Kiamba, Sarangani

Kiamba
Municipality
Municipality of Kiamba
Tuka Beach
Seal
Map of Sarangani with Kiamba highlighted
Kiamba Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 05°59′N 124°37′E / 5.983°N 124.617°E / 5.983; 124.617Coordinates: 05°59′N 124°37′E / 5.983°N 124.617°E / 5.983; 124.617
Country	Philippines
Region	SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII)
Province	Sarangani
District	Lone district
Established	1947
Barangays	19
Government[1]
• Mayor	Raul C. Martinez
Area[2]
• Total	328.68 km2 (126.90 sq mi)
Population (2015 census)[3]
• Total	61,058
• Density	190/km2 (480/sq mi)
Time zone	PST (UTC+8)
ZIP code	9514
IDD : area code	+63 (0)83
Income class	1st municipal income class
PSGC	128003000
Electorate	33,978 voters as of 2016
Website	kiamba.url.ph

Kiamba is a first class municipality established 1947, in the province of Sarangani, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 61,058 people.^[3]

It is bordered on the west by Maitum, on the east by Maasim, on the north by South Cotabato, and on the south by the Celebes Sea.

Notable residents include Manny Pacquiao. It is the hometown of his wife Jinkee Pacquiao.^[4][5][6]

History

The municipality was formed in August 18, 1947 when Executive Order No. 82 was signed by the government by merging the municipal districts of Kraan and Kling.

Maitum on the west became an independent municipality in 1959. In 1971, Maasim, on the east, also became an independent municipality. ^[7]

Barangays

Kiamba is politically subdivided into 19 barangays.

Demographics

Majority of the population speak Cebuano although early settlers were of Ilocano origin. There are a lot of Moro people (Sangil and Maguindanaon) who settles in the area long before the Christians from Luzon came. One of the indigenous peoples living in mountainous areas of Kiamba is known as T'boli.

Economy

Rice, the foremost income producer.

Seafoods, the second biggest income earner.

The economy of Kiamba is largely based on agriculture with vast ricefields surrounding the municipality. Aqua-culture is the second biggest income earner, notably the culture of milkfish and shrimps (locally called "sugpo" or "lukon") for export. Also, coastal communities depend on deep-sea fishing as a primary livelihood.

Tourism

The Timpuyog festival celebrates the town's foundation anniversary. Timpuyog is an Ilocano word for unity, and the festival includes tribal shows and carnaval. Kiamba celebrate their Timpuyog Festival and Foundation Anniversary every February 14.

Visitors attractions include:

• Waterfalls in lush rainforests (ex. Nalus Falls)
• Short, narrow roads lined with Japanese era houses
• Cockfights
• Tuka Marine Park, a protected area where fishing is banned. It has four protected coves and only one (Tuka 2) is open to the public. The site has coral formations.
• Beaches of Kiamba (ex. Wakap Beach in Datu Dani)

Notable educational institutions

• Kiamba National High School
• Notre Dame of Kiamba
• Southern Cotabato Academy
• J.B.T. Caing Sr. Memorial Integrated School
• James L. Chiongbian National Trade School (Formerly Kling National High school)
• Cabales-Enarbia Integrated School
• Salakit National High School

References

External links

• Kiamba Municipal Profile at the Province of Sarangani Official Website
• Kiamba - Official Website
• Philippine Standard Geographic Code
• Philippine Census Information
• Local Governance Performance Management System
• Tourism Article By Rene Venenzuela, Manila Bulletin