Maitum

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Municipality in Sarangani, Philippines

title: "Maitum" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["municipalities-of-sarangani"] description: "Municipality in Sarangani, Philippines" topic_path: "general/municipalities-of-sarangani" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maitum" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary Municipality in Sarangani, Philippines ::

::data[format=table title="Infobox settlement"]

FieldValue
name
translit_lang1Other
translit_lang1_type1Jawi
translit_lang1_info1مايتم
image_skylineMaitumcoastal.jpg
image_captionCoastal view of Maitum
image_flagFlag_of_Maitum,_Sarangani.png
flag_size120x80px
image_sealSeal_of_Maitum.png
seal_size100x80px
image_map
map_caption
mapframeyes
pushpin_mapPhilippines
pushpin_label_positionleft
pushpin_map_captionLocation within the
coordinates
settlement_type
subdivision_typeCountry
subdivision_namePhilippines
subdivision_type1Region
subdivision_name1
subdivision_type2Province
subdivision_name2
official_name
etymologyBlack stone
other_nameMaitom
mottoMasaganang Maitum
subdivision_type3District
subdivision_name3
established_titleFounded
established_dateMay 7, 1959
parts_typeBarangays
parts_stylepara
p1(see Barangays)
leader_titleMayor
leader_nameAlexander Bryan B. Reganit
leader_title1Vice Mayor
leader_name1Tito T. Balazon
leader_title2Representative
leader_name2Steve Solon
leader_title3Municipal Council
leader_name3{{PH Town Council
1
2Freddie F. Balazon
3James Mark B. Reganit
4James R. Ablog Sr.
5Thong M. Sapal
6Gilbert Z. Rocapor
7Remigius D. Mayled
8Fredimen K. Wanan
9Zusima M. del Rosario
leader_title4Electorate
leader_name4voters ([electorate_point_in_time}}
government_typeLocal Government Unit
government_footnotes
elevation_m
elevation_max_m565
elevation_min_m0
elevation_footnotes
area_footnotes
area_total_km2
population_footnotes
population_total
population_as_of
population_density_km2auto
population_blank1_titleHouseholds
population_blank1
timezonePST
utc_offset+8
postal_code_typeZIP code
postal_code
postal2_code_type
postal2_code
area_code_type
area_code
website
demographics_type1Economy
demographics1_title1
demographics1_info1
demographics1_title2Poverty incidence
demographics1_info2% ()
demographics1_title3Revenue
demographics1_info3
demographics1_title4Revenue rank
demographics1_title5Assets
demographics1_info5
demographics1_title6Assets rank
demographics1_title7IRA
demographics1_title8IRA rank
demographics1_title9Expenditure
demographics1_info9
demographics1_title10Liabilities
demographics1_info10
demographics_type2Service provider
demographics2_title1Electricity
demographics2_info1
demographics2_title2Water
demographics2_title3Telecommunications
demographics2_title4Cable TV
blank_name_sec1
blank_info_sec1
blank1_name_sec1Native languages
blank1_info_sec1
blank2_name_sec1Crime index
blank1_name_sec2Major religions
blank2_name_sec2Feast date
blank3_name_sec2Catholic diocese
blank4_name_sec2Patron saint
::

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| demographics1_title4 = Revenue rank | demographics1_info4 = | demographics1_title5 = Assets | demographics1_info5 =
| demographics1_title6 = Assets rank | demographics1_info6 = | demographics1_title7 = IRA | demographics1_info7 = | demographics1_title8 = IRA rank | demographics1_info8 = | demographics1_title9 = Expenditure | demographics1_info9 =
| demographics1_title10 = Liabilities | demographics1_info10 =
| demographics_type2 = Service provider | demographics2_title1 = Electricity | demographics2_info1 = | demographics2_title2 = Water | demographics2_info2 = | demographics2_title3 = Telecommunications | demographics2_info3 = | demographics2_title4 = Cable TV | demographics2_info4 = | demographics2_title5 = | demographics2_info5 = | demographics2_title6 = | demographics2_info6 = | demographics2_title7 = | demographics2_info7 = | demographics2_title8 = | demographics2_info8 = | demographics2_title9 = | demographics2_info9 = | demographics2_title10 = | demographics2_info10 = | blank_name_sec1 = | blank_info_sec1 = | blank1_name_sec1 = Native languages | blank1_info_sec1 = | blank2_name_sec1 = Crime index | blank2_info_sec1 = | blank3_name_sec1 = | blank3_info_sec1 = | blank4_name_sec1 = | blank4_info_sec1 = | blank5_name_sec1 = | blank5_info_sec1 = | blank6_name_sec1 = | blank6_info_sec1 = | blank7_name_sec1 = | blank7_info_sec1 = | blank1_name_sec2 = Major religions | blank1_info_sec2 = | blank2_name_sec2 = Feast date | blank2_info_sec2 = | blank3_name_sec2 = Catholic diocese | blank3_info_sec2 = | blank4_name_sec2 = Patron saint | blank4_info_sec2 = | blank5_name_sec2 = | blank5_info_sec2 = | blank6_name_sec2 = | blank6_info_sec2 = | blank7_name_sec2 = | blank7_info_sec2 = | short_description = | footnotes =

Maitum, officially the Municipality of Maitum (; , Jawi: ايڠد نو مايتم; ), is a municipality in the province of Sarangani, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 44,185 people, making it the least populated municipality in the province.

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 the south by the Celebes Sea.

History

According to local folklore, "Maitum" refers to the black stones in the 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's father who disapproved of their marriage. The town's name is derived from the Visayan word maitom, literally meaning black.

In 1928, Maitum became part of the municipality of Kiamba. It became a separate municipality on May 7, 1959, through Republic Act No. 2189.

Geography

Barangays

Maitum is politically subdivided into 19 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks while some have sitios.

  • Batian
  • Kalaneg
  • Kalaong
  • Kiambing
  • Kiayap
  • Mabay
  • Maguling
  • Malalag
  • Mindupok
  • New La Union
  • Old Poblacion
  • Pangi
  • Pinol
  • Sison
  • Ticulab
  • Tuanadatu
  • Upo
  • Wali
  • Zion

Climate

| location = Maitum, Sarangani | width = auto | metric first = Yes | single line = Yes | Jan high C = 30 | Jan low C = 23 | Feb high C = 30 | Feb low C = 23 | Mar high C = 31 | Mar low C = 24 | Apr high C = 31 | Apr low C = 24 | May high C = 30 | May low C = 25 | Jun high C = 29 | Jun low C = 24 | Jul high C = 29 | Jul low C = 24 | Aug high C = 29 | Aug low C = 24 | Sep high C = 30 | Sep low C = 24 | Oct high C = 30 | Oct low C = 24 | Nov high C = 29 | Nov low C = 24 | Dec high C = 30 | Dec low C = 24 | Jan precipitation mm = 193 | Feb precipitation mm = 177 | Mar precipitation mm = 222 | Apr precipitation mm = 222 | May precipitation mm = 278 | Jun precipitation mm = 292 | Jul precipitation mm = 245 | Aug precipitation mm = 222 | Sep precipitation mm = 174 | Oct precipitation mm = 193 | Nov precipitation mm = 245 | Dec precipitation mm = 233 | Jan rain days = 24.6 | Feb rain days = 22.1 | Mar rain days = 25.7 | Apr rain days = 26.3 | May rain days = 28.4 | Jun rain days = 27.2 | Jul rain days = 25.9 | Aug rain days = 25.2 | Sep rain days = 22.3 | Oct rain days = 25.9 | Nov rain days = 27.3 | Dec rain days = 26.9 | source 1 = Meteoblue | url = https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/historyclimate/climatemodelled/maitum_philippines_1703471 | title = Maitum: Average Temperatures and Rainfall | publisher = Meteoblue | access-date = 15 May 2020 }} | date = 15 May 2020

Demographics

| align= none | title= Population census of | 1903 = | 1918 = | 1939 = | 1948 = | 1960 = | 1970 = | 1975 = | 1980 = | 1990 = | 1995 = | 2000 = | 2007 = | 2010 = | 2015 = | 2020 = | 2024 = | 2030 = | footnote= Source: Philippine Statistics Authority

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. The main language of the municipality is Cebuano, but other languages also heard there include Ilocano, Hiligaynon and Maguindanaon. T'boli is also spoken by its eponymous ethnic group living in the hinterlands.

Internationally, Maitum is known for the discovery of very old cave artifacts called Maitum Anthropomorphic Potteries in one of the caves nearby. Ancient burial jars were discovered by archaeologists from the National Museum in Ayub Cave, Maitum, in 1991 and in 2008, at Sagel Cave, Maitum (now declared by National Historical Institute as a national historical sites). Amid Mindanao's armed conflicts, artifacts found thereat prove settlements of pre-historic civilization in Maitum.

Economy

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/55/Coffee_bean_Matcha_Sarangani1.jpg" caption="[[Coffee bean]] [[chocolate]] [[matcha]] (Don Ricardo’s Chocolate, Maitum)"] ::

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, rubber, bananas, mangoes, pork, eggs, beef, fish and cacao. Maitum is also a food basket nationally famous for its marinated flying 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.

Wildlife

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2b/Philippine_sarangani_tarsier.jpg" caption="Tarsier"] ::

Tarsiers have been discovered in Maitum's mountainous areas.

Caves and the rainforest of Maitum are the natural habitat of a rare fruit bat species called giant golden-crowned flying fox (Acedoron jubatus), also known as "silent planter," since it contributes greatly to forest regeneration, because of eating many fruits and their seeds. The rare writhed-billed hornbill and Mindanao hornbill are also found in the surrounding rainforest. The Philippine eagle (a monkey-eating eagle) also thrives in the area.

Endangered hawksbill turtles have their nesting grounds in Maitum's former main village called "Old Poblacion".

Other wild animals are wild boar, deer, monkeys, and various species of snake.

Sea turtles or pawikan can also be found in Maitum, Sarangani specifically at the Pawikan Nesting Sanctuary founded in 2003.

Cultural Heritage

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/93/Maitum_anthropomorphic_jar_(sketch).jpg" caption="Sketch of an anthropomorphic jar"] ::

The town is the location where the Maitum Anthropomorphic Pottery or Maitum Jars were found.

In 1991, the National Museum archaeological team discovered anthropomorphic secondary burial jars in Ayub Cave, Barangay Pinol, Maitum, Sarangani, 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.

These jars have characteristics that belong to the Developed Metal Age Period in the Philippines [calibrated date of 190 BC to 500 AD]. According to the laboratory results determined through radiocarbon dating, these secondary burial jars date back to the Metal Age. Two conventional dates were 1830 +/-60 B.P. [calibrated date of AD 70 to 370] and 1920 +/- 50 B.P. [calibrated date of 5 BC to 225 AD]. Experts used soot samples taken from the walls of a small earthenware vessel found inside one of the larger burial jars.

Most of the jars are now on display at the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila. The town has a museum with Maitum jars, however, the jars are only replicas. According to the town government, they intend for the Maitum jars to be returned to Maitum town from Manila once a proper museum with high-tech conservation capabilities has been established. Unfortunately, funding for the museum from the national government is scarce. Museum researchers have speculated that many Maitum jars have been looted before their initial discovery, as many jars have been seen in the black market.

The Maitum Jars have been declared as National Treasures of the Philippines and Important Cultural Properties of the Philippines, meaning, they must never get out from the country and should be conserved by all means. Found jars should be directly given to the government for proper conservation for future generations, and must not be sold to collectors. Violating the law that safeguards the Maitum jars will lead to imprisonment of up to 20 years and payment for damages up to 250,000 pesos. Unfortunately, despite the high regard of scholars on the Maitum jars, in an interview of townsfolk in 2012, majority of the residents of Maitum town are unaware of the cultural value of the jars. The interview noted the need for a public awareness campaign on the importance of the Maitum jars for the town's heritage, especially to the barangays within the caves they were found in.

Some locals have said that they have sold jars to foreigners, who pay them a hefty price. Locals would sometimes throw away jar shards as well. On top of that, the caves where the jars were initially found have repeatedly been ransacked since there are no physical protections in the site. There are no site guards or a conservation station located within the vicinity of the cave despite being discovered around 3 decades ago. Many jar shards exist in the caves and are left unprotected, despite the caves being declared as a heritage site. Due to these factors, despite many scholars wanting to campaign the declaration of the town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, such declaration would be hard to achieve due to the lack of public awareness in the town itself, mindfulness for cultural heritage in the town, and physical and a better legal protection for the caves and its jars.

References

References

  1. {{DILG detail
  2. (2002). "Civil registration". Genealogical Society of Utah.
  3. link. (2009-02-11)
  4. [http://balita.ph/2008/11/10/sarangani-gears-for-foundation-anniversary-festival/ balita.ph/2008/11, Sarangani gears for foundation anniversary festival]{{dead link. (January 2018)
  5. (July 13, 2023). "A change of heart: Mcville Fajamolin's passion for cacao farming and production". [[SunStar]].
  6. [http://www.gmanews.tv/video/25149/-Born-to-be-Wild--Giant-Bats www.gmanews.tv/video, Born to be Wild: Giant Bats, 07/03/2008]
  7. Dizon, E.. (1996). "Faces from Maitum: The archaeological excavation of Ayub Cave". National Museum of the Philippines.
  8. "Philippines Treasure Part IV (GMA 7) feat. Maitum Burial Jars discovered!".

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