MINDANAO :

     Mindanao, the second largest island of the Philippines, 
     is a land of towering mosques and malong-clad women, 
     where  boldly-striped  vintas  ply  the  waters   between 
     houses  perched  precariously  on  stilts. Here ,  ethnic
     tribes weave glorious tales of brave warriors and haughty 
     princesses into colorful tapestries and fabrics. 

     Mindanao is also a nature lover's paradise. Tiny Camiguin 
     isle enchants with its white sand islands and volcanic
     chains. Zamboanga has pink sand beaches for the beach-lover 
     and rolling greens for the golf enthusiasts. Davao's caves 
     promise adventure for spelunkers; in this land of fruits and 
     flowers, interspersed with tropical blooms and exotic orchids. 
     Cotabato's pineapple plantations and Bukidnon's citrus farms 
     delight with nature's freshest harvests. 

     The adventurous traveler would probably wish to conquer 
     Mindanao's vast mountain wilderness, or explore the many 
     forests and wildlife reserves. Mt. Apo in Davao del Sur is the 
     country's highest peak. Climbers and trekkers will find on its 
     slopes forests of exotic flora, steaming geysers, rainwater 
     lakes, swift-flowing rivers and cascading waterfalls; and ai its 
     base, Mount Apo Science Foundation, an agricultural institution 
     surrounded by woodlands ideal for bird-watching. 

     A plethora of waterfalls awaits the visitor to Lanao del Norte. 
     Its provincial capital, Iligan, is home to the legendary Maria 
     Cristina Falls, 100 feet higher than the awesome Niagara. 
     Lanao del Sur, around majestic Lanao Lake, is the Islam Center 
     of the South. Here are found repositories of Muslim culture such 
     as the Mindanao State University, the King Faisal Center for Arabic 
     Studies, and the Aga Khan Museum. 

     The artistry and diversity of ethnic tribes lend a richness to local 
     color. The Maranao have their okir, a curvilinear carving tradition 
     that sets off their houses, musical instruments, personal ornaments 
     and household implements in brillieant colorful motifs. Visitors will 
     find unique souvenir items among the handicrafts of the T'boli, who 
     weave their famous t'nalak patterns. The Sama tribes handweave 
     cool mats in jewel colors along the walks of their stilt houses, inviting 
     spectators to bargain for their wares. The seafaring Badjao dive for 
     coveted South Sea pearls. Arts and crafts demonstration tours, tribal 
     festivals, and visits to ethnic villages provide insight into the everyday 
     lives of the cultural minorites. 

To have a clear look click the picture.


MARAWI CITY HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

     Marawi is a settlement of the western side of the Agus River. 
     It was formerly part of the municipality of Dansalan. Its 
     name was derived from the Maranao term "rawi" which
     means reclining, referring to the lilies bending to the north on
     the mouth of the Agus River.

     The municipality of Dansalan was established under the
     Moro Province on May 24, 1907. Pursuant to
     Commonwealth act No. 592 in 1940, Dansalan became a
     chartered city but was not inaugurated until September
     30,1950. In 1956, Dansalan City was changed to Marawi
     City through a Congressional Act.

     On April 1980, Marawi City was renamed as the Islamic
     City of Marawi and thereafter proclaimed by the Sanguniang
     Pampook of Region XII as the summer capital of the region.
     Marawi is the only city in the country where 90.0 percent 
     are Muslims and the people preserved their Islamic way of life.

TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOPHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

     a. Soil Characteristics

     The soil type is silty clay loam suited for ceramics industry. 
     Its slope falls under relief number 4 which depicts a hilly or
     gently rolling landscape.

     b. Climate

     The climate is cool and pleasant and falls under Type F which is 
     characterized by an even distribution of rainfall throughout the year. 
     The city is out of the typhoon belt. It has the highest average 
     annual rainfall of 2,826 millimeter in the region. The wettest month 
     is February while the driest is June. With an elevation of 679.704  
     meters above sea level, the city recorded the lowest average annual  
     temperature of 19.7 degrees Celsius.

POPULATION AND HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS, 1990

     a. Population
     The latest population census was recorded at 91,204 persons
     in Marawi City. The city population had been growing at a
     very rapid rate between 1980 and 1990. Its population grew
     at an annual average rate of 5.50 percent, the highest rate
     recorded in the region. Given its land area and population, the
     population density averaged 4,066.92 persons per square
     kilometer in 1990. The city is the most densely populated area
     in the region.

     b. Sex and Age Structure
     The ratio of male to female population is about 1:1.12. As of
     1990, there were around 42,992 males and 48,272 females.
     In terms of age structure, about 52,188 persons fall between the ages 15
     and 64 years old, 37,682 are 14 years old and below and 1,334 belong to
     ages 65 years and over. This also indicates a highly productive population
     with 57.2 percent of the total population belonging to the productive age
     group of 15 to 64 years old.

     The dependency ration was computed at 75 dependents per 100 working
     population. With 41.3 percent in the age group 14 years and below, the
     population is considered relatively young.

     c. Religious Affiliation

     Despite the predominance of Islam, which is practiced by 96.6 percent of
     the population, there are also persons who belong to other religious sects.
     Of the total population. about 1.5 percent are Roman Catholics, 1.0
     percent are Protestants and the remaining 0.9 percent belong to
     other religious sects.

     d. Number of Households

     Total households reached 14,277 in 1990 with a household population
     of 91,204 persons. The average household size is six persons in one
     household. About 53.8 percent of the households consist of one
     extended family. This usually consists of in-laws and other distant
     relatives who live under the protective support of one nuclear family.

     e. Housing Condition

     Majority of house structures are duplex made of light materials such 
     as nipa, plywood and cardboard. The City is highly
     congested where houses and business establishments stand side by side 
     with overlapping roofs sharing narrow alleys.

     f. Labor Force

     Of the total persons in the age bracket of 15 to 64 years old, about 
     12,467 are employed while 7,310 are unemployed. The rest account for 
     persons who are not in the labor force who may be students housekeepers, 
     or invalid. Of the total persons 15 years old and over, about 32,411 
     are not in the labor force. Of those employed, majority are engaged in
     farming and fishing activities.