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.
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