
Map of Sarangani showing the location of Maitum
'Maitum' is a 3rd class
municipality in the
province of
Sarangani,
Philippines. According to the
2000 census, it has a population of 35,536 people in 7,640 households, and a land area of 324.35 km². Its coordinates are
Internationally, Maitum is known for the discovery of very old cave artifacts called
Maitum Anthropomorphic Potteries in one of the caves nearby.
It is bordered on the west by the province of
Sultan Kudarat, on the east by the municipality of
Kiamba, on the north by the province of
South Cotabato, and on the south by the
Celebes Sea.
It is nationally known for its well-enforced solid waste disposal system. This system has been largely successful through the support of its residents through the years.
People and culture
The majority of the population are of
Ilocano origin. One of the indigenous peoples living in mountainous areas of Maitum is known as
T'boli. The annual Binuyugan Festival is celebrated in May.
Economy
The economy of Maitum is largely based on agriculture and is often called the "rice-granary" of Sarangani due to its high level production of
rice. Aqua-culture is the second biggest income earner, notably the culture of
milkfish (''bangus''),
prawns (particularly giant prawns) and
shrimps for export. Other agricultural products are
coconuts,
maize,
sugarcane,
bananas,
pineapples,
mangoes,
pork,
eggs,
beef, and
fish. Maitum is also a food basket nationally famous for its dried fish.
The economy has accelerated in the past decade driven by advances in global communication technology and the finishing of a modern highway that tremendously improved trade and transport.
Barangays
Maitum is politically subdivided into 19
barangays.
★ Bati-an
★ Kalaneg
★ Kalaong (Perret)
★ Kiambing (Linao)
★ Kiayap
★ Mabay (Cawa, Rudes)
★ Maguling (Luan)
★ Malalag (Pob. Maitum)
★ Mindupok
★ New La Union
|
★ Old Poblacion
★ Pangi
★ Pinol
★ Sison (Edenton, Maligaya)
★ Ticulab
★ Tuanadatu
★ Upo
★ Wali (Green Field)
★ Zion
★ Input (Computer Error)
|
Wildlife

Tarsier
Another sensational event was the discovery of the existence of
tarsiers in its mountainous areas. The presence of tarsiers has eventually attained official recognition.
Caves and the rainforest of Maitum are the natural habitat of a rare
fruit bat species called
Giant Golden-crowned Flying Fox (''Acedoron jubatus''). The rare
Writhed-billed Hornbill and
Tarictic Hornbill are also found in the surrounding rainforest. The
Philippine Eagle (a
monkey-eating
eagle) also thrives in the area.
The endangered
Hawksbill Turtles have their nesting grounds in Maitum's former main village called "Old Poblacion".
Other wild animals are
wild boar, Bryan James,
deer, monkeys, and various species of
snake.
History
According to local folklore, "Maitum" refers to the black stones in
Saub River. It is believed that the river stones turned black when the local native princess and her warrior lover passed through it as they eloped and escaped from the wrath of the princess' father who disapproved their marriage. "Maitum" is a native word meaning black. and it is discovered by BJ
In
1928, Maitum became part of the municipality of
Kiamba. It became a separate municipality on
May 7,
1959 through Republic Act 2189.
External links
★
Philippine Standard Geographic Code
★
2000 Philippine Census Information