The Treasure in the South Mindanao
 Mindanao
is the second-largest and the most southerly island, with a very different
feel from the rest of the country. A variety of Muslim ethnic groups live
here. In the southwestern tip of Mindanao is Zamboanga City, considered by
some as the most romantic place in the Philippines and a favourite resort
amongst tourists. The city is noted for its seashells, unspoiled tropical
scenery and magnificent flowers. Zamboanga was founded by the Spanish, and
the 17th-century walls of Fort Pilar, built to protect the Spanish and
Christian Filipinos from Muslim onslaughts, are still standing. The city has
a number of hotels, cars for hire, good public transport and vintas (small
boats), often with colourful sails, available to take visitors round the
city bay. The flea market sells Muslim pottery, clothes and brassware. About
2km (1.2 miles) from Fort Pilar are the houses of the Badjaos, which are
stilted constructions on the water. Water gypsies live in boats in this
area, moving to wherever the fishing is best. Plaza Pershing and Pasonanca
Park are worth visiting. Santa Cruz Island has a sand beach which turns pink
when the corals from the sea are washed ashore, and is ideal for bathing,
snorkelling and scuba diving. There is also an old Muslim burial ground
here.
The southernmost region of the Republic of the Philippines, located in
the heart of the Asia-Pacific region, Mindanao has become a "gateway to
opportunity" for Philippine and international investors eyeing opportunities
in agribusiness, industry, and tourism.
Business
Mindanao, with an export-driven agricultural economy, has for decades
been home to many successful national and multinational agribusiness firms.
In 1995, the agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors together accounted
for 41% of the island's total economic output. Industry contributed 25% and
the services sector the remaining 34%.
Tourism
Mindanao's many natural attractions, rich flora and fauna, cultual
diversity, and colorful ethnic festivals make Mindanao one of the most
exciting tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.
The number of foreign tourists visiting Mindanao more than doubled
between 1991 and 1995, spurring the building of more facilities to
accommodate their increasing numbers.
Mindanao's largely-unspoiled natural resources offer vast potential for
eco-tourism projects.
Davao: province is the industrial centre
of Mindanao, renowned for its pearl and banana exports. Davao City is one of
the most progressive industrial cities in the country. The province is the
site of Mount Apo, the highest peak in the country, while the Apo Range has
spectacular waterfalls, rapids, forests, springs and mountain lakes.
Cagayan de Oro: , on the northern coast of Mindanao, is the
gateway to some of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines. By way of
contrast, in Bukidnon there are huge cattle ranches and the famous Del Monte
pineapple fields, and Iligan City is the site of the hydroelectric complex
driven by the Maria Cristina Falls.
Lanao del Sur: is a province characterised by its Muslim community
which has settled along the shores of Lake Lanao. Besides the lake, other
attractions include Signal Hill; Sacred Mountain; the native market,
Torongan; homes of the Maranao royalty; the various Muslim mosques on the
shores of the lake; and examples of the famous brassware industry centred in
Tugaua.
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