The region has a total number of 9 Cities, 84 Municipalities, and 2,022 Barangays. Northern Mindanao got the two highly urbanized City, and the regional center is Cagayan de Oro City where you can find the national government’s regional offices and so are the big establishments located in this area. While Lanao del Norte before was part of Region XII, but it was being transferred to Region X (as Central Mindanao) by Executive Order No. 36. Different cultural groups can be found in the region mostly are migrant from Cebu and Iloilo. Other group lived in the region are the Bukidnons, Manobos and Muslims.
This famous city south of the Philippines is gateway to the major tourist spots in the landlocked provinces of Mindanao. It has its own domestic airport as well as seaport that make the life of any traveler easier. Among the top favorite thing to do in CDO is its white water rafting adventure. Get your hearts pumping on this wild river ride, caution though this adventure is not for the faint of heart because you will need to navigate the river aboard a small rubber boat while strong rapids threaten to overturn your boat and your fellow adventure seekers. Best pasalubong or local delicacy food item from CDO is Pastel, that bread with sweet filling goodness and Chedeng’s roasted peanuts, and the delicious CDO Jamon de Cagayan.
Bukidnon is home to the largest pineapple plantation in the country, and not only that its vast plain and mountains allows the rich locals to herd horses and establish haciendas, if you want to see cowboys in the Philippines, your best bet is to go to this province.
If you are dreaming of that huge rolling waves and cloud 9 barrels then head to Siargao, an island that faces the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Deep on the northeastern part of Mindanao. Siargao Island is the Philippines’ surfing capital and fast becoming one of the world best surfing haven, in fact every October the island is host to an international surfing competition that attracts the best surfers across the globe. Siargao belongs to the province of Surigao del Norte. Surigao Del Sur on the other hand offers hidden gems like Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City.
Lanzones, Underwater Cemetery, Hibok-hibok Volcano, Bura Soda Water Swimming Pool in Catarman, the white sand beaches, easy rural living are the great tourism draw of this tiny island in the northern part of Mindanao. Be charmed with the beauty of Camiguin and feast your eyes on laid back island sceneries.
PAGADIAN CITY is the capital city in the province of Zamboanga Del Sur, Philippines and the regional center of the Zamboanga Peninsula. It is known as the “Little Hong Kong of the South”.
Best describe as the “City of Majestic Waterfalls,” as Iligan is being described, does not plummet to the depths of the earth but empowers the industries it houses to keep the nation moving. It is not only known for its rich natural resources, the likes of Maria Cristina Falls that has become a major source of power, but it is also the home of nationally acclaimed artists, poets, cultural workers, and writers, and geographically, is a cross road of the cultural mix of the Maranaos of Lanao del Sur, Higaonons of Bukidnon, and the dominantly Christian settlers and migrants from the Visayas and other places of Mindanao.
