CAMIGUIN

Population

2nd smallest Total (2007) 74,232 Area 2nd smallest Total 229.8 km2 (89 sq mi)

languages

Cebuano, Kinamigin

General Information

Camiguin is a small island province of the Philippines off the northern coast of Mindanao. It belongs to the Northern Mindanao region. Its capital is Mambajao and it is the second-smallest province both in population and land area. Only Batanes is smaller.

Geography

Camiguin is a pear-shaped volcanic island with a total land area of 238 sq. km. or 29,000 hectares. It lies in the Bohol Sea about 10 kilometers off the coast of Misamis Oriental; its length measures 33 km; widest point is 14 km., with circumferential road of 64 km. Along with the Provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental, Camiguin forms part of a geopolitical grouping of provinces comprising Region X or Northern Mindanao. As an island of varied ecosystem, Camiguin’s uniqueness lies in its varied terrain, pristine natural environment and rustic setting. As a matter of fact, the Province has been identified by the Department of Tourism as one of the top 25 tourist destinations in the Philippines, and No. 7 diving spot in the world.

Economy

Establishments in Camiguin are mostly engaged in wholesale and retail trade and services and are found in the capital town of Mambajao. There is practically no industry to speak of in the island. The people are into agriculture and fishing yet with limited arable land and dwindling marine resources, agricultural productivity is low as well as that of fish produce. The tourism industry is growing though with more and more people coming over to tour the place. But in spite of the growth in the tourism industry, poverty is still a distressing situation in the island; the highest even in Region X.

Culture

The people of Camiguin are called "Camiguingnon." The main occupation of the people is fishing and farming, with copra providing the greatest income contribution. Other plantations are abaca, rice, mangoes, lanzones and other fruit trees.

Climate

Cool climate is attributed to vegetation and natural springs, daytime temperature averages at 26.9 degree C, coldest months are December, January, and February. Maximum rainfall had been recorded on the months of June to December; dry season starts in April and sometimes lasts for one to three months.

Transportation

Camiguin is accessible by air and sea from Cebu City however flights into the province's only airport is only seasonal. Most fly in to Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental Province, the gateway to Northern Mindanao. One would then take 2 more or less hours bus or hired van from Cagayan de Oro City to the port of Balingoan. Ferries leave Balingoan to Camiguin Island every hour from 6:00 am until 5:00 pm.

Tourism

Camiguin's insular is regarded as the Philippines' Garden of Eden With a reputedly beautiful volcanic island, complete with virgin jungle, exotic orchids and other flora, natural hot and cold springs, majestic waterfalls and black and white sand beaches. Several dazzling tourist spots make the island unique and perfect for explorers. Level of Security No Level