Maitum, Sarangani

Maitum
Municipality

Coastal view of Maitum
Motto: Masaganang Maitum

Map of Sarangani with Maitum highlighted
Maitum

Location within the Philippines

Coordinates: 06°02′N 124°29′E / 6.033°N 124.483°E / 6.033; 124.483Coordinates: 06°02′N 124°29′E / 6.033°N 124.483°E / 6.033; 124.483
Country Philippines
Region SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII)
Province Sarangani
District Lone district
Founded May 7, 1959
Barangays 19
Government[1]
 • Mayor Tito T. Balazon, Sr.
Area[2]
 • Total 290.66 km2 (112.22 sq mi)
Population (2015 census)[3]
 • Total 44,595
 • Density 150/km2 (400/sq mi)
Time zone PST (UTC+8)
ZIP code 9515
IDD : area code  +63 (0)83
Income class 2nd municipal income class
PSGC 128005000
Electorate 30,312 voters as of 2016
Website www.maitum.gov.ph

Maitum is a second class municipality in the province of Sarangani, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 44,595 people.[3]

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.

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 No. 2189.

Barangays

Maitum is politically subdivided into 19 barangays.

  • Batian
  • Kalaneg
  • Kalaong
  • Kiambing
  • Kiayap
  • Mabay
  • Maguling
  • Malalag
  • Mindupok
  • New La Union
  • Old Poblacion
  • Pangi
  • Pinol
  • Sison
  • Ticulab
  • Tuanadatu
  • Upo
  • Wali
  • Zion

Demographics

Population census of Maitum
YearPop.±% p.a.
1990 25,640—    
1995 35,009+6.01%
2000 35,536+0.32%
2007 37,054+0.58%
2010 41,675+4.37%
2015 44,595+1.30%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[3][4][5][6]

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.

Internationally, Maitum is known for the discovery of very old cave artifacts called Maitum Anthropomorphic Potteries in one of the caves nearby. Ancient burial jars were discovered by archaeologists from the National Museum in Ayub Cave, Maitum, in 1991 and in 2008, at Sagel Cave, Maitum (now declared by National Historical Institute as a national historical sites). Amid Mindanao's armed conflicts, artifacts found thereat prove settlements of pre-historic civilization in Maitum.[7][8]

Economy

Maitum aqua-culture fish cages

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, corn, rubber, bananas, mangoes, pork, eggs, beef, and fish. Maitum is also a food basket nationally famous for its marinated flying 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.

Wildlife

Tarsier

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), also known as "silent planter," since it contributes greatly to forest regeneration, because of eating lots of fruits and their seeds.[9] The rare writhed-billed hornbill and Mindanao hornbill are also found in the surrounding rainforest. The Philippine eagle (a monkey-eating eagle) also thrives in the area.

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.

Sea turtles or pawikan can also be found in Maitum, Sarangani specifically at the Pawikan Nesting Sanctuary founded in 2003.

References

  1. ↑ "Official City/Municipal 2013 Election Results". Intramuros, Manila, Philippines: Commission on Elections (COMELEC). 11 September 2013. Retrieved 14 May 2014.
  2. ↑ "Province: SARANGANI". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved 14 May 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 Census of Population (2015). "Region XII (Soccsksargen)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. PSA. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
  4. ↑ Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region XII (Soccsksargen)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. NSO. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  5. ↑ Census of Population (1995, 2000 and 2007). "Region XII (Soccsksargen)". Total Population by Province, City and Municipality. NSO. Archived from the original on 24 June 2011.
  6. ↑ "Province of Sarangani". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  7. ↑ pia.gov.ph, Island resort now Sarangani landmark
  8. ↑ balita.ph/2008/11, Sarangani gears for foundation anniversary festival
  9. ↑ www.gmanews.tv/video, Born to be Wild: Giant Bats, 07/03/2008
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