SARANGANI

Description

Sarangani, Mindanao's front door to BIMP-EAGA, is the southernmost province in mainland Mindanao. It is cut midway by General Santos City, giving its two sections hammock-like shapes that hug the mountains and Sarangani Bay. Sarangani is surrounded by the Celebes Sea, Sarangani Bay, and the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Davao del Sur. The province is also the coastal zone of SOCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos City), one of the country's fast growing development clusters. It has seven municipalities (Alabel, Malapatan, Glan, Malungon, Maasim, Kiamba, and Maitum) with 140 barangays. Its vast beachfronts, rolling hills, and fertile plains offer plenty of opportunities. Geography The province is bounded by Sultan Kudarat in the west, South Cotabato in the north, Davao del Sur in the east, and Celebes Sea in the south. Between the eastern and western parts of the province is General Santos City.

Political Subdivision

The province has one Congressional Representative, and seven municipalities.

Population

The population of the province as of 2000 census is 410,622.

Language/Dialect

Sarangani's mixed population of Cebuano-speaking Blaans and Muslims in the east coast, Ilocano-speaking T'bolis, Manobos, and Muslim in the west coast, and Ilonggo-speaking B'laans and Kaolos in the north uplands, is unique and in harmony.

Climate

Weather is mild and pleasant and free from typhoons.

Industries

The province's agri and fishery based enterprises maintain banana plantations; cattle ranches; bangus, hito, tilapia, tiger prawn fishponds; mariculture; and salt farms. Livestock is just as viable. With more than 7,000 hectares of mango plantation, Sarangani is an emerging source in SOCSKSARGEN aside from being a large producer of copra and sugarcane. Giant companies like DOLE Philippines have ventured into banana, pineapple, and asparagus growing. Fishing and aquaculture also sustain the local economy.