HERITAGE SITES OF ZAMBONAGA PENINSULA, NORTHERN

MINDANAO, DAVAO REGION AND SOCCSKARGEN

(REGIONS 9-12)
REGION 10 NORTHERN MINDANAO

Liguasan Marsh
Location: Mindanao River basin in the southern island of Mindanao
Inception Status: Tentative

Liguasan Marsh is in south central Mindanao, and is the largest swamp and marsh area on
the island. It is a vast complex of river channels, small freshwater lakes and ponds,
extensive freshwater marshes and arable land subject to seasonal flooding in the basin of
the Mindanao River.
The Liguasan Marsh also holds a huge reservoir of natural gas worth hundreds of billions
of dollars

REGION 11 DAVAO REGION

Mt. Apo
Location: Davao City
Inception Status: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) submitted
Mount Apo on December 12, 2009 for inclusion in the UNESCO world heritage list.

Mt. Apo is the highest point with an elevation of 3144 Meters above sea level, making it
the Grand Father of all Philippine Mountains and the dream mountain of every Filipino
mountaineer.
The mountain is home to over 272 bird species, 111 of which are endemic to the area. It
is also home to one of the world's largest eagles, the critically endangered Philippine
eagle, which is the countrys national bird.

Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: Davao Oriental
Year of Inception: 2014

The mountain and its vicinity has one of the most diverse wildlife populations in the
country. Among the wildlife found in the area are Philippine eagles and several species

of Nepenthes.
It was declared a national park and a wildlife sanctuary in 2003. In 2014, the park was
inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

REGION 12 SOCCSKARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani

and General Santos City.)

Mt. Matutum
Location: Tupi, South Cotabato
Status: Tentative

Beautifully rising in Tupi, South Cotabato, a town famous for its pineapple plantations, is
Mt. Matutum. Its characteristic irregular but imposing cone shape dominates the
landscape from General Santos to Koronadal City.

CULTURAL PROPERTIES OF THE PHILIPPINES

According to:

National Commission on Culture and the Arts

National Historical Commission of the Philippines
National Museum of the Philippines.

REGION 9 ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA

Old Town of Dapitan

On May 24, 2011, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines declared its first
Heritage Zone, the Old Town of Dapitan, through Resolution No. 03, s. 2011, in time for

the 150th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal

With the enactment of the R.A. No. 10066 - National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 last
year, a new designation for built heritage was created: the Heritage Zone or Historic
Center. On May 24, 2011, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines declared
its first Heritage Zone, the Old Town of Dapitan, through Resolution No. 03, s. 2011, in

time for the 150th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal.

The NHCP, in its resolution, notes that "Dapitan is one of the oldest settlements in
Northern Mindanao inhabited by Subanens" and that "according to Horacio de la Costa,
S.J., the Dapitan mission was founded by Pedro Gutierrez, S.J. (in) 1629."

St. James Church, Dapitan

During the time of the exile of Dr. Jose Rizal, it was in this church that he heard mass

every Sunday.
The most striking features of this church is its beautifully designed ceiling. The orange
and white rectangles form a swirling pattern on the dome creating an optical illusion of

depth and motion.

St. James Parish Church symbolizes the early Christianization of Dapitan. The old
Spanish masonry and architecture are still evident even if a century has passed since its
construction. It was built in 1871 in honor of St. James the Great who is the patron saint

of Dapitan.
St. James Parish Church is the second church in Dapitan, Philippines. The first church
was constructed between the years 1631-1767. Except only for the finishing, the exterior
walls which is more than a meter thick and its design are original. The altars and interiors
had been renovated several times because of deterioration over time. A priceless heritage
pipe organ that bears a year marking of 1827 can be found at the choir loft. It was

brought to Dapitan in 1864 by the Augustinian Recollect Priests. It is a German made

organ with European pipes and a manual pump.
Rizal Departure Site

It's a tableau of statues depicting the events of his arrival. There is a marker of the
National Historical Institute to mark the event. It reads: On this beach of Sta. Cruz, Jose
Rizal landed at 7:00 o'clock p.m. on July 17, 1892 to begin a life of an exile in Dapitan.
With Captain Delgras and three artillery men, they walked through Sta. Cruz Street with
a "farol de combate" to the Casa Real where he was presented to Don Ricardo Carnicero,
Spanish Military governor of the District.

Mindanao relief map

Situated in the city plaza, the map was made by Dr. Rizal as a teaching aid in educating
people about the towns geography. The relief map is impressive because it was perfectly

designed and made without copying the original map as there were no maps at that time.
The Relief Map of the Mindanao at Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte, was declared a
National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum of the Philippines on June 20, 2005.
It was made by Jose Rizal in August 1892 based on a map done by Fr. Pedro Murillo
Velarde. He was also not alone in this effort, as he was said to be assisted by Fr. Francisco
Paula de Sanchez, his Jesuit friend and mentor. Rizal used this as an aid in teaching

history and geography to the locals.

Jose Aseniero, one of Rizals students who later became a governor in Zamboanga,
restored the map during his term in the 1920s.

Fortaleza del Pilar

The Ayuntamiento was the seat of the City Council, which consisted of two alcaldes (city

leaders), eight oidores (judges), a clerk, and a chief constable.

The Real Fuerza de Nuestra Seora del Pilar de Zaragoza (Royal Fort of Our Lady of the
Pillar of Zaragoza), also Fort Pilar, is a 17th-century military defense fortress built by the
Spanish colonial government in Zamboanga City, Philippines. The fort, which is now a

regional museum of the National Museum of the Philippines, is a major landmark of the
city and symbol of its cultural heritage. Outside the eastern wall is a Marian shrine
dedicated to Our Lady of the Pillar, the patroness of the city.

Taluksangay Mosque

The Taluksangay Mosque was built by Hadji Abdullah Maas Nuno in 1885
It is the oldest mosque in Western Mindanao. Taluksangay was the first center of Islamic

propagation in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Muslim religious missionaries

from Arabia, India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Borneo have been flocking to this village.

REGION 10 NORTHERN MINDANAO

Monastery of the Transfiguration

Home of the famous Monastery Boy's Choir and founded by Benedictine Monks.
The magnificent Monastery of the Transfiguration is a place of peace, guidance and
prayer. It is where one enjoys the prosperity and intimacy of nature during prayer and
thanksgiving. A picturesque view of the mountains of Bukidnon including the towering
Mount Kitanglad and the vast rice fields is experience while you are in the Bukidnon
Monastery. Local flowers and trees grow around this wonderful spiritual environment
where Benedictine Monks live and pray for the souls of each and every people in the
world every day.

The Monastery of the Transfiguration has been visited because of its religious edifices
situated inside the compound which includes a Retreat House which has accommodated
famous government officials and other influential persons. Notable inside this Bukidnon
Monastery is the Monks Blend. It is a coffee produce, grown and processed by the
Benedictine Monks themselves. There is also a giftshop which sells delicacies and
religious items.

Fuerte de la Concepcion y del Triunfo

Facing Panguil Bay, the Fuerte de la Concepcion Y del Triunfo was a Spanish fortress
built in 1707 by a Jesuit priest Father Jose Ducos. It was built to provide the townsfolk
protection against the marauding pirates and to shelter for Spanish galleons.

Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral, Ozamis

The Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish which has ever since been under the
protection of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception was established by the Recoletos in
1789 or before this date. It was then known as the Immaculate Conception Parish

In 1951, the Immaculate Conception Parish became a cathedral parish and the seat of the
Prelature of Ozamiz comprising the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur and
Misamis Occidental. On February 24, 1971, the Prelature was divided into the Prelature
of Iligan and the Diocese of Ozamiz comprising the cities of Ozamiz, Oroquita and
Tangub and the province of Misamis Occidental.

On January 24, 1983 the Diocese of Ozamiz was elevated into an Archdiocese by Pope
John Paul II. Also, the new Ecclesiastical Province of Ozamis was established, elevating
it to a Metropolitan See and assigning as suffragans the Dioceses of Dipolog, Iligan,
Pagadian and the Prelature of Marawi

Jimenez Church or San Juan Bautista Parish Church

Built mostly from hewn coral stone, the church was erected in the 19th century on a site
previously settled by the Subanons, a local tribe. The erection of the church structure is
attributed to Father Roque Azcona between the years 1862 to 1863. The church was
believed to have been completed in the late 1880s

Sunken cemetery

Camiguin is an island province of the Philippines located in the Bohol Sea, about 10
kilometers off the northern coast of Mindanao. The island of Camiguin is of volcanic
origin and composed of four young stratovolcanoes overlying older volcanic structures.

These include Mt. Vulcan and Mount Hibok-Hibok, still considered active having last
erupted in 1953.

During the volcanic eruption of Mt. Vulcan that lasted from 1871 to about 1875, after
continuously spewing out lava into the sea, it gained a height of nearly 2,000 feet and
submerged areas of Catarman, including the towns cemetery. Today, all that remains of
old Catarman are the ruins of an ancient Spanish San Roque church, a convent and a bell
tower. Remnants of the structures and gravestones of the cemetery were still seen during
low tide until 1948 when Mount Vulcan erupted for the fourth time, which buried the area
deeper by 20 feet. In 1982, a large cross was built on the solidified lava to mark this old
gravesite.

REGION 11 DAVAO REGION

Mt. Candalaga

Home to the ethnic Mandayan and Mansaka tribes, Mount Candalaga has different stories
based on the belief of the poeple dwelling in its forest. They are funny, interesting, and
mysterious at the same time. Here are some of the famous myths that you will hear

during your hike to the peak.

One folktale is about the Maranging Falls, one of the numerous waterfalls decked in the
mountain. It was said that there was once a horn of a ship known as Donya Marangig,
heard by the residents near the falls where its passengers are believed to be white and
enchanted beings. The sound means that the ship is going to sail away and the rivers
waters have overflown and the rocks would move as if the ship was in motion in the

waters, but the vessel cannot be seen.

Another myth is about Tagbibinta Falls where women are not advised to go there alone. It
is believed that if one girl takes a bath in the catch basin alone, an enchanted prince
would show up and invite her to be his wife and take her to his world.

Saint Peter's Cathedral, Davao

San Pedro Cathedral is not only the oldest church in Davao City, but also the city's
premier historical landmark. It was named after San Pedro (Saint Peter), the patron
saint of Davao. The original structure was built in 1847 during the arrival of the
Spanish Conquistadors, led by Don Jose Uyanguren. The Cathedral is situated at the
very heart of the city right across the Sanguniang Panglunsod ng Dabaw (City
Council) Building, and is close to several commercial establishments, hotels,
shopping centers, universities, parks, a public market, etc. Facing the church, it is
bounded at the front by San Pedro Street, the oldest street in the city, Bolton Street
on the left, and Claveria Street on the right.

The San Pedro Cathedral is now recognized as a National Cultural Treasure.

Caraga Church

The San Salvador del Mundo Church is designed as a fortress church mainly made of
limestone blocks, corals and wood. The churchs main door has inscription that bears a
symbol of Christ which dates the structure's foundation in 1884.

REGION 12 - SOCCSKARGEN (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and

General Santos City)

Church of the Immaculate Conception of Tamontaka

The oldest church, of Spanish architecture and design, was built by the Jesuits. This is
where the old settlement was built in 1872. During the 1976 earthquake, a portion of
the church collapsed but the Oblate Fathers restored the ruin parts following the
original design.

Fort Pikit

Used by the American forces and Philippine Constabulary composed of Christian and
Muslim Filipinos. Occupied by Japanese forces, 19421945. Recovered by American
forces to free southern part of Mindanao, April 1945. Served as a Philippine Marine
Corps station until 2005. Declared as a National Historical Landmark on April 24,
2012.

Ayub Caves, Maitum

In 1991, the National Museum archaeological team discovered anthropomorphic

secondary burial jars in Ayub Cave, Barangay Pinol, Maitum, Sarangani Province,
Mindanao, Philippines. The jars are commonly known today as Maitum jars. They are
made of earthenware, and are characterized by their design that suggests human
figures with complete or partial facial features of the first inhabitants in Mindanao.
Furthermore, they give emphasis to the Filipinos popular belief of life after death.

According to Dr. Eusebio Dizon, head of the archaeological team, this type of burial
jars are remarkably unique and intriguing because they have not been found
elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Thus, many archaeologists from Vietnam, Thailand,
Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Burma and Indonesia gained interest on this initial find
and a number of archaeological - either government or privately sponsored excavations have been conducted to recover these artifacts.

Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat Monument

This statue of Sultan Kudarat was created by Jose M. Mendoza in 1973. Muhammad
Dipatuan Kudarat was the Sultan of Mindanao during the first half of the 17th
century. He united the Muslims of Lanao, Cotabato, Davao, Sulu, Zamboanga and
North Borneo, and resisted bitterly the Spanish Invasion of his domain. He was a
fearless fighter and Filipino hero in defense of Islamic faith and Philippine liberty.
Kudarat died around 1650.

Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat was sultan of Mindanao during the first half of the
17th century. Brave, wise and benevolent, he was the greatest and strongest Mindanao
sultan that ever lived. He united the muslims of Lanao, Cotabato, Davao, Sulu,
Zamboanga and North Borneo and resisted bitterly the Spanish invasion of his
domain. Unable to conquer Kudarat, the Spanish governor signed a pact with him that
led to several years of peace. He was a fearless fighter and Filipino hero in defense of
the Islamic faith and Philippine liberty. Kudarat died about the year 1650.

INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Darangen Epic Chant

Comprising 17 cycles and a total of 72,000 lines, the Darangen celebrates episodes

from Maranao history and the tribulations of mythical heroes.

In addition to having a compelling narrative content, the epic explores the underlying
themes of life and death, courtship, love and politics through symbol, metaphor, irony

and satire.
The Darangen also encodes customary law, standards of social and ethical behaviour,
notions of aesthetic beauty, and social values specific to the Maranao. To this day,
elders refer to this time-honoured text in the administration of customary law.

Note: The status "Tentative" on the UNESCO World Heritage List is the first step of the
nomination process. It is an indication that the Philippine Government included Mt. Matutum
Protected Landscape in its inventory of important natural and cultural sites.

THE HERITAGE SITES OF

REGION 9 (ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA)
REGION 10 (NORTHERN MINDANAO)
REGION 11 (DAVAO REGION)
REGION 12 (SOCCSKARGEN)

A WRITTEN REPORT IN HERITAGE TOURISM

Submitted to:
Mrs. Maria Rhea C. Layus
(Adviser)
Submitted by:
Maria Anica Janique T. Castro
(BSTM-IV)