The newly established province of Southern Mindanao is one of the fine treasures of, not only of Mindanao, but the entire Philippines. The largest gold reserve of the country is found here, specifically at Mount Diwalwal. But Compostela Valley is more than gold.
The province is one of the untapped natural gems of the country. Its thick, undisturbed forest serves as home to numerous endemic and endangered flora and fauna. These include the Rafflesia, the world’s biggest flower. Aside from this, Compostela Valley has several scenic spots waiting to be ‘discovered’ for the world to see.
Demographics
1. Population –637, 366 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 4, 479.77sq. km.
3. Capital – Nabunturan
4. Language/Dialect – Cebuano, Hiligaynon, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (0)
Municipalities (11)
- Compostela
- Laak (San Vicente)
- Mabini (Doņa Alicia)
- Maco
- Maragusan (San Mariano)
- Mawab
- Monkayo
- Montevista
- Nabunturan
- New Bataan
- Pantukan
Mount Diwalwal
It is said that the mountain holds the country’s largest gold
deposit, perhaps, even one of the largest in the world.
Cultural
Mansaka Triba Community
Location: Maragusan and New Bataan, Compostella Valley
The Mansaka Tribal Community is situated in Maragusan, and in the mountains
of Mt. Manurigao in New Bataan. The tribal community is composed of
the Mansakas whose culture is unadulterated by the outside world.
Natural
Mt. Diwalwal
Location: Monkayo, Compostella Valley
Diwalwal literally means “tongue sticking out”. According
to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, some P2 billion worth of gold is
produced in Diwalwal annually and that Diwalwal gold account for 20
percent of the country's production. Gold was discovered in the mountains
in1982.
Mount Candalaga
Location: Maragusan, Compostela Valley
The mountain measures up to 7,880 feet above sea level. It has 30 waterfalls
and 100 cold springs. It is home to the world's largest flower, the
Rafflesia.
Marangig Falls
Location: Mount Candalaga, Maragusan, Compostela Valley
The beauty of the falls is attached to a local folklore. Local s say
that they hear a horn of a ship known as Donya Marangig which means
the ship is going to sail away. Its passengers are white, enchanted
beings. The river would overflow and the rocks would move as if the
ship was in motion in the waters, but the vessel cannot be seen.
Kumaykay Falls
Location: Compostela, Compostela Valley
Its unique feature can be seen in the 200-meter elevation forming what
seems like the long hair of a woman.
Malumagpak Falls
Location: New Bataan, Compostela Valley
Malumagpak Falls boasts of four powerful water cascades from approximately
300 meters high.
Tagbibinta Falls
Location: Maragusan, Compostela Valley
It is a series of 7 falls, the first one measuring approximately 700
ft. in height. It is a perfect site for climbing and trekking.
Kumbilan Cave
Location: Nabunturan, Compostela Valley
It has tunnel-like features and wide chambers laden with beautiful formations.
The presence of stalactites and stalagmites and other formations in
one chamber of the cave responds to educational needs with regards to
cave evaluation.
Mahayahay Cave
Location: Mwab, Compostela Valley
This cave serves as the home of small bats known as Kabyaw. These flying
mammals cling to the cavern's ceiling and walls on the farther chambers
of file cave.
San Vicente Caves
Location: Nabunturan, Compostela Valley
Laden with beautiful formations, the cave promises a different treat
with crystallized formations that look like popcorn.
Kopiat Island
Location: Mabini, Compostela Valley
Kopiat Island appears like a precious gem of exquisite beauty. It has
wide sections of shorelines blanketed with fine white sand.
Lunod Island/ St. Anthony Island
Location: Mabini, Compostela Valley
It is known as "Lunod" (drown) because it is practically buried
with thick mangroves. It is estimated at 17 hectares with 65% of which
is covered with lush mangroves.
AniBina Bulawanon Festival
Place: Compostela Valley
Date: March 1 - 8
The event celebrates the foundation anniversary of the province. “Anibina”
was derived from the word “Ani” meaning harvest and “Bina”
which refers to gold veins.
Pyagsawitan Festival
Place: Maragusan, Misamis Occidental
Date: Third week of November
It showcases the thanksgiving for the abundant harvest of the people
of the municipality. Highlights the "Indak-indak sa Kadalanan",
a street dancing competition.
Simballay Festival
Place: Nabunturan, Compostela Valley
Date: Third week of July
It is a weeklong celebration of the Mansaka tribal community culture.
The festival is highlighted by several cultural activities such as presentation
of Mansaka dances, neo-ethnic shows, street dancing and a grand parade.
What made this traditional festival contemporary are the agri-industrial
trade fairs, beauty contests, and such programs.
