Bukidnon is one of five provinces that comprise Northern Mindanao ( Region X ).
The province is subdivided into twenty (20) municipalities and two cities, with a total of 464 barangays represented as three congressional districts. The seat of the provincial government is at the capital city of Malaybalay.
Bukidnon is a highland paradise in the heart of Mindanao. It is known for its fresh harvests of pineapples, sugar cane and cut flowers, which have been grown steadily in the province over the years.
It is home to the Del Monte Philippines plantation, one of the world’s biggest pineapple plantation that encompasses the towns of Manolo Fortich, Libona, Impasug-ong, Sumilao and Malaybalay. It is also one of the well-known attractions in Bukidnon, having vast tracks of land planted to pineapple, where visitors can watch a sea of pineapples with seemingly endless rows of red, orange, and green varieties of the fruit. It also boasts a classic world-class 18-hole golf course dating back to 1928.
Bukidnon is also the biggest cattle-producing province in the region. Rubber boots and shoes for export, though an infant industry in the province, are among the province’s popular products. Handicrafts produced from rattan, bamboo and wood, such as wood wares, carvings, baskets and mats, are manifestations of a growing cottage industry.
The largest province in the region, Bukidnon is well endowed with natural attractions like the Kitanglad Ranges that includes Dulang Dulang, the second highest peak in the country. It has been identified as one of the country’s richest in biodiversity and endemic species of flora and fauna.
This upland province has about eighty known caves, most of which are easily accessible, and many of which are still unexplored. Most cave explorers begin with the 2.5km Sumalsag Cave, a trip that requires extensive immersion, with a short underwater swim at the exit. The relatively easy Basag Cave has three waterfalls averaging 5 meters in height, and a beautiful display of formations. Speleo Mindanao, a local group of spelunkers, can provide guides and equipment.
The Bubunawan River rises in the highlands of the Kitanglad National Park and runs through a steep-sided gorge down to a junction with the Cagayan River just above Cagayan de Oro City. The 25km whitewater run is consistently fast and drops can be severe. In some sections the river narrows dramatically and runs into sheer rock walls, making 90 degree turns. The rapids are continuous, with few places to rest. This is not a river for the fainthearted and even experts will experience a few tense moments.
Kaamulan Festival, held on the last week of February to first week of March, is a cultural festival that presents the rich customs and traditions of the seven ethnic hill tribes of Bukidnon: Talaandig, Higaonon, Umayamnon, Manobo, Tiwahanon, Matigsalug, and Bukidnon. Celebrated at the same time as Bukidnon’s Foundation Day, it features a program highlighting the historic beginnings of the province, a trade fair, garden show, food fest, agri-fair, rodeo and horse show, street dancing contest, and rituals showcasing tribal Bukidnon culture. ‘Kaamulan’ is an indigenous Bukidnon term for gathering.