°13′N 124°42′E / 6.217°N 124.700°ECoordinates: 06°13′N 124°42′E / 6.217°N 124.700°E
Country Philippines
Region SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII)
Province South Cotabato
District 2nd district of South Cotabato
Barangays 19
Government[1]
  Mayor Antonio Fungan
Area[2]
  Total 702.00 km2 (271.04 sq mi)
Population (2010)[3]
  Total 76,170
  Density 110/km2 (280/sq mi)
Time zone PST (UTC+8)
ZIP code 9512
Dialing code 83
Income class 1st

Lake Sebu is a first class municipality in the province of South Cotabato, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 76,170 people.[3]

Geography

Lake Sebu

The placid lake of Lake Sebu can be found in Allah Valley near the municipality of Surallah, South Cotabato. Surrounded by rolling hills and mountains covered with thick rain forest, the lake has an area of 354 hectares (870 acres), with an elevation of approximately 1,000 metres (3,300 ft).

Barangays

Lake Sebu is politically subdivided into 19 barangays.[2]

  • Bacdulong
  • Denlag
  • Halilan
  • Hanoon
  • Klubi
  • Lake Lahit
  • Lamcade
  • Lamdalag
  • Lamfugon
  • Lamlahak
  • Lower Maculan
  • Luhib
  • Ned
  • Poblacion
  • Siluton
  • Talisay
  • Takunel
  • Upper Maculan
  • Tasiman

Demographics

Population census of Lake Sebu
YearPop.±% p.a.
1990 34,350    
1995 47,617+6.31%
2000 54,142+2.79%
2007 60,401+1.52%
2010 76,170+8.81%
Source: National Statistics Office[3]

The lake's shores and the surrounding rainforest are home to the indigenous T'bolis, Tirurays, Ubos and Manobos. One of the major tribes, the T'bolis are known for their weaving skills and brassware production as well as fishing skills. The rest of the population are made of Ilonggos, Bicolanos and Ilocanos.

Economy

The economy is based on aquaculture of Tilapia grown in large fish cages floating in the lake. More than one half of the land around the lake is cultivated for agriculture. The Philippine government is also trying to promote ecotourism in the area. The finishing of a concrete road cut the travel time from 4 hours to less than 30 minutes greatly improving trade and commerce.

Wildlife

Wild boars and Philippine Deer which are considered endangered live around the lake. The lake and the surrounding rainforest are natural habitat to egrets, kingfishers, swallows, herons, Philippine cockatoos and kites.

Environmental conservation

The Philippine government proclaimed a 924.5 square kilometres (357.0 sq mi) area as a protected landscape. On the southeastern watershed of the lake, a bamboo plantation was established.

References

  1. "Official City/Municipal 2013 Election Results". Intramuros, Manila, Philippines: Commission on Elections (COMELEC). 1 July 2013. Retrieved 5 September 2013.
  2. 2.0 2.1 "Province: South Cotabato". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay: as of May 1, 2010" (PDF). 2010 Census of Population and Housing. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 20 May 2014.

External links