COMPOSTELA VALLEY HISTORY

          COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE, the 78th province of the Philippines was created into a separate and distinct province by virtue of the Republic Act No. 8470, signed by President Fidel V. Ramos on January 30, 1998 and was ratified through a plebiscite held in March 7 of the same year. This province was carved out from the mother province of Davao del Norte.

            There are 11 municipalities comprising Compostela Valley Province which are grouped into two legislative districts, and with 237 total official barangays. District I Municipalities are :  Compostela, Maragusan, Monkayo, Montevista, and New Bataan.  The second district include the Municipalities of :  Laak, Pantukan, Mabini, Maco, Nabunturan, and Mawab.  The Municipality of Nabunturan is named the capital town of the province.

            The first governor of Compostela Valley was Engr. Prospero S. Amatong, former governor of the then undivided province who opted to serve his remaining term to the new province as provided by the law creating the new province. Madame Luz Sarmiento, wife of the late congressman Lorenzo Sarmiento was the second governor of the province by presidential appointment. She held office from March 28, 1998 to June 30, 1998. Nevertheless, Atty. Jose R. Caballero was the first elected governor of Compostela Valley. He served the province from July 1, 1998 to June 30, 2007.  Former board member of the province and businessman Arturo T. Uy is now the incumbent governor when he won the post during the May 14, 2007 national and local elections. He assumed office on July 1, 2007.

            The province of Compostela Valley is strategically located at Southeastern part of Mindanao. It has a total Land Area of 4,666.93 square kilometers and is bounded by Agusan del Sur on the North, Davao del Norte on the West, Davao Oriental on the East and Southeast and Davao Gulf on the West and Southwest.  Its terrain consists of flat, rolling, hilly, and mountainous portions, which are evenly distributed throughout the area. Mountain ranges are largely found in the eastern part of the province.

            The province is generally tropical with no marked of rainy or dry season. Its mountain ranges and forests protect the area from visiting typhoons. However, some parts of the municipalities of Monkayo, Montevista, and Nabunturan are flooded when there is continuous heavy rainfall.

Rainy season is most likely to occur between the months of May and January with pronounced maximum rainfall during October to December. Dry season is likely to start from February to April. (Source: PAGASA).  The prevailing monthly temperature of the province is 27.81oC. April is recorded to be the hottest month with an average temperature of 28.72oC, while January is the coolest month with an average temperature of 27.15oC.

            Compostela Valley is classified as a first class province with an actual income of P697,328,056.82 in 2006.  Its major economic activity is agriculture.  About 30.70% of the land area has been utilized for agricultural activities.  The province’s major crops are rice, corn, vegetables, and root crops/ tubers  For aquaculture, the coastal municipalities of Maco, Mabini, and Pantukan are the sources of the large bulk of fish.  Its aqua farms accounted to 393 units.

            The province is blessed with natural attractions like beaches, mountain resorts, hot and cold springs, waterfalls, inland resorts, caves, and flower farms.

               PROVINCIAL ELECTED OFFICIALS

                      Provincial Governor  :    Hon. Arturo T. Uy                  


          Provincial Vice Governor      :    Hon. Ramil L. Gentugaya
                          
   Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members   :

                                  First District  :  Hon. Ma. Carmen Z. Apsay
                                                            Hon. Armando C. Codilla
                                                            Hon. Paul P. Galicia
                                                            Hon. Arvin Dexter M. Lopoz
                                                            Hon. Neri R. Barte

                            Second District  :    Hon. Ruwel Peter S. Gonzaga
                                                            Hon. Ruben R. Flores
                                                            Hon. Cesar D. Richa
                                                            Hon. Rogelio C. Arambala
                                                            Hon. Moran B. Takasan

             Provincial Councilor’s League President    :    Hon. Josielyn A. Romano
             Federation of Assn. Of Brgy. Captains Pres.    :    Hon. Efrenia A. Sistoza
 Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Pres.    : Hon. Adrian Caesar M. Relampagos

                 House Representative, 1st District        :    Hon. Manuel E. Zamora
                House Representative, 2nd District        :    Hon. Rommel C. Amatong

       

                MUNICIPAL MAYORS                            Municipality
             Hon. Reynaldo Q. Castillo                       :    Compostela
             Hon. Reynaldo B. Navarro                      :    Laak
             Hon. Hadji Amir B. Muñoz                      :    Mabini
             Hon. Arthur Carlos Voltaire R. Rimando :   Maco
             Hon. Cesar C. Colina                             :    Maragusan
             Hon. Avelina J. Jampayas                     :    Mawab
             Hon. Manuel B. Brillantes                       :    Monkayo
             Hon. Teofista T. Jauod                           :    Montevista
             Hon. Macario T. Humol                           :    Nabunturan
             Hon. Lorenzo L. Balbin, Jr.                    :    New Bataan
             Hon. JC Celso V. Sarenas                     :    Pantukan

VISION

“Compostela Valley is a dynamic,

empowered and God-loving province

where citizens enjoy a better quality of life,

with security and equal access to economic,

social opportunities, and infrastructure programs/services,

within the context of responsive governance,

participatory, democracy and

sustainable development anchored on

principled leadership”

MISSION
“Provide open, transparent, and

accessible government and

to deliver basic services

so everyone can enjoy

a better quality of life”










MUNICIPALITIES

1.Municipalty of PANTUKAN

The Municipality of Pantukan is the oldest town in the region. The first inhabitants of the place were the Mansakas and Muslims who made up the Kalagan tribe. The name Pantukan was derived from the name of two powerful datus known as Pantu and Kan who ruled the place. Both datus struggled power and their continuous effort to win over the other led to their downfall.

Pantukan was created into an independent and regular municipality on November 13, 1936 through Executive Order No. 64 issued by then Pres. Manuel L. Quezon.

High mountain ranges and steep slopes characterized the topography of the municipality. Fifty percent of the areas have slopes of more than thirty percent. Twelve percent of the areas is flat to gently rolling terrain. 913 hectares are devoted to agricultural crop followed by banana, rice, corn, vegetables, and root crops.

Pantukan is a 1st class municipality in the province of Compostela Valley, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 61,801 people in 13,311 households.

Pantukan is politically subdivided into 13 barangays.

Bongabong,Bongbong,P. Fuentes,Kingking (Pob.),Magnaga,Matiao,Napnapan

Tagdangua,Tambongon,Tibagon,Las Arenas,Araibo,Tagugpo

PANTUKAN

Municipal Mayor: JC Celso V. Sarenas

No. of Barangays: 13

Location: Davao Gulf coast

Access: Bus, taxi, motorcar, motorcycles from Tagum City or from Mati, Davao Oriental Communication Services: Public Calling Offices, Smart, Globe Cellsites.

Medical Services: Private clinics, Pantukan District Hospital (50 beds)

Land Area:     420.13 square kilometers

Population:    61,801 (2000 NSO Census)

Climate: Tropical, no marked wet or dry season. Average Monthly Temperature 27.81◦C. April hottest month, January coolest month.

Physical Description: High mountain ranges, steep slopes (12% of area flat, gently                            rolling terrain).

Industries (investment potentials): Coconut, banana plantations, mining, agribusiness.

Some 913 hectares are devoted to agricultural crop production, communication systems.

Gold Rush Areas: Biasong, Diat, District Lumanggang, Boringot, Panganason

Destinations:  Lawigan Beach Resorts 1,2, & 3, Arrow Mines View & Paraiso Beach Resort, Matiao Beach Resort, Bislig Beach Resort, Magnaga Waters, Gloria Beach, Salvosa Falls, Lahi Hot Spring, Arancon Beach, Cocobarn Beach, Pajo Beach, Rey Uy Beach Resort, Lanipao Hill Complex (convention facility), Via Veritas Et Vita Seminar House.

*Gloria Beach Resort. Ideal for outdoor activities like camping, motocross, bicycle competitions.

*Magnaga Waters Beach Resort.

*Lanipao Retreat House. 12-room furnished farm house. * Via Veritas Et Vita Seminar House. In Lanipao. For seminars and conventions. Retreats. Family gathering

*Arancon Beach Resort. Tibagon. Mangrove site. White sand beach with amenities for beach volley and basketball.

* Lawigan Beach Resorts 1,2, & 3. Tagdangua. 1 km. from highway. Sunset view by the sea.

2.Municipalty of Mabini

Mabini is located in the southeastern section of the Province of Compostela Valley and has a land area of 41,225 hectares. It is 18 kilometers from Tagum City and 53 kilometers away from Nabunturan, the capital town of Compostela Valley. The municipality has 11 barangays composed of 6 coastal barangays and 5 non-coastal barangays. The presence of banana plantations located at Barangay Tagnanan help boost the economic status of the locality.

The main sources of livelihood of its constituents are farming, fishing, crop farming, and fishpond operations.

The Municipality is also endowed with mineral resources such as gold, marble, silica and magnesite. With the in-placed developed beach resorts along with its 12 kilometers stretch shoreline, Mabini is considered as one of the tourist destinations in the province. In addition, its two wonderfully carved island namely: Kopiat and Lunod that are blessed with resources made the municipality attractive to local and foreign tourists and visitors as well as environmental enthusiasts.

Mabini envisions a progressive and empowered municipality where its constituents live better quality of life being united, economically and socially stable, morally upright, culturally conscious and environmentally oriented enjoying the benefits of effective governance, democracy and sustainable growth and development.

Mabini is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Compostela Valley, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 32,058 people in 6,524 households.

Mabini is politically subdivided into 11 barangays.,Cadunan,Pindasan,Cuambog (Pob.),Tagnanan (Mampising),Anitapan,Cabuyuan,Del Pilar,Libodon,Golden Valley (Maraut),Pangibiran,San Antonio

Municipal Mayor: Hadji Amir B. Muñoz

No. of Barangays: 11

Location: Davao Gulf coast

Access: Bus, taxi, motorcar, motorcycles from Tagum City or from Mati, Davao Oriental

Communication Services: Public Calling Offices, Smart, Globe Cellsites.

Medical Services: Private clinics, (nearby)Pantukan District Hospital (50 beds)

Land Area:     412.25 square kilometers

Population:    32,058 (2000 NSO Census)

Climate: Tropical, no marked wet or dry season. Average Monthly Temperature 27.81◦C. April hottest month, January coolest month.

Physical Description: 1/6 of total land area is flat coastal land. Eastern section is rolling hills, river dells, mountainous terrain

Industries (investment potentials): Agricultural crop production covers 14,883 hectares. The major crops are rice, coconut, corn, and bananas. It has a thriving agro-industry, cottage and manufacting, banana plantations

Destinations:  Omandac Beach Resort, Manaklay Beach Park & Resort, Beach View Resort, Manaklay Beach, Sentro Beach, Jark/Casilac Beach, Mampising CARP Beneficiaries Coop. Inc. (MCBCI), White Beach Resort, Tortuga Valley Plantations, Inc. (TVPI), Batiano Beach, Ybals Beach Resort, Mangrove Cafè, Tagnanan Beach, Kopiat Island, Lunod (St. Anthony Island).

*Beach View Resort. Pindasan. Ideal for seminars, meetings, conventions. Provides island tour to Kopiat. *Kopiat Island. Private company operates the island resort. Entrance exclusive for company activities. Arrangementscan be made. Boating rate around the island is P10 per person. White sand beach. Snorkeling. Scuba diving. Rich colourful coral reefs. View of Davao Gulf

*Lunod Island. Lush mangrove forests cover almost whole island. 17 hectares. 15-minute motorized banca ride from Mabini coast. Coral gardens. Ideal marine life sanctuary, eco-tourism park, scientific researches.

*Manaklay Beach Park & Resort in Pindasan. 8 cottages, function/seminar hall, beach kiosks.

3.Municipality of Montevista

Caumanga, “ the original name of Montevista was a peaceful haven of the Mandayan Tribe. During the Japenese occupation, “Caumanga” became the headquarters of the Japenese Imperial Forces who induced to flock to the place for protection, shelter, medicine, and food.

With the increase of Christian settlers in the early part of 1950’s, the name “Caumanga” was changed to San Jose in honor of their Patron Saint, Saint Joseph the Worker. However, it was not until June 18, 1966, when Republic Act No. 4808 was issued creating San Jose into a regular town. “Montevista” became the town’s official name as it paint an imbued idea over a place in California, USA, which had a semblance in topography to San Jose, meaning “Mountain View.”

           Montevista is a 4th class municipality in the province of Compostela Valley, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 33,225 people in 6,570 households. Though Montevista was created on June 18, 1966, its political administration took effect on January 1, 1969 with Honorable Bernardo R. Rabanoz, as the first elected mayor. After serving his term he was then succeeded by late Simplicio Montaño, who barely served a month due to his untimely death.

By operation of Law, Vice Mayor Julian A. Mascariñas succeeded him. He served as the Municipal Mayor from February 11, 1972 up to March 2, 1980. Mayor Bernardo R. Rabanoz took the reign of administration after winning the 1980 electoral race in which he serve for six years from March 3, 1980 until April 1986 when the Aquino Administration took severiegnty by virtue of the Historic EDSA revolution.

on April 14, 1986, OIC Mayor Felipe B. Flores was then designated under the Freedom Constitution replacing elected Mayor Bernardo R. Rabanoz to last until December 6, 1987.

Hon. Emiliano A. Corias was designated as Officer-In-charge (OIC)replacing OIC Mayor Felipe B. Flores and served as the Local Chief Executive from December 7, 1987 to February 1, 1988.

During the 1988 local polls, Mayor Bernardo R. Rabanoz ran for Mayorship and won which catapulted him once more to be the town's Local Chief Executive. On 1992 first synchronized elections in which the incumbent Mayor, Hon. Bernardo R. Rabanoz with his ardent desire to serve hid beloved constituents ran again for the same position enabled him to attain his fourth term in the office

In 1995 elections, Vice Mayor Salvador S. Jauod, Sr. ran for mayorship and fortunately garnered the most number of votes and became the town's Local Chief Executive. In the recently concluded May 11, 1998 election, Mayor Salvador S. Jauod, Sr. won his reelection bid and continues to reign the Municipal Government of Montevista.

Nowadays, utilizing its scarce resources, the municipality moves towards progress and development under the administration of Mayor Salvador S. Jauod Sr

            The Municipality of Montevista is located in the northern part of Compostela Valley and it is about 12 kilometers from Nabunturan, the provincial capital. It falls within the latitude of 7’4”-7’52” SSE and 124’53” – 126’ 03 NNE longitude. It is bounded on the north by the Municipality of Monkayo; on the south by the Municipality of Nabunturan, on the southwest by the Municipality of New Corella, on the northwest by the Municipality of Laak and on the east by the Municipality of Compostela.

Area and Political Subdivision

            The municipality has a total land area of 22,500 hectares. It constitutes 4.82 percent and 1.14 percent to the total land area of Compostela Valley and Region XI respectively.

            The municipality is politically subdivided into 20 barangays. Barangay Prosperidad is the largest, with  an area of 3,200 hectares or 15.56 percent to the total land area of Montevista. Barangay Camantangan has the smallest land area covering about 2 percent or 450 hectares.

Topography

            The slope of the municipality is classified into level to undulating, moderately sloping rolling, rolling to hills, steep hills and mountainous, and very steep hills and mountainous. Level to undulating with a range of 0-18 covered an area of about 41.07 percent or 9,241 hectares.

Population

            The three leaders in terms of population size are San Jose (Poblacion) having a share of 20.83 percent to the total municipal population, Mayaon with 8.9 percent and Linoan with 7.97 percent. Camantangan is the least populated barangay with 2.27 percent. New Calape and New Cebulan both with 2.40 percent contribution to the population.

            In terms of the number of households, Barangay San Jose led the household number having share of 20.9 percent. Following next were Mayaon and Linoan having a share of 8.77 percent and 7.84 respectively.

4.Compostela Compostela Valley

Compostela Compostela is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Compostela Valley, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 61,667 people in 12,151 households. Compostela is politically subdivided into 16 barangays.

Municipal Mayor: Reynaldo Q. Castillo

No. of Barangays: 16

Population: 61,667.

Land Area: 187.5 sq. km.

Climate: Tropical, no wet or dry season. Average Monthly Temperature 27.81◦C. April hottest month, January coolest month.

Physical Description: More than half of the total land area, particularly the western portion, are hilly and mountainous. Flat, rolling, hilly and mountainous. Highly sedimentary foothills occupy at least ½ of the total land area.

Communication Services: Public calling offices (PLDT, postal services, Smart communication, Globe Telecom, internet services, banks, publications)

Medical Services: private clinics, municipal health office, 25-bed Montevista District Hospital.

Industries (investment potentials): Mining (Bango, Pulang Lupa). Commerce. Agriculture: banana plantation, rice, corn, coconut, rice, coffee, root crops, perennial crops. Banking & finance, fruits.

Destinations:  Kumaykay Falls. 1st Congressional District Nursery, Seat of First Congressional District. Livestock & poultry. Rattan/wood furniture, rice/corn mill, repair shops, sawmill. Blacksmith shop.

Accomodations: RTR Inn & Restaurant. Poblacion.

5.Laak, Compostela Valley

Laak is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Compostela Valley, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 59,450 people in 11,904 households. Laak is politically subdivided into 40 barangays.

Municipal Mayor: Arthur Carlos Voltaire R. Rimando

No. of Barangays: 37

Location: Davao Gulf coast

Access: Bus, taxi, motorcar, motorcycles from Tagum City or from Mati, Davao Oriental Communication Services: Public Calling Offices, Smart, Globe Cellsites.

Medical Services: Private clinics, Davao Regional Hospital (nearby Tagum City)

Land Area: 244.40 sq. km.

Population: 65,181 (2000 NSO Census)

Climate: Tropical, no marked wet or dry season. Average Monthly Temperature 27.81◦C. April hottest month, January coolest month.

Physical Description: Coastal plain gently rising from Davao Gulf inland into rolling hills and mountainous terrain.

Industries (investment potentials): Agricultural crop production, aqua-culture, coconut, coffee, corn (principal crops), banana, fruits, rice, root crops, bamboo (secondary crops), abaca, rubber (industrial crops). Agro- and mining- based products manufacturing.

Gold Rush Area: Mt. De Oro

Destinations: (Potentials for development) sulfuric hotspring, Amacan waterfalls, Tagmanacao Falls, Lake Leonard

*Lake Leonard. Venue of annual bancarera, jump-off point for biking competitions. Freshwater life. Rare butterflies

6.Maco,Compostela Valley

Maco is a 1st class municipality in the province of Compostela Valley, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 65,181 people in 13,090 households. Maco is politically subdivided into 37 barangays.

Municipal Mayor: Arthur Carlos Voltaire R. Rimando

No. of Barangays: 37

Location: Davao Gulf coast

Access: Bus, taxi, motorcar, motorcycles from Tagum City or from Mati, Davao Oriental Communication Services: Public Calling Offices, Smart, Globe Cellsites.

Medical Services: Private clinics, Davao Regional Hospital (nearby Tagum City)

Land Area: 244.40 sq. km.

Population: 65,181 (2000 NSO Census)

Climate: Tropical, no marked wet or dry season. Average Monthly Temperature 27.81◦C. April hottest month, January coolest month.

Physical Description: Coastal plain gently rising from Davao Gulf inland into rolling hills and mountainous terrain.

Industries (investment potentials): Agricultural crop production, aqua-culture, coconut, coffee, corn (principal crops), banana, fruits, rice, root crops, bamboo (secondary crops), abaca, rubber (industrial crops). Agro- and mining- based products manufacturing.

Gold Rush Area: Mt. De Oro

Destinations: (Potentials for development) sulfuric hotspring, Amacan waterfalls, Tagmanacao Falls, Lake Leonard

*Lake Leonard. Venue of annual bancarera, jump-off point for biking competitions. Freshwater life. Rare butterflies.

7.Nabunturan, Compostela Valley

Nabunturan is a 1st class municipality in the province of Compostela Valley, Philippines. It is the capital town of Compostela Valley. According to the 2010 census projection, it has a population of 70,178 people in 17,357 households.

28 Barangays of the Municipality of Nabunturan

GENERAL HISTORY

NABUNTURAN was once a barangay of Municipality of Compostela.Its origin is buntod, the Cebuano of "mountain." The word "Nabunturan" means "surrounded by mountains" in English. The early settlement was governed by a headman called BAGANI but was under supervision of the Municipal District President of Compostela over matters only concerning civil affairs. For the maintenance of peace and order, the area was under the immediate supervision of the Philippine Constabulary Detachment of Camp Kalaw, Moncayo, now a municipality. From barangay Jaguimitan in the north to barangay Mawab,now a municipality in the south, the whole Compostela town was divided into two(2) municipal districts, the district of Moncayo and the other was the district of Compostela with the latter's seat of local government in barangay Nabunturan, now the municipality of Nabunturan. There were no government doctors assigned in that area. So, the threats of Malaria was spreading. Public school system under the supervision of Supervising Teacher stationed in Kalaw Settlement for schools in the district of Moncayo. Before the construction of the national road transversing Nabunturan, only few people knew this place, but courageous pioneers ventured into this area without heeding the threats of Malaria, being prevalent at the time. Mansaka natives settled its lives here in municipality of Mawab to Brgy. Bangkerohan, Montevista. The original site of Barangay Nabunturan was situated along the July 23, 1957, 30 days after the passage and approval of Republic Act no. 2038, A new political unit, separate and distinct from the mother municipality of Compostela, was created. It has retained its original name, NABUNTURAN. The first Mayor of the town was Hon. Lauro C. Arabejo, the incumbent mayor of the municipality of Compostela.

Libasan-Saosao Provincial Road

, about 4 km from the present Poblacion site. When the road was constructed on 1938, many Visayan settlers and pioneers came here in Nabunturan and lived in. By that time, the establishment of Bureau of Public Work (BPW) camp settled here in km.90. Many business trades and establishments poured in and a community established as a rural community. 1941, WW2 broke out. A new hiding place for Guerrilas and USAFFE Contigents spread in Nabunturan. But during the Japanese occupation here in Mindanao, Nabunturan became a Japanese Kempetai Garrison. After the war, Japanese repulsed back to Davao City and the camp regained its status as the center of life and business here in Compostela Valley. Camp Kalaw was destroyed and abandoned. 1945, American forces landed in Davao city, The Philippine Civil Assistance Unit(PCAU) established the civil government of Compostela right at Nabunturan because of its accessibility to and from Davao City.By that time, many highways and roads were constructed and it became as the center of commerce. Because of this, the need of converting Nabunturan to a municipality was felt. This need was considered by top-policy makers as urgent. On

Four decades of improvement and development of the town, Nabunturan snowballed of what it is toaday, being the model of economic, political and social activities in the valley mainly because of its strategic location and steady growth. On January 30, 1998, President Fidel V. Ramos signed into law the creation of the 79th Province of the country, COMPOSTELA VALLEY pursuant to Rep. Act 8470,which further creates Nabunturan as its Capital town on March 8, 1998. The first Appointed Governor was Hon. Luz Sarmiento and the first to be elected was Hon. Jose R. Caballero.The present Mayor of Nabunturan is

Hon. Romeo C. Clarin.

NABUNTURAN

Capital, Compostela Valley

Distance: 90 kms. from Davao City and 33 kms. from Tagum City

Municipal Mayor: Macario T. Humol

No. of Barangays: 28

Population:  60,543

Land Area:  245.29 sq. km.

Climate: Tropical, no marked wet or dry season. Average Monthly Temperature 27.81◦C. April hottest month, January coolest month.

Physical Description: Flat, rolling, and hilly-mountainous. Traversed by Manat river

Access: Bus, passenger jeeps, taxi, motorcar, motorcycles from Tagum City

Financial Institutions: One Network Bank, Land Bank of Nabunturan, TRU-Bank, Rural Bank of Nabunturan, Nabunturan Integrated Cooperative, Money express, lending institutions, pawnshops, insurance services

Communication Services: Public calling offices (PLDT, PhilCom, DOTC-TELOF), Smart Tawag Centre, Cable television network, radio station, postal services, cell sites, internet services, publications

Medical Services: private clinics, municipal health office, Montevista District Hospital

Industries (investment potentials): Rice and corn mills, bakeries, tailoring shops, furniture, sawmills

Destinations: Bukal Hot & Cold Spring, Toyuzo Inland Resort, Cepada Garden Resort, ComVal Hotel & Restaurant, Bibingka industry, Chain Cooperative Handicraft Industry of Nabunturan (CCHIN), Golden Valley Swimming Pool, Nabunturan Integrated Cooperative. San Vicente Caves. Simballay Thanksgiving (July 21), AniBina Festival (March 1-8).

*Toyuzo Inland Resort. Nestled on Mainit Protected Area and Landscape. Sauna baths, two swimming pools with lukewarm water from hotspring nearby. Mini-jacuzzi pools

*Golden Valley Inland Resort. Magsaysay. Heroes Hall (RP’s largest collection of heroes on display). Two large pools for adults and children. Family outing

*San Vicente Cave. Brgy. San Vicente. Four caves open to tourists. Sinking caves. Unique stalactite, stalagmite formati

8.Maragusan, Compostela Valley

Present-day Municipality of Maragusan was formerly named San Mariano. It was created on November 25, 1977 through Presidential Decree No. 1247 and was sliced off the Municipality of Mabini.

Rolling hills and mountainous terrain, rising 2,000-7,642 feet above sea level, surround the valley and shield it from the strong winds of the Pacific Ocean blowing across the eastern coastal province of Davao Oriental.

The original settlers of Maragusan were the Mansaka tribe who initially dwelled in the mountain fastnesses and lived off the land, eking out a meager living through the primitive “kaingin” system of farming. Some resettled into the rich valleys below after decades of staying in the mountains and blended with migrants. Others stayed behind, developed their own communities, and preserved their rich culture, custom, and tradition.

The Mansaka identify themselves as “Man-Agusan”, a native word meaning settlers along the banks of Agusan River whose headwaters flow from the towering mountain range.  From the Maragusan mountains, the river snakes through several barangays, twisting and turning across the lands outside the headwaters before emptying its heavy load into Butuan Bay, hundreds of kilometers away from the source.

For phonetic reason, “Man–Agusan” was changed to Maragusan and the gentle plains of Maragusan, Caragan, and Tag–ugpo came to be known as Maragusan Valley.

Outsiders learned of the rich valley in 1955 after the plane flown by pilot and Lake Leonard rancher Captain Rivera went off course and flew over the plain. Later Rivera asked help from the Bureau of Lands which then plotted and verified the area as a potential agricultural land. Immediately, he applied for a thousand hectares of agricultural land in the heart of the valley that was then part of the municipality of Mabini.

While the papers were on process, Capt. Rivera opened a settlement in nearby Agwacan Spring and appointed Albino Segura head and in-charge of its development. Rivera supplied planting materials, like coffee and cacao seedlings. But he was unable to set foot on Maragusan soil when the Bureau of Lands denied his application citing “some restrictions”.

Albino Segura later resigned and worked on a farm of his own. Segura applied for the release of a portion of the valley as agricultural land. Apparently, his application was approved after which he invited more migrants to farm the unoccupied areas of the rich valley. With Segura gone, Arsenio T. Yanong took over as foreman of Rivera’s settlement.

The remote territory was isolated and had no direct link to its mother municipality. A heavily-forested zone cut off the valley from government services. Lawless elements and dissidents had free reign.  In 1972, the situation worsening, then district councilor Manolo T. Yanong petitioned local and national leaders to create the municipality of Maragusan containing an area of 92.2 hectares.

Florentino R. Obeso was appointed mayor and was installed on January 24, 1978. In the 1980 local elections, Manolo T. Yanong became the first elected Municipal Mayor of San  Mariano.

The 1986 EDSA Revolution that ousted then President Ferdinand Marcos installed a revolutionary government and new sets of national and local officials.

Vice Mayor Jose D. Perez, Sr. was appointed OIC Mayor. The new set of officials submitted a position paper requesting then President Corazon C. Aquino to revert the name of the municipality, San Mariano, to its original name, Maragusan. On October 12, 1988, Congress approved Republic Act No. 6678, the House bill authored by then Cong. Lorenzo S. Sarmiento, Sr., of the First District of the still undivided Davao Province that  changed the name of the municipality to Maragusan.

Manolo T. Yanong was re-elected mayor in 1989. He completed his term in 1998.  During his stint, various socio-economic and spatial development programs and projects were put in place in the municipality.

Under his leadership, Maragusan became one of the major tourist destinations in the Region.  This motivated the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of then Davao del Norte to pass and approve SP Resolution No. 84 that declared Maragusan the “Summer Capital of the Province”.

Manolo T. Yanong was succeeded by Gerome M. Lamparas, Sr. who served for one term.   Arsenio L. Yanong, Jr. took over from Lamparas and served for two terms from 2001-2007.

In 2007, Cesar C. Colina, Sr. was elected mayor and was reelected in 2010. More than a year after taking office, Maragusan further strengthened its position as a must-see tourist destination in Compostela Valley.

24 Barangays

MARAGUSAN

Summer Capital of Davao Region

Distance: 83.69 kms from Nabunturan

Municipal Mayor: Cesar C. Colina

No. of Barangays: 24

Population:  45,937

Land Area:  394.29 sq. km.

Climate: Tropical, no marked wet or dry season. Average Monthly Temperature 27.81◦C. April hottest month, January coolest month.

Physical Description: Surrounded by mountain ranges. Typhoon-free. Fertile valley 2,099 ft. above sea level. Highest elevation 7,880 ft.

Access: Bus, passenger jeeps, taxi, motorcar, motorcycles

Communication Services: Public calling offices (PLDT, postal services, cell sites, internet services, banks, publications)

Medical Services: private clinics, municipal health office, Maragusan Municipal Hospital

Industries (investment potentials): High-value vegetables, fresh tropical fruits. Tourism.

Destinations: Highland Lake Caampali (7,800 ft. above sea level. 0.75-hectare Enchanted Lake. Mt. Candalaga, Marangig Falls, Tagbibinta Falls. Mansaka Community. Aguacan Cold Spring Resort.

*Marangig Falls. Brgy. Albay. 13 tiers. Entrance fee:

*Tagbibinta Falls. Brgy. Coronobe. 7 tiers. Entrance fee:

*Mt. Candalaga. 7,880 ft. above sea level. Mountain climbing. Outdoor sports. 30 waterfalls. 100 cold springs. Rafflesia Watch on World’s Biggest Flower (September, October). 1998 National Mountaineering Climb and Congress. Annual mountaineering challenge on Holy Week and October.

*Mansaka Community. Composed of Christians and Mansakas. Untouched culture. Authentic native rituals, dances. Antique necklace. Mansaka musical instruments kudlong, paradag,and takol. Native antique bells, gongs. Inland Resort. Carenderias. Rural Bank, cockpit, rice-corn mills, public market.

Accomodations:

*Aguacan Cold Spring Resort. 20 rooms. Restaurant, swimming pool, function hall.

*Maragusan Holiday Plaza. Municipal government-owned. 5 rooms. Municipal gymnasium*Durian Inn. 5 rooms. Mahogany St. *Cabana Pension House. 5 rooms.

Gumamela St

.

9.Monkayo

In 1918, Monkayo was proclaimed a Municipal District and became a part of Compostela in 1948. It was later created into a Municipality on September 4, 1954 under Presidential Executive Order No. 65 of President Ramon Magsaysay.

Extensive mountain ranges and vast rolling areas with uneven distribution of lowland characterize the municipality. Monkayo is an emerging growth center. Primarily an agricultural production area, it gradually becomes a minor growth center of the Province in terms of raw materials for mineral and agricultural resources. Its forests and mountains yield the best types of lumber materials such as Lauan, Apitong, Yakal, Mahogany, Toog, Gimelina, Bagrasses, and Ipil-ipil. They can also offer large quantities of rattan. To top it all, we have our rich mineral deposits in the form of gold, silver, copper, and others, which are being mined and shipped out of Mt. Diwata daily.

.Agriculture-wise, Monkayo is blessed. Its distributed rainfall throughout the year with no dry season makes it ideal for diverse crops. In fact, the town is on its way to becoming a “fruit basket” in Compostela Valley.

MONKAYO

Distance: 29 km. from Nabunturan, 120 kms from Davao City.

Municipal Mayor: Manuel B. Brillantes , Jr.

No. of Barangays: 21

Population:  85,830. About 46% Cebuanos. The rest Mandaya, Mansaka, Manguangan, Dibabawon, and other Filipino Christian and Muslim ethnic groups

Land Area:  692.89 sq. km.

Climate: Tropical, no marked wet or dry season. Pronounced rainfall from Nvember to January.

Physical Description: Extensive mountain ranges and vast rolling areas with uneven lowland distribution.

Access: Bus, passenger jeeps, taxi, motorcar, motorcycles

Communication Services: Public calling offices (PLDT, postal services, Smart communication, Globe Telecom, internet services, banks, publications)

Medical Services: private clinics, municipal health office

Industries (investment potentials): An emerging growth centre for mineral, agricultural resources, primarily agricultural. Hardwood lumber—lauan, apitong, yakal, mahogany, toog, gmelina, bagrasses, ipil-ipil. Rattan. Minerals: gold, silver, copper from Mt. Diwalwal. Diverse crops. Lanzones. Durian.

Destinations: Kumbilan cave, Casoon. Pasian Caves. Inland Resort of Maite, Sagay Falls of Salvacion. Pasian Falls. Magdagandang Falls, Seven Waterfalls of Awao. Kasiyawan Festival (July 31) Gold mining in Diwalwal. Upper Ulip Hot Spring. Buenas Creek Inland Resort (Mt. Diwata). Lantawanan Inland Resort (Union).

*Kumbilan cave. Brgy. Casoon. Tunnel-like features. Fruit bats (kabyaw) lairs. To get there, take a bus to Monkayo

10.Mawab, Compostela Valley

Mawab is a 4th class municipality in the province of Compostela Valley, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 32,003 people in 6,694 households Mawab is politically subdivided into

11 barangays.

Andili,Bawani,Concepcion,Malinawon,Nueva Visayas,Nuevo Iloco,Poblacion,Salvacion

Saosao,Sawangan,Tuboran

Mawab was originally called “Ma-awag” or wide valley by its tribal inhabitants.  The place had verdant forest with wild flora and fauna and rich in other natural resources.  Monkeys, wild boars and deer were common sight.

Four rivers traverse Mawab namely, Hijo, Mawab, Galinan and Gumawan that then teemed with various species of fresh water fish, lobsters, crabs and mollusks.

The tribal groups in Mawab included of the Mansakas, Mandayas and Diababawons.  The natives were primitive in their ways but were not hostile.  They built fire by striking two stones or rubbing two sticks together.  Both men and women had long hair and were scantily-dressed.  They spoke only their native tongue. Communication between them and outsiders was by sign language.

The natives cultivated patches of land with rice, camote, gabi, taro and other root crops.  Wild fruits like durian, lanzones, and papaya were abundant.  Early Christian settlers considered durian as undesirable fruit because of its strong smell and sharp spines.

In 1919 the first batch of sacadas arrived in Mindanao through a Philippine government program to hasten the island’s development and introduce “civilization” by opening schools.  The government recruited qualified young men from Luzon and the Visayas Islands willing to explore and blaze the trail in Mindanao. 

One of those recruited was Mr. Celestino E. Esuerte, a young man from Cabalagnan, Guimaras, Iloilo who was willing to venture to a strange land due to financial difficulties in his hometown.  He was the first Christian to set foot in Ma-awag (Mawab).

The travel of Mawab from Hijo (Madaum) the trading post, took two days, partly on foot and partly on a hired banca.  The trip was an ordeal, as traveling was done upstream, going against the swift current of the Hijo river.

Mr. Esuerte, a trade school graduate with a basic knowledge in carpentry, undertook the mission of putting up a school building using indigenous materials with the assistance of the natives.  As the barter system was practiced and money was not recognized as a means of compensation, labor was paid through captured wild boars or monkeys bagged with the use of a shotgun issued by the government.

In the later part of 1930, the Davao-Agusan road was constructed.  With this development, initial zoning was done and identified the barrio site or seat of government, the school site, market site, etc.  This was followed by the building of roads, bridges and schools.  This encouraged farmers to increase agricultural productions.

Mawab was created into a barrio under the Municipality of Compostela with Mr. Celestino E. Esuerte as the first Teniente del Barrio.  Mr. Esuerte was also appointed Municipal Councilor of Tagum, representing the Barrio of Mawab for a brief period.

With the favorable endorsement of the Municipal Council of Tagum headed by Mayor Herminigildo Baloyo and also the favorable support of Gavino Sepulveda and Senator Alejandro Almendras, Mawab was finally created into a regular Municipality by virtue of Executive Order 351 on August 14, 1959.

Shortly after its creation, the Municipal Government of Mawab was organized. Municipal officials were appointed.  These were: Mr. Celestino E. Esuerte as Mayor, Mrs. Maria G. Bitoy as Vice Mayor, Mr. Delfin Jampayas, Sr.,  Mr. Samuel Cortado, Mr. Anatalio Barcena, Mr. Ricardo Macompas and Mr. Honorato Lucero, Sr. as Councilors.

MAWAB

Municipal Mayor: Dr. Avelina J. Jampayas

No. of Barangays: 11

Access: Bus, taxi, motorcar, motorcycles from Tagum City

Communication Services: Public Calling Offices, Smart, Globe Cellsites.

Medical Services: Private clinics, Davao Regional Hospital (nearby Tagum City)

Land Area: 169.52 sq. km.

Population: 32,003 (2000 NSO Census)

Climate: Tropical, no marked wet or dry season. Average Monthly Temperature 27.81◦C. April hottest month, January coolest month.

Physical Description: Plains, valley. 8,160.07 hectares of land considered agricultural.

Industries (investment potentials): Major agricultural crops include rice, corn, banana, coconut, coffee, cacao, rubber, bamboo, abaca. Agriculture, plantation, mining, quarrying

Gold Rush Area: Mt. De Oro

Destinations: (Potentials for development) 701st Brigade Panoramic View, Mahayahay Cave, Cawacawa Waterfalls, Mainit Hotspring. Sevillano Flower Farms. Dizon Farms.

*Mahayahay Cave. Tuboran. 7 kms. from Tagum City, 2 kms. from highway. Live cave with waterpools.

11.New Bataan, Compostela Valley

n the primitive years, the place known as New Bataan was once serene and isolated barrio called Cabinuangan. It was so named because of the presence of the tall and stately trees called Binuang.

In the early days of settlement a tribal leader Leon Magdagasang who people considered as founder governed the place. The other leaders believed to have a hand in its early existence were the Sacaons, Cabuñas, and Mapunlays. They were known as the Matikadongs, a counsel where disputes were settled.

When the clamor of literacy has come of age, a Mr. Tumpalan took the challenge came to the place and became the first educator. Mr. Patricio Corotan, his life was dedicated followed him to its pursuit and as proof of his dedication when he retired from service he settled at Bantakan.

Barrio Bantakan, which got its name from the word “bantak” or fishing trap made of bamboo used by the natives, was once considered t5he seat of municipal government of the proposed municipality.

Here, the pioneers were the Mateos, Mapunlays, Manonos, Soros and Dodongs. Aside from the mandayas, migrants from other places of the archipelago came in flocks and eventually settled in place.

New Bataan was called Cabinuangan in the past, a serene and isolated barrio that natives named after the tall and stately Binuang tree.

By 1950, Cabinuangan became known for its fertile valley and pristine rivers and waterfalls. Gradually, migrants seeking opportunities arrived by way of Nabunturan, in Km 102 in what is Montevista today, which was then a barrio of Compostela.

At that time, travel and the flow of commerce and trade to and from the hinterlands were through the Agusan river whose banks were dotted with inhabited settlements of earlier migrants and their descendants and whose headwaters are in the mountains of Maragusan.

The lucrative logging industry that gradually transformed Cabinuangan into a thriving logging centre built roads and bridges that connected new settlements and introduced them to the advanced era of mechanized transportation.

Population grew rapidly, more barangays were created, and more income was generated. More migrants arrived and further increased population.

As the logging industry gathered momentum, leaders from different barrios headed by Bienvenido Tejano, Sr. lobbied local leaders to work for the creation of a municipality.

On November 2, 1965 then President Diosdado Macapagal signed a proclamation that gave birth to a new municipality. Its existence proved short-lived because of legal and technical questions. The new municipality ceased to exist.

In 1966, the Bureau of Lands subdivided all public lands in Compostela into farm lots. All other government reservations like roads, plaza and town sites were set aside.

Shortly in Congress, the man who worked hard to create the three Davao Provinces, the late Lorenzo ‘Don Enchong’ Sarmiento, filed a bill creating the municipality of what is now New Bataan. With the help of then First lady Luz Banzon-Magsaysay, the Urban Planning Commission approved the 184-hectare town site reservation in Cabinuangan. In honor of the First lady, who was from the province of Bataan, the proposed municipality was named New Bataan.

On June 18, 1968 and by virtue of Republic Act No. 4756 the Municipality of New Bataan was born. As a tribute to Don Enchong’s contribution to the creation of the municipality, the Araw  of the new local government unit was moved to August 10 in honour of the leader’s his birthday.

In 2006 the Sangguniang Bayan reverted the Araw celebration to its original date on June 18. August 10 became the town’s Founder’s Day. In 2008 the Sangguniang Bayan institutionalized the town’s Sal’lupongan Festival to be celebrated every 2nd Quincena of August coinciding with the Founder’s Day.

New Bataan has a total land area of 55,315 hectares. It is bounded on the north by the Municipality of Compostela, on the east by the Province of Davao Oriental, on the south by the Municipality of Maragusan and on the west by the Municipality of Nabunturan.

The creation of the province of Compostela Valley paved the way for the Department of Tourism Region XI through Regional Director Sonia V. Garcia to declare New Bataan the Climbing Capital of Compostela Valley.

New Bataan is well-known because of its natural wonders. It is the place where tourists will experience great adventure together with the nature and their love ones.

One of its proud natural wonders is the famous white peak (2,670 ft.), the highest in Compostela Valley Province and rank 3rd in Mindanao and 13th in the country. The merits of the mountain are well known among mountaineers in Southern Mindanao, but it has yet to be discovered by Luzon-based hikers. What sets it apart is the white, almost sparkling, appearance of the mountain face as contrasted to the forests surrounding it.

The trails are a mix of mossy forest and steep grassy slopes - parts of which required the assistance of built-in ropes. Peak 1 is forested, while Peak 2 offers a panorama of Compostela Valley and the Davao provinces, as well as a full profile of Mt. Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines. Visible also is Mt. Candalaga, another high mountain in Compostela Valley.

The trekking time to reach the summit can be as short as 9-10 hours, but the itinerary below follows a more relaxed pace, based on the latest annual climb held on March 2008. Small groups may opt to follow a 2-day itinerary plus a Day 0 for travel. from

Municipal Mayor: Lorenzo L. Balbin, Jr.

No. of Barangays: 16

Population:  43,327

Land Area:  688.6 sq. km.

Climate: Tropical, no marked wet or dry season. Average Monthly Temperature 27.81◦C. April hottest month, January coolest month.

Physical Description: Gently sloping, rolling mountain areas. Of the total land area, 45.37% is timberland. 16,364 hectares is forest reserves. 632 hectares is unclassified public forest. 20,072 hectares is alienable and disposable.

Access: Bus, passenger jeeps, taxi, motorcar, motorcycles

Communication Services: Public calling offices (PLDT, postal services, Smart communication, Globe Telecom internet services, banks, publications)

Medical Services: private clinics, municipal health office

Industries (investment potentials): Tourism. Crop production, industrial crops. Rice, corn, vegetables, root crops, banana, coffee, coconut cacao.

Destinations:

Malumagpak Falls. Mt. Manurigao. Calamocan Brooks. Judilla Inland Resort. Andap Inland Resort. White Peak. Bamboo Inland Resort.

*Andap Inland Resort.

Maragusan-New Bataan Road

. 6 km. from Poblacion. Swimming pools carved from hillsides.

*Judilla Inland Resort. Sitio Bamboo, Brgy. Andap. 7 km. from Poblacion.

*Mt. Manurigao. 4,055 ft. above sea level. Venue for annual Malumagpak  mounting climbing Challenge. Malumagpak Falls. Philippine eagle sighting. Wild deer. Mansaka tribal culture.

*Calamocan Brooks. River trekking challenge. *White Peak. Mt. Tagub (Mt. Padadagsaan-highest point of Compostela Valley) range. Entry point is Sitio Libuton, Brgy. Andap. Rare flora and fauna. Bonsai trees, mossy virgin forest. Annual White Peak Climb