Compostela Valley - Golden Valley of Mindanao
The newly established province of Southern Mindanao is one of the fine treasures of, not only of Mindanao, but the entire Philippines. The largest gold reserve of the country is found here, specifically at Mount Diwalwal. But Compostela Valley is more than gold.
The province is one of the untapped natural gems of the country. Its thick, undisturbed forest serves as home to numerous endemic and endangered flora and fauna. These include the Rafflesia, the world’s biggest flower. Aside from this, Compostela Valley has several scenic spots waiting to be ‘discovered’ for the world to see.
Demographics
1. Population - 637,
366 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area - 4, 479.77sq. km.
3. Capital - Nabunturan
4. Language/Dialect - Cebuano, Hiligaynon, English,
and Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (0)
Municipalities (11)
Mount Diwalwal
It is said that the mountain holds the country’s
largest gold deposit, perhaps, even one of the largest
in the world.
Cultural
Mansaka Triba Community
Location: Maragusan and New Bataan, Compostella Valley
The Mansaka Tribal Community is situated in Maragusan,
and in the mountains of Mt. Manurigao in New Bataan.
The tribal community is composed of the Mansakas whose
culture is unadulterated by the outside world.
Natural
Mt. Diwalwal
Location: Monkayo, Compostella Valley
Diwalwal literally means “tongue sticking out”.
According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, some P2
billion worth of gold is produced in Diwalwal annually
and that Diwalwal gold account for 20 percent of the
country's production. Gold was discovered in the mountains
in1982.
Mount Candalaga
Location: Maragusan, Compostela Valley
The mountain measures up to 7,880 feet above sea level.
It has 30 waterfalls and 100 cold springs. It is home
to the world's largest flower, the Rafflesia.
Marangig
Falls
Location: Mount Candalaga, Maragusan, Compostela Valley
The beauty of the falls is attached to a local folklore.
Local s say that they hear a horn of a ship known as
Donya Marangig which means the ship is going to sail
away. Its passengers are white, enchanted beings. The
river would overflow and the rocks would move as if
the ship was in motion in the waters, but the vessel
cannot be seen.
Kumaykay
Falls
Location: Compostela, Compostela Valley
Its unique feature can be seen in the 200-meter elevation
forming what seems like the long hair of a woman.
Malumagpak
Falls
Location: New Bataan, Compostela Valley
Malumagpak Falls boasts of four powerful water cascades
from approximately 300 meters high.
Tagbibinta
Falls
Location: Maragusan, Compostela Valley
It is a series of 7 falls, the first one measuring approximately
700 ft. in height. It is a perfect site for climbing
and trekking.
Kumbilan
Cave
Location: Nabunturan, Compostela Valley
It has tunnel-like features and wide chambers laden
with beautiful formations. The presence of stalactites
and stalagmites and other formations in one chamber
of the cave responds to educational needs with regards
to cave evaluation.
Mahayahay
Cave
Location: Mwab, Compostela Valley
This cave serves as the home of small bats known as
Kabyaw. These flying mammals cling to the cavern's ceiling
and walls on the farther chambers of file cave.
San Vicente
Caves
Location: Nabunturan, Compostela Valley
Laden with beautiful formations, the cave promises a
different treat with crystallized formations that look
like popcorn.
Kopiat Island
Location: Mabini, Compostela Valley
Kopiat Island appears like a precious gem of exquisite
beauty. It has wide sections of shorelines blanketed
with fine white sand.
Lunod Island/
St. Anthony Island
Location: Mabini, Compostela Valley
It is known as "Lunod" (drown) because it
is practically buried with thick mangroves. It is estimated
at 17 hectares with 65% of which is covered with lush
mangroves.
AniBina Bulawanon
Festival
Place: Compostela Valley
Date: March 1 - 8
The event celebrates the foundation anniversary of the
province. “Anibina” was derived from the
word “Ani” meaning harvest and “Bina”
which refers to gold veins.
Pyagsawitan
Festival
Place: Maragusan, Misamis Occidental
Date: Third week of November
It showcases the thanksgiving for the abundant harvest
of the people of the municipality. Highlights the "Indak-indak
sa Kadalanan", a street dancing competition.
Simballay
Festival
Place: Nabunturan, Compostela Valley
Date: Third week of July
It is a weeklong celebration of the Mansaka tribal community
culture. The festival is highlighted by several cultural
activities such as presentation of Mansaka dances, neo-ethnic
shows, street dancing and a grand parade. What made
this traditional festival contemporary are the agri-industrial
trade fairs, beauty contests, and such programs.
By Air-Land:
Take a flight bound for Davao City. Once there,
ride a taxi or a bus ride to Davao City Overland
Transport Terminal. There are busses here bound
for the capital of Compostela Valley. Travel time
from Davao to Nabunturan is two hours.
By Sea-land:
There are ferries bound for Davao City, docking
at Sasa Wharf. Take the two-hour bus ride to Nabunturan.