Northern Mindanao Region – Tita S Travels

CAGAYAN DE ORO: WHITEWATER RAFTING CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES (Northern Mindanao Region, Philippines)

Published on April 8, 2022January 22, 2023 by titastravels17Leave a comment

Dear adventurous readers, how about an adrenaline rush through white water rafting in the Philippines? Allow Tita S to tell you about it.

1.Cagayan de Oro^¹, or CDO, is a first class^² highly urbanized city^³ in the Northern Mindanao^⁴ region^⁵ of the Philippines.

This city is actually geographically located in the province^⁶ of Misamis Oriental^⁷ but is governed administratively independent from the provincial government after it was classified as a highly urbanized city, on November 22, 1983, based on its annual income and population.

2. This city is called the Whitewater Rafting Capital of the Philippines because of the famous and exciting whitewater rafting adventures it offers along the Cagayan de Oro River (also called Cagayan River^⁸).

Photo source: Cagayan de Oro website – https://www.cagayandeoro.gov.ph/index.php/item/371-whitewater-rafting-adventure.html

Watch this 26-second video, taken from Cagayan de Oro Rafting – Kagay Outdoors’ Facebook, posted April 1, 2022: https://www.facebook.com/100063471889766/videos/728155551514012

The jump-off point for this activity is at Barangay^⁹ Mambuaya, a 30-40 minute ride from the city proper.

3. Cagayan de Oro is the only city in the Philippines that offers rafting year-round. However, they say the best time to experience white water rafting is from July to December when the Cagayan de Oro River^⁸ rages for a challenging, yet unforgettable, experience. Note that the peak wet season is June to October but just be aware of typhoons which might affect your travel plans.

Photo source: Department of Tourism – Philippines’ Facebook. posted August 24, 2021 – https://www.facebook.com/itsmorefuninthePhilippines/photos/5882004878536988

4. This thrilling adventure is not for the faint of heart; some even consider it an extreme sport. The 48 km-ride of the Cagayan de Oro River takes 3-5 hours and you need to be physically fit to paddle and brave the turbulent waters of so many rapids, depending on the level of rafting you want (see item 7).

These rapids are separated with long and silent river flows for rafters to relax until they encounter the next rapids. You get to look around and appreciate the flora and fauna along the river. The guide may allow rafters to swim and enjoy the cool waters too.

The rapids are at an interval of not less than 15-19 minutes of each other.

This water adventure may include side trips of cave exploration and river trekking.

5. Here are some things you should know or do:

* It is an advantage if you know how to swim. Learn different swimming skills to be safe always during this adventure. A life vest is required for all in people in the boat, regardless of one’s level of swimming skills.

* Listen and remember all important details emphasized by your guide during the orientation in order to survive this activity as well as enjoy it. Always listen to the command of your guide while rafting.

* Hold your paddle firmly and properly; learn to control it.

* Learn and remember hand commands so you can easily know what to do, whether to stop or to paddle, to grip or stay calm, etc.

* Be calm in case something unfortunate happens. Do not panic; be in control and learn to balance yourself. Do not leave the boat even if the water looks calm. Implement and focus on all guidelines you were told during the orientation so you can overcome the situation to continue and finish this unforgettable adventure.

6. The minimum number of people per raft is 6, accompanied by 2 river guides. You can join a group to complete the number of people required per raft. For additional safety, a person in a kayak can accompany your raft, for a total of 3 trained guides.

7. Cagayan River’s depth, incline and rock formations make rafting an enjoyable experience for tourists. There are several White Water Rafting levels, starting with the beginner’s course, to advance and extreme. The former entails a 3-hour river run involving 14 rapids. The extreme course takes about 4 hours, with 24 rapids.

8. There are many water rafting groups to choose from. Their guides are trained by the Red Cross, Coast Guards, and the Department of Tourism. You can Google them, and preferably get referrals from satisfied tourists. It is advisable to book ahead of time.

9. What if you do not want to go rafting but still want to enjoy the Cagayan River^⁸? Well, you have a choice. You can do river tubing, kayaking, or river trekking. The former allows you to ride a doughnut-shaped rubber tube; while the last two could be tiring. Nonetheless, all three are still fun and unforgettable!

10. The Department of Tourism and the city administration made Cagayan River activities as the banner tourism activities, highlighting whitewater rafting. The latter gained popularity through the years after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and other famous personalities in the country underwent this challenging water adventure.

11. How do you get to Cagayan de Oro City^¹?

Cagayan de Oro is very accessible; you can go there by air, sea or land.

Those from Manila can ride any of the leading local airlines for 1 1/2 hours to Laguindingan Airport, which services CDO, 46 km (29 mi) away. Those from Cebu,

Clark, Davao or Iloilo can also go by air to this airport.

Visitors not in a hurry can ride a 2Go Travel boat for 32-35 hours from Manila to CDO Port, a modern international seaport. CDO is also accessible by sea from Bacolod; Jagna or Tagbilaran, Bohol; Cebu City, Dumaguete, Iloilo and Tagbilaran.

There are daily bus trips to CDO from Manila, just Google bus companies. However, it takes about 30-40 hours. CDO is also accessible by land from Butuan, Cebu, Davao City, North Cotabato, and Surigao. Nearby provinces also have buses which go to CDO.

12. What do you need to bring for this adventure?

* a dry bag to keep all your things dry

* wear a dri-fit outfit, preferably, to keep you cool and dry; wear a rash guard for protection from sunburn

* wear protective gears like a helmet (just in case you accidentally hit your head), elbow and knee pads

* apply sunblock 30 minutes before this activity

* extra comfortable activewear

* essentials – toiletries, medicine

* first aid kit

* potable water in your personal reusable water bottle

Be sure to coordinate with your tour operator what to bring, i.e., if they will provide all that you need for your whitewater rafting experience, or if you have to bring some personal swimming gear.

13. Where can you stay and how do you go around the city? There are many types of accommodations (hotels, hostels, B&Bs, condotels, inns, etc.) to choose from, depending on your budget. There are also many modes of public transportation as well. Just Google.

14. Where else can you go in CDO (alphabetically arranged)? The less adventurous tourists can also opt for less adrenaline rush but still enjoy their visit to CDO. The peak season is September to March. There are so many places to check out and so many activities for you and your family:

* Amaya View – paraglide, trek the city’s highest mountain peak, relax at the infinity pool, explore Noah’s Ark, option to glamp – see https://www.facebook.com/amayaview/

* Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village – swim in the swimming pool, appreciate the lush gardens and small zoo – contact: (088) 8855-6183 or (+63) 917-896-8873; visit gardensofmalasag@tieza,gov.ph

* Macahambus Adventure Park – zipline, trek, rappel – see https://www.facebook.com/people/Macahambus-Adventure-Park/100067209004898/

* Mapawa Nature Park – zipline, horseback ride, trek/hike, swim, enjoy waterfalls – see https://www.facebook.com/MapawaPark/

* Museo de Oro – appreciate archaeological and ethnic artifacts – see https://www.xu.edu.ph/museodeoro and https://www.facebook.com/xumuseodeoro/

* Museum of Three Cultures – appreciate 3 dominant cultures in the city – Maranao Muslims, Christians and indigenous people – see https://www.cu.edu.ph/museum-of-three-cultures/ and https://www.facebook.com/cu.museum/

* Seven Seas Waterpark – 12 water slides – see https://www.sevenseaswaterparkresort.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/sevenseaswaterpark/

* Saint Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral – see https://www.facebook.com/acdocathedral2019/

* Tubajon Aquamarine Park – kayak, swim, enjoy mangrove forest

The information was obtained from https://businessmirror.com.ph/2018/12/09/a-pumping-ride-in-the-famed-river-awaits-you-chasing-white-waters-in-cagayan-de-oro/, https://aboutcagayandeoro.com/cagayan-de-oro-tourist-spots-cagayan-de-oro/, https://www.discoverthephilippines.com/cagayan-de-oro-city-visitors-guide/ and https://philippines.travel/activities/white-water-rafting and the Wikipedia page “Cagayan River (Mindanao)”^¹⁰.

The photo featured in the cover photo-collage was obtained from Department of Tourism – Philippines’ Facebook account – https://www.facebook.com/itsmorefuninthePhilippines/photos/5882004878536988

So, if you will visit Cagayan de Oro^¹, have I convinced you to try this thrilling and challenging water activity?

Heads up: Before planning to travel, always get updates regarding local government status, rules, restrictions and safety measures of the destination/s you want to visit, taking into consideration your personal health conditions and activity involved, and remember to level your expectations.

This is not a sponsored post. I just want my readers to know more about the Philippines.

Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear your comment/s regarding whitewater rafting in CDO, especially if you were able to experience it.

See other interesting places through other posts in this category and other categories of SCapades, Pinoy Delights, and Smart Traveler – Now You Know, Short and Simple, and Say, Say, Say. Happy reading, and I hope that you will appreciate what I shared and some of the featured destinations will be part of your future travel plans!

Remember to share this post with your Facebook friends, follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device, and do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

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The following terms are defined for interested readers, especially those with “Senior-Moments”, those not familiar with Filipino terms, and those too busy or lazy to Google such terms:

^¹Cagayan de Oro (CDO) is a first class^² highly urbanized city^³ located in the Northern Mindanao^⁴ region^⁵ of the Philippines. It is the capital of the province^⁶ of Misamis Oriental^⁷ where it is geographically situated but governed administratively independent from the provincial government. It became a town in 1871, a city on June 15, 1950, and a highly urbanized city on November 22, 1983. It has 80 barangays^⁹and is the 10^th most populous city in the country. It serves as the regional center and business hub of the region. The city’s economy is largely based on industry, commerce, trade, service, and tourism. It is known for its white water rafting and is known as the “Whitewater Rafting Capital of the Philippines”. It is also know for kayaking adventures. It is located along the north central coast of the Mindanao^¹¹ group of islands, and is bordered to the north by Macajalar Bay facing the Bohol Sea, the municipalities^¹² of Opol to the west, Tagoloan and the province of Misamis Oriental to the east, and the provinces of Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte to the south.

The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Cagayan de Oro”.^¹³

^²A 1^{^st} class city in the Philippines has an average annual income for the previous 4-year period of at least 500 million pesos, according to the Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines.”^¹⁴

^³A highly urbanized city (HUC) is a city with a minimum population of 200,000 inhabitants, as certified by the Philippine Statistics Authority, and with the latest annual income of at least PHP50 million or US$1 million, as certified by the City Treasurer. There are currently 33 such cities in the Philippines. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines”.^¹⁴

^⁴Northern Mindanao, or Region X, is an administrative region^⁵ in the north-central part of Mindanao^¹¹ group of islands. It comprises 5 provinces^⁶: Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental^⁷, the island-province of Camiguin, and 2 highly urbanized cities^³ – Iligan and Cagayan de Oro^¹. The latter is the regional center.

It has a total land area of 2,049,602 ha. (5,064,680 acres), and more than 60% of this area are classified as forest land. Its seas abound with fish and other marine products. Its high elevation accounts for its cool climate and abundant vegetation.

The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Northern Mindanao.”^¹⁵

^⁵A region is an administrative division based on geographical, cultural and ethnological characteristics. Each region is further subdivided in provinces^⁶, composed of cities and municipalities^¹²(or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays^⁹, formerly called barrios, according to Wikipedia page “Regions of the Philippines”^¹⁶.

^⁶A province is the primary administrative and political division in the Philippines. It is the second-level administrative sub-division of a region^⁵. There are 81 provinces (called lalawigan) in the Philippines. Each province is governed by an elected legislature called the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and by an elected governor. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Provinces of the Philippines.”^¹⁷

^⁷Misamis Oriental is a coastal province^⁶ located in the Northern Mindanao^⁴ region^⁵ of the Philippines. It is the capital, provincial center and largest city of Cagayan de Oro^¹, and is governed independently. It was founded in 1939. It has a total land area of 3,131.52 sq.km. (1,209.09 sq.mi.), excluding Cagayan de Oro. It comprises 23 municipalities^¹² and 2 component cities^¹⁸ (El Salvador and Gingood). It is bordered on the north by the Bohol Sea, with the island-province of Camiguin just off its northern coast, the provinces of Lanao del Norte on the west, Agusan del Norte on the east, and Bukidnon on the south.

Cebuano is the primary spoken language of this province but many are fluent in Tagalog and English, which are mainly used for business, education and administration. Maranao is also spoken among the Maranao communities within the province.

The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Misamis Oriental.”^¹⁹

^⁸Cagayan River, or Cagayan de Oro River, is one of the rivers draining the northern central part of the island of Mindanao^¹¹ in the Philippines. The name comes from the word Kagay which means “river” so Kagayan means “a place with a river”. Its mouth is located in Cagayan de Oro. It traverses the municipalities^¹² of Baungon, Libona and Talakag, connecting tributaries along the way, and finally empties into the Macajalar Bay at Cagayan de Oro^¹. The main tributaries of this river are: Bubunaoan River, Kalawaig River, Tagite River and Tumalaong River.

It serves as the natural boundary between the provinces^⁶ of Bukidnon and Iligan, and between Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro. This river is a very popular site for whitewater rafting in the Philippines and is promoted by the Department of Tourism as the main tourist attraction of Cagayan de Oro.

The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Cagayan River (Mindanao).”^¹⁰

^⁹A barangay in the Philippines is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines, headed by a barangay captain, aided by a Sangguniang Barangay (Barangay Council). It is the native Filipino term for a village. It was formerly called a barrio. In a metropolitan area, a barangay is an inner city neighborhood, a suburb, or a suburban neighborhood. The word barangay originated from the term balangay, a kind of boat used by a group of Austronesian people who migrated to the Philippines. A number of barangays grouped together is called a district. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Barangay.”^²⁰

^¹⁰“Cagayan River (Mindanao),” accessed April 8, 2022, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cagayan_River_(Mindanao)

^¹¹Mindanao is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines. It is the second largest island of the country and covers 6 administrative regions^⁵: Caraga, Davao, Northern Mindanao^⁴, SOCCSKSARGEN, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). It is composed of 22 provinces^⁶ and 33 cities (27 provinces and 33 cities, if associated islands are included). The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Mindanao.”^²¹ Mindanao is located in the southern part of the country; the 2 other geographical divisions of the Philippines are Luzon (in the northern part) and Visayas (the middle part).

^¹²A municipality is a small, single urban administrative division in the Philippines which has corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by law. It is a unit under a province^⁶, subdivided into barangays^⁹, and is called town, or bayan. In the Philippines, a municipality is headed by a mayor, a vice mayor and members of the Sangguniang Bayan (legislative branch). The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Municipalities of the Philippines.”^²²

^¹³“Cagayan de Oro,” accessed April 8, 2022, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cagayan_de_Oro

^¹⁴“Cities of the Philippines,” accessed April 2, 2018,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cities_of_the_Philippines

^¹⁵“Northern Mindanao,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Mindanao

^¹⁶“Regions of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_the_Philippines

^¹⁷“Provinces of the Philippines,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_the_Philippines

^¹⁸A component city is a type of city in the Philippines which does not meet the requirements of a highly urbanized city^³ and is under the jurisdiction of a province^⁶. If such a city is located along the boundaries of 2 or more provinces, it shall be considered part of the province of which it used to be a municipality^¹². The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines.”^¹⁴

^¹⁹“Misamis Oriental,” accessed February 2, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misamis_Oriental

^²⁰“Barangay,” accessed July 9, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barangay

^²¹“Mindanao,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindanao

^²²“Municipalities of the Philippines” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalities_of_the_Philippines

BURA SODA WATER PARK (Catarman, Camiguin, Philippines)

Published on May 25, 2021July 17, 2022 by titastravels171 Comment

Dear readers, do you know that there is a unique water park in Camiguin? Allow Tita S to tell you.

Bura Soda Water Park is a resort located in Barangay^¹ Bura, in the municipality^² of Catarman^³, in the island-province^⁴ of Camiguin^⁵, in the Northern Mindanao^⁶ region^⁷ of the Philippines.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/sodanature/photos/866378486809303

It is less than a 30-minute drive from Mambajao, the provincial capital.

You know what makes it unique? It is the only soda water pool in the Philippines! Volcanic springs provide this unique flowing water.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/sodanature/photos/a.657519087695245/657870670993420

It is open daily, from 7:00 AM – 10PM.

Better check if they are closed for cleaning, usually on Wednesdays.

You need to pay an entrance fee. The regular rate is PHP50, with a discounted rate for seniors and children below 10-years-old. Better check if these rates are still current.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/sodanature/photos/a.657519087695245/657519091028578

There is continuous flowing soda water in which any guest can swim (do not drink). However, there is a designated place and faucet for you to taste the natural soda water.

There are signs which state the benefits of soda water: it is good for hydrating, and makes you feel full thereby decreasing your food consumption. It reduces osteoporosis, decreases cardiovascular risks, and lowers blood pressure.

The water is clean and cold in the pools, and regularly maintained.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/sodanature/photos/3855744634539325

The adult pool’s deepest part is 5 feet deep, while the kiddie pool is 3 feet deep.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/sodanature/photos/866378520142633

A lifeguard is on duty.

The resort offers picnic sheds for rent at PHP75.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/sodanature/photos/3855744017872720

Barbecuing is permitted and there are designated places. Snacks and drinks are sold in a small store.

There is also a playground for kids, and kids-at-heart, to enjoy.

A souvenir shop outside, but near this resort, provides opportunity for buying pasalubong^⁸ before you leave this place.

When in Camiguin^⁵, always remember the provincial policy “Leave No Trace” so dispose of all trash properly during your stay there.

The information was obtained from https://www.lanzonescabana.com/bura-soda-water-swimming-pool/, https://www.touristlink.com/philippines/bura-soda-water-pool/overview.html, https://www.mustseespots.com/philippines/bura-soda-water-swimming-pool, and https://www.cebusite.com/news/2430103/bura-soda-water-swimming-pool-a-place-with-super-clean-water.

Tita S has not been to this unique water park, but it will definitely be part of her Camiguin^⁵ travel bucket list. This province has so many attractions to see and appreciate!

This is not a sponsored post. I just want my readers to know more about the Philippines.

The photo featured in the cover picture-collage was obtained from https://www.facebook.com/sodanature/photos/3855744017872720

Did you find this post informative? I would like to hear your comment/s regarding Bura Soda Water Park, especially if you were able to visit it already.

See other interesting places through other posts in this category and other categories of SCapades, Pinoy Delights, and Smart Travelers – Foreign Travelers Ask, Now You Know, and Say, Say, Say. Happy reading, and I hope that you will appreciate what I shared and some of the featured destinations will be part of your future travel plans!

Remember to share this post with your Facebook friends, and to follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device. And, do not forget to like this post. Thank you.

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The following terms are defined for interested readers, especially those with “Senior-Moments”, those not familiar with Filipino terms, and those too busy or lazy to Google such terms:

^¹A barangay in the Philippines is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines, headed by a barangay captain, aided by a Sangguniang Barangay (Barangay Council). It is the native Filipino term for a village. It was formerly called a barrio. In a metropolitan area, a barangay is an inner city neighborhood, a suburb, or a suburban neighborhood. The word barangay originated from the term balangay, a kind of boat used by a group of Austronesian people who migrated to the Philippines. A number of barangays grouped together is called a district. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Barangay.”^⁹

^²A municipality is a small, single urban administrative division, or local government unit (LGU), in the Philippines which has corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by law. It is a unit under a province^⁴, subdivided into barangays^¹, and is locally called bayan. In the Philippines, a municipality is headed by a mayor, a vice mayor, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan (legislative branch). It can enact local policies and laws, enforce them, and govern its jurisdictions. It can enter into contracts and other transactions through its elected and appointed officials and can tax as well. It enforces all local and national laws. There are almost 1,500 municipalities in the Philippines. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Municipalities of the Philippines.”^¹⁰

^³Catarman is a municipality^² in the island-province^⁴ of Camiguin^⁵, in the Northern Mindanao^⁶ region^⁷ of the Philippines. It has an area of 53.75 sq.km. (20.75 sqm.) and 14 barangays^¹. It is known for the following attractions: Sunken Cemetery; Old Church Ruins or Gui-ob Ruins; the 25-m high Tuasan Falls, the Bura Soda Water Park, and the Santo Niño Cold Spring. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Catarman, Camiguin.”^¹¹

^⁴A province is the primary administrative and political division in the Philippines. It is the second-level administrative sub-division of a region^⁷. There are 81 provinces (called lalawigan) in the Philippines. Each province is governed by an elected legislature called the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and by an elected governor. Remember, a province in the Philippines is divided into cities and towns (called municipalities^²), which in turn, are divided into barangays^¹, formerly called barrios. The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Provinces of the Philippines.”^¹²

^⁵Camiguin is a pearl-shaped island-province^⁴ in the Bohol Sea, in the Northern Mindanao^⁶ region^⁷ of the Philippines. Aside from the main island, this province also includes a few other surrounding minor islets like: White Island, about 5 km (3.1 mi) west of the capital-municipality^² of Mambajao (the provincial capital), and, Mantigue Island, about 14 km (8.7 mi) south of Mambajao.

It is the second smallest island in the Philippines, in both land area (238 sq.km. or 92 sqm) and population, next to Batanes, an archipelagic province^³ in the northernmost part of the country. It was founded in 1565 and became a province on June 18, 1966.

The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Camiguin.”^¹³

^⁶Northern Mindanao, or Region 10, is an administrative region^⁷ in the north-central part of Mindanao^¹⁴, in southern Philippines. It has a total land area of 2,049,602 hectares (5,064,680 acres), with more than 60% classified as forest land. Its waters are rich in marine life. It comprises 5 provinces^⁴: Bukidnon, Camiguin^⁵, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental. The regional center is the city of Cagayan de Oro.

It is the 8^th most populous region in the Philippines, and the 2^nd in Mindanao (after Davao Region (Region 11). The vast majority of the region’s inhabitants descended from migrants from Bohol and Cebu.

The information was obtained from the Wikipedia page “Northern Mindanao”.^¹⁵

^⁷A region is an administrative division based on geographical, cultural and ethnological characteristics. Each region is further subdivided in provinces^⁴, composed of cities and municipalities^²(or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays^¹, formerly called barrios, according to Wikipedia page “Regions of the Philippines”^¹⁶.

^⁸Pasalubong is the Filipino term referring to both the tradition of giving gifts or souvenirs, as well as to the actual gift itself, from a destination visited by a Filipino, to family and friends upon one’s return home.

^⁹“Barangay,” accessed December 30, 2018, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barangay

^¹⁰“Municipalities of the Philippines,” accessed January 29, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalities_of_the_Philippines

^¹¹“Catarman, Camiguin,” accessed February 2, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catarman,_Camiguin

^¹²“Provinces of the Philippines,” accessed May 29, 2019, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_the-Philippines

^¹³“Camiguin,” accessed February 2, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camiguin

^¹⁴Mindanao is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines. It is the second largest island of the country and covers 6 administrative regions^⁷: Caraga, Davao, Northern Mindanao^⁶, SOCCSKSARGEN, Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). It is composed of 22 provinces^⁴ and 33 cities (27 provinces and 33 cities, if associated islands are included). The information was obtained from Wikipedia page “Mindanao.”^¹⁷ Mindanao is located in the southern part of the country; the 2 other geographical divisions of the Philippines are Luzon (in the northern part) and Visayas (the middle part).

^¹⁵“Northern Mindanao,” accessed November 3, 2020,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Mindanao

^¹⁶“Regions of the Philippines,” accessed July 17, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_the_Philippines

^¹⁷“Mindanao,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindanao

Foreign Travelers Ask: WHAT ARE THE REGIONS OF THE PHILIPPINES?

Published on April 3, 2018July 31, 2022 by titastravels17122 Comments

The Philippines is an archipelago¹ and is divided into regions² since 1972.A region is an administrative division based on geographical, cultural and ethnological characteristics. Each region is further subdivided in provinces³, composed of cities⁴ and municipalities⁵(or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays⁶, formerly called barrios, according to Wikipedia page “Regions of the Philippines”.⁷

Filipino Senior Citizens (SCs), you might ask: “Tita S, why write about this?” I’ll answer you with a question too, “Well, do you know all 17 regions of our beloved country and how many have you visited?” Besides, this post is also for the SCs and non-SCs from other countries who are curious to know more about our country, and as a Filipino, I am proud to share this information. Recall as well that I plan to travel as much as I can and explore the various regions of our beautiful country, ok? Besides, we can all be tourism ambassadors of our beloved country so we need to know this information if a foreigner asks.

This post can also help us make our SC bucket list. We can tick off our trips by region². Or, if you like, you can also make your Philippine bucket list by province³ or by city⁴/town, depending on your state of health, interest and budget. Be wowed by our country before going abroad! I just wish that it will less expensive and more SC-friendly to travel domestically.

There are 17 regions in the Philippines, 16 are administrative regions⁸, and one is an autonomous region⁹, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) – see Region XV below. Allow me to briefly describe each region², based on Wikipedia page “Regions of the Philippines”:

Region I, called the Ilocos Region, is a Philippine region located in the island group of Luzon¹⁰, with San Fernando (La Union) as its regional center. It has 5 local government units¹¹ (LGUs): Dagupan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.

Region II, called the Cagayan Valley Region, is a Philippine region located in the island groupof Luzon¹⁰, with Tuguegarao as its regional center. It has 6 local government units¹¹ (LGUs): Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Viscaya, Quirino, and Santiago.

Region III, called the Central Luzon Region, is a Philippine region located in the island group of Luzon¹⁰, with San Fernando (Pampanga) as its regional center. It has 9 local government units¹¹ (LGUs): Angeles, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Olongapo, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.

Region IV-A, called the CALABARZON Region, is a Philippine region located in the island group of Luzon¹⁰, with Calamba as its regional center. It has 6 local government units¹¹ (LGUs): Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Lucena, Quezon, and Rizal. NOTE: CALABARZON is an acronym for this region’s provinces: CAvite, LAguna, BAtangas, Rizal, QueZON.

Region V, called the Bicol Region, is a Philippine region located in the island group of Visayas¹², with Legazpi as its regional center. It has 7 local government units¹¹ (LGUs): Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, Naga, and Sorsogon.

Region VI, called the Western Visayas Region, is a Philippine region located in the island group of Visayas¹², with Iloilo City as its regional center. It has 8 local government units¹¹ (LGUs): Aklan, Antique, Bacolod, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Iloilo City, and Negros Occidental.

Region VII, called the Central Visayas Region, is a Philippine region located in the island group of Visayas¹², with Cebu City as its regional center. It has 7 local government units¹¹ (LGUs): Bohol, Cebu, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.

Region VIII, called the Eastern Visayas Region, is a Philippine region located in the island group of Visayas¹², with Tacloban as its regional center. It has 8 local government units¹¹ (LGUs): Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Ormoc, Samar, Southern Leyte, and Tacloban.

Region IX, or the Zamboanga Peninsula Region, is a Philippine region located in the island group of Mindanao¹³, with Pagadian as its regional center. It has 5 local government units¹¹ (LGUs): Isabela City, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga de Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay.

Region X, or the Northern Mindanao Region, is a Philippine region located in the island group of Mindanao¹³, with Cagayan de Oro as its regional center. It has 7 local government units¹¹ (LGUs): Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Camiguin, Iligan, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental.

Region XI, or the Davao Region, is a Philippine region located in the island group of Mindanao¹³, with Davao City as its regional center. It has 6 local government units¹¹ (LGUs): Compostela Valley, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental.

Region XII,or the SOCCSKSARGEN Region, is a Philippine region located in the island group of Mindanao¹³, with Koronadal as its regional center. It has 6 local government units¹¹(LGUs): Cotabato, Cotabato City, General Santos, Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat. NOTE: SOCCSKSARGEN is an acronym for this region’s provinces: SOuthCotabato, Cotabato, Cotabato City, Sultan Kudarat, SARangani, GENeral Santos.

Region XIII, or the Caraga Region, is a Philippine region located in the island group of Mindanao¹³, with Butuan as its regional center. It has 6 local government units¹¹ (LGUs): Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Butuan, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur.

Region XIV, or the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), is a Philippine region located in the island group of Luzon¹⁰, with Baguio as its regional center. It has 7 local government units¹¹ (LGUs): Abra, Apayao, Baguio, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province.

Region XV, or theAutonomous Region⁹ in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), isa Philippine region located in the island group of Mindanao¹³, with Cotabato City as its regional center. It has 5 local government units¹¹ (LGUs): Basilan (excluding Isabela City), Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

The latest news regarding Region XV was on July 17, 2018 when the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law, was approved by the 28-member bicameral conference committee (House of Representatives and Senate of the Philippines combined). It was ratified by both the Senate and House of Representatives on July 23 and 24, respectively, and was signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on July 26, 2018, according to the Wikipedia page “Bangsamoro Organic Law”.²⁹ The law will then be ratified through a plebiscite in November 2018. If it is ratified, the ARMM will be replaced by this new region. If not, ARMM will stay.³⁰ Let us wait and see if there will be changes regarding this region, which might affect the composition of the other existing Mindanao regions.

The National Capital Region (NCR) is a Philippine region located in the island group of Luzon¹⁰,with Manila as its regional center. It is the official and administrative urban area in the southwestern portion of Luzon surrounding Manila, established in 1975 through Presidential Decree No. 824. It is the capital region of the Philippines, the seat of government, and is officially called Metro Manila, composed of 16 cities⁴ (Caloocan, Las Piñas, Malabon, Makati, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Novotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela) and the municipality⁵ of Pateros. It is the center of culture, economy, education and government of the Philippines.

MIMAROPA, or the Southwestern Tagalog Region (as of 2016), is a Philippine region located in the island group of Luzon¹⁰, with Calapan as its regional center. MIMAROPA is an acronym for this region’s provinces: MIndoro (Occidental and Oriental), MArinduque, ROmblon, PAlawan. It has 6 local government units¹¹ (LGUs): Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Puerto Princesa (a city in Palawan), and Romblon. This region was formerly called Region IV-B (2002-2016).

Now, Senior Citizens, can you add one milestone to your travel list? Why don’t you visit even just one province³ per region²? Then, you can say that you visited all the regions of our country, right? Achieve!

Did you find this post informative? Dear Filipino SC, from what Philippine region do you come from? Please tell me and my followers the wonderful destinations, sites, or events that you recommend for SCs like us to enjoy when we visit your region. I would like to hear from you. Simply scroll and click “Leave a comment”. Do share this post with your Facebook friends, follow me by clicking on the bottom right corner of your device, and do not forget to like this post. Thank you!

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The following terms are defined for interested readers, especially non-Filipinos, those with “Senior-Moments”, and those too busy or lazy to Google such terms:

¹An archipelago is a chain or cluster of islands or an island group. It is isolated, surrounded by bodies of water, and often volcanic, according to Wikipedia page “Archipelago”.¹⁴ Examples are the Philippines, Greece, Hawaii, Indonesia, Japan and New Zealand, to name a few.

²A region is the first-order administrative division inthe Philippines. There are 17 regions in the Philippines, based on geographical, cultural and ethnological characteristics. It is further subdivided in provinces³, composed of cities and municipalities⁵ (or towns), which in turn, are divided into barangays⁶. The aforementioned Philippine regions were initially identified in 1972, through Presidential Decree No. 1 of President Ferdinand Marcos. Since then, other regions have been created and some provinces have been “transferred” to another region. All these were obtained from Wikipedia page “Regions of the Philippines.”⁷

³A province is the primary administrative and political division in the Philippines. It is the second-level administrative sub-division of a region². There are 81 provinces (called “lalawigan”) in the Philippines. Each province is governed by an elected legislature called the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and by an elected governor. All these were obtained from Wikipedia page “Provinces of the Philippines.”¹⁵

⁴A city is the local government unit in the Philippines headed by a mayor elected by popular vote. A vice mayor serves as the presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlungsod¹⁶ (city council), which acts as the city’s legislative body. All these were obtained from Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines.”¹⁷

⁵A municipality is a small, single urban administrative division, or local government unit (LGU), in the Philippines which has corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by law. It is a unit under a province³, subdivided into barangays⁶, and is called town, or “bayan”. In the Philippines, a municipality is headed by a mayor, a vice mayor and members of the Sangguniang Bayan (legislative branch). It can enact local policies and laws, enforce them, and govern its jurisdictions. It can enter into contracts and other transactions through its elected and appointed officials, and can tax as well. It enforces all local and national laws. There are almost 1,500 municipalities in the Philippines and there are 6 income classes of municipalities in the country (based on annual income): first class municipality (with at least 400 million pesos); second class municipality (between 320,000,000-less than 400 million pesos); third class municipality (between 240 million-less than 320 million pesos); fourth class municipality (between 160 million-less than 240 million pesos); fifth class municipality (between 80 million-less than 160 million pesos); and, sixth class municipality (below 80 million). All these were obtained from Wikipedia page “Municipalities of the Philippines.”¹⁸

⁶A barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines, headed by a barangay captain, aided by a Sangguniang Barangay (Barangay Council). It is the native Filipino term for a district or village. It was formerly called a barrio. In a metropolitan area, a barangay is an inner city neighborhood, a suburb, or a suburban neighborhood. The word barangay originated from the term “balangay”, a kind of boat used by a group of Austronesian people who migrated to the Philippines.A number of barangays grouped together is called a district. All these were obtained from Wikipedia page “Barangay.”¹⁹

⁷“Regions of the Philippines,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_the_Philippines.

⁸An administrative region in the Philippines is an administrative grouping of provinces in the Philippines, except the National Capital Region which is composed of cities⁴ and municipalities⁵, according to Wikipedia page “Administrative divisions of the Philippines”.²⁰

⁹An autonomous region in the Philippines is an administrative grouping of provinces³ in the Philippines which has the authority to control the region’s culture and economy. This region² is a minority entity that has a higher population of a particular minority ethnic group, according to Wikipedia page “Administrative divisions of the Philippines”.²⁰

¹⁰Luzon is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines. It is the country’s largest (ranked 15^th largest in the world) and most populated island, as well as its economical and political center. Luzon is composed of 8 regions²: Bicol, Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, Central Luzon, Cordillera, Ilocos, MIMAROPA and the National Capital Region. The 2 other geographical divisions of the Philippines are Visayas¹² and Mindanao¹³.

¹¹A local government unit (LGU) in the Philippines is divided into 3 levels: provinces³ and independent cities²¹; component cities²² and municipalities⁵; and, barangays⁶, according to Wikipedia page “Local government in the Philippines”.²³

¹²Visayas is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines. It covers 3 administrative regions: Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Western Visayas. It consists of 6 major islands (Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Panay and Samar) mostly surrounded by the Visayan Sea, and is composed of 16 provinces, according to Wikipedia page “Visayas”.²⁴See the 2 other geographical divisions of the Philippines: Luzon¹⁰ and Mindanao¹³.

¹³Mindanao is one of the 3 major geographical divisions of the Philippines. It is the second largest island of the country and covers 6 administrative regions: CARAGA Region, Davao Region, Northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN, Zamboanga Peninsula, and ARMM.It is composed of 22 provinces and 33 cities. All these were obtained from Wikipedia page “Mindanao.”²⁵ See the 2 other geographical divisions of the Philippines: Luzon¹⁰ and Visayas¹².

¹⁴“Archipelago,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archipelago.

¹⁵“Provinces of the Philippines,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_the_Philippines.

¹⁶Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) is the legislature of cities in the Philippines, with legislative and quasi-judicial powers and functions. The vice mayor of the municipality, or city, serves as the presiding officer, with councilors as members. All these were obtained from Wikipedia page “Sangguniang Panlungsod”²⁶

¹⁷“Cities of the Philippines,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cities_of_the_Philippines.

¹⁸“Municipalities of the Philippines,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Municipalities_of_the_Philippines.

¹⁹“Barangay,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barangay.

²⁰“Administrative Divisions of the Philippines,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Administrative_Divisions_of_the_Philippines.

²¹An independent city is a type of city⁴ in the Philippines which is administratively and legally not subject to a province³so it does not share its tax revenues with any province. The national government and its agencies serve such a city through sub-offices of the region² it belongs to. It is subdivided into 2: highly urbanized city²⁷ or independent component city²⁸. All these were obtained from Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines”¹⁷

²²A component city is a type of city⁴ in the Philippines which does not meet the requirements of a highly urbanized city²⁷. It is under the jurisdiction of a province³. If such a city is located along the boundaries of 2 or more provinces, it shall be considered part of the province of which it used to be a municipality⁵.

²³“Local government in the Philippines,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_government_in_the_Philippines.

²⁴“Visayas,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visayas.

²⁵“Mindanao,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mindanao.

²⁶“Sangguniang Panlungsod,” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sangguniang_Panlungsod.

²⁷A highly urbanized city (HUC) is a type of city⁴ in the Philippines with a minimum population of 200,000 as certified by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and with the latest annual income of at least 50 million pesos, according to Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines”.¹⁷ There are currently 33 such cities in the Philippines (see link below).

²⁸An independent component city (ICC) is a type of city⁴ in the Philippines which is autonomous from the province in which it is geographically located and has a charter that explicitly prohibits its residents to vote for provincial officials (unless allowed to do so). It does not meet the requirements of a highly urbanized city²⁷. There are 5 such cities in the country: Cotabato, Dagupan, Naga, Ormoc, and Santiago. All these were obtained from Wikipedia page “Cities of the Philippines”¹⁷

²⁹“Bangsamoro Organic Law.” accessed April 2, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangsamoro_Organic_Law

³⁰www.newsinfo.inquirer.net