Things to do in Malitbog, Bukidnon

Things to do in Malitbog, Bukidnon | Mindanao

Malitbog is a municipality located in the province of Bukidnon, in the Northern Mindanao region of the Philippines. It is located in the southern part of Bukidnon, and it is bounded by the municipalities of Talaingod to the east, Valencia City to the west, and the provinces of Davao del Norte and North Cotabato to the south.

The town is known for its scenic landscapes, vast agricultural land, and diverse cultural heritage. Malitbog has a rich history and has been the site of several important events that have shaped the region's culture and history.

One of the main attractions in Malitbog is the Malitbog Geothermal Power Plant, which is the first geothermal power plant in the Philippines. The power plant provides electricity to several areas in Mindanao and has become a popular destination for tourists interested in renewable energy and sustainable development.

The town is also home to several natural attractions, including the scenic Lake Apo, which is the largest and deepest lake in Bukidnon. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and other water activities.

Malitbog is also known for its vibrant festivals, such as the Kaliga Festival, which celebrates the town's agricultural heritage and culture. The festival features a street dancing competition, a beauty pageant, and a grand parade.

Visitors can also explore the town's cultural heritage by visiting the Malitbog Heritage Center, which showcases the town's history and cultural artifacts. The center also offers cultural immersion programs that allow visitors to experience the local culture firsthand.

Malitbog is accessible by land transport, with buses and jeepneys plying the route from Valencia City and other nearby towns. The town has several accommodations, ranging from budget to mid-range hotels and lodges, making it an ideal destination for tourists who want to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Bukidnon.

Population, Poverty, and Economy

As of May 1, 2020, the population of Malitbog, Bukidnon was 22,327, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. The town has a total of 4,845 households, with an average household size of 4.60 persons.

In terms of poverty incidence, the PSA reported that as of 2018, 43.4% of the population in Malitbog was considered poor. This means that almost half of the population was living below the poverty threshold. The local government of Malitbog has been implementing various poverty reduction programs and initiatives to help improve the living conditions of the residents.

These programs include livelihood projects, social services, and infrastructure development, among others. The government also partners with various private organizations and non-governmental organizations to help address poverty in the town.

The economy of Malitbog is primarily based on agriculture, with the town being a major producer of crops such as rice, corn, and vegetables. The town also has vast plantations of pineapples, bananas, and other tropical fruits.

In recent years, the Malitbog Geothermal Power Plant has become a major contributor to the town's economy. The plant provides electricity to several areas in Mindanao, creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth in the town.

Malitbog is also home to several small businesses, such as sari-sari stores, eateries, and retail shops. The town's market is a bustling center of commerce, where farmers and traders gather to sell their produce and goods.

The local government has implemented various programs to support the development of the town's economy, including the provision of financial assistance and training programs for small business owners and farmers. The town has also implemented ecotourism programs to promote the town's natural attractions and cultural heritage, creating new opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Overall, while Malitbog's economy remains largely agricultural-based, the town is making strides toward diversifying its economy and promoting sustainable development through renewable energy and ecotourism.

Brief History

The history of Malitbog dates back to the pre-colonial period when the area was inhabited by the Bukidnon tribe, one of the indigenous peoples of Mindanao. The Bukidnons were known for their agricultural practices, particularly the cultivation of rice, which was their staple crop.

During the Spanish colonial period, Malitbog was established as a settlement under the Spanish regime. The Spanish introduced Christianity to the Bukidnons, and many of them converted to Catholicism.

In the late 1800s, Malitbog became a part of the province of Misamis Oriental, which was later divided into the present-day provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon. During the American colonial period, Malitbog became a town in 1916 and was included in the newly created province of Bukidnon.

During World War II, Malitbog was occupied by the Japanese forces and was the site of several skirmishes between the Japanese and the Filipino guerrillas. After the war, Malitbog underwent rapid development, particularly in agriculture, with the establishment of vast plantations and the introduction of new crops.

In the 1970s, Malitbog became a major site for geothermal energy development, with the construction of the Malitbog Geothermal Power Plant. The power plant became a significant contributor to the region's energy needs and created employment opportunities for the locals.

Today, Malitbog is a thriving agricultural town with a rich cultural heritage and a growing renewable energy industry. Despite its tumultuous history, the town has emerged as an important economic and cultural center in Bukidnon.