Bukidnon Province, Region X,  Philippines

Bukidnon has a total of 464 barangays, 20 municipalities, and 2 cities. It is a 1st class province located within Region X (Northern Mindanao) on the island of Mindanao. The capital city of Bukidnon is Malaybalay City.

• Population (2024 Census): 1,601,902

• Registered Voters (2019): 875,634

• Land Area: Approximately 1,049,859 hectares (10,498.59 square kilometers)

Bukidnon is a landlocked province in the Northern Mindanao region of the Philippines. It is known as the “food basket” of Mindanao because it is a major producer of rice, corn, pineapples, bananas, and sugarcane. Bukidnon is composed of 20 municipalities and 2 cities, with Malaybalay City as the capital and Valencia as the largest city. The province boasts a population of over 1.5 million residents and is one of the largest provinces in the country in terms of land area.

Geography and Location

Bukidnon is situated on a high plateau in north-central Mindanao. It is bordered by Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, and Lanao del Norte. The province’s terrain features vast plateaus, gentle rolling hills, and majestic mountains including Mount Kitanglad and Mount Dulang-Dulang, the second highest peak in the Philippines. The Pulangi River, a major tributary of the Mindanao River system, runs through the province providing vital water resources.

History

The name “Bukidnon” means “mountain dweller,” reflecting the highland origins of its early indigenous inhabitants. The area was originally settled by various indigenous groups such as the Bukidnon, Higaonon, and Talaandig peoples, who retain rich cultural traditions till today. During the American colonial period, Bukidnon was organized as a province and gradually developed as an agricultural and administrative center. It has since grown into a vital province known for its agricultural production and natural beauty.

About the People

Bukidnon is home to a diverse population made up of several indigenous tribes including the Bukidnon, Higaonon, and Talaandig. The majority of residents speak Cebuano and also speak Filipino and English. The indigenous communities actively preserve their distinct cultural heritage through traditional dances, music, and festivals such as the Kaamulan Festival, a celebration of native culture, tribal rituals, and the planting and harvest cycles. These peoples maintain a harmonious balance between their cultural heritage and modern life.

Elected Government Officials of Bukidnon, Philippines

Elected officials of Bukidnon for the term of 2019-2022

• Provincial Governor of Bukidnon: ZUBIRI JR., JOSE MARIA, RUBIN
• Provincial Vice-Governor of Bukidnon: QUIÑO, ROGELIO NARVASA
• House Representatives of Bukidnon:
  • 1st District: ACOSTA-ALBA, MARIA LOURDES OLAIVAR
  • 2ND DISTRICT: FLORES, JONATHAN KEITH TELLO
  • 3RD DISTRICT: ZUBIRI, MANUEL FERNANDEZ
  • 4TH DISTRICT: ROQUE, ROGELIO NEIL PEPITO
• First District Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board Members):

1. ALBARECE, MARIO JR. BELISARIO
2. CALINGASAN, ALEX PADUA

• Second District Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board Members):

1. DINLAYAN JR., LORENZO LITANON
2. MARAMARA, MELCHOR PAALAN
3. BELTRAN JR., NEMESIO BARROSO

• Third District Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board Members):

1. BAGUIO, BENITO UNGAB
2. PALMADA, JOSEPH DENAMARCA
3. CASINABE, MINERVA CAMELLO

• Fourth District Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board Members):

1. PEPITO, RANULFO EDUAVE
2. AYON, ARLYN PONDOC

Elected officials of Bukidnon for the term of 2016-2019

• Provincial Governor of Bukidnon: Jose Maria Rubin Zubiri Jr.
• Provincial Vice-Governor of Bukidnon: Rogelio Narvasa Quiño

Elected officials of Bukidnon for the term of 2013-2016

• Provincial Governor of Bukidnon: Jose Maria Rubin Zubiri Jr.
• Provincial Vice-Governor of Bukidnon: Alex Padua Calingasan
• House Representative of Bukidnon:
  • 1st District: ACOSTA, MALOU
  • 2nd District: FLORES, DOC BOY
  • 3rd District: Jose Ma. Fernandez Zubiri III
  • 4th District: ROQUE, ONEIL
• First District Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board Members):

1. Qui, Clive Dadole
2. Albarece, Jay Sadang

• Second District Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board Members):

1. Dinlayan, Manuel Litanon
2. Maramara, Melchor Paalan
3. Casanova, Bob Tabios

• Third District Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board Members):

1. Torres, Gordon Medina
2. Baguio, Alfeo Ungab
3. Montesclaros, Marivic Roa

• Fourth District Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board Members):

1. Centillas, Renato Del Campo
2. Pepito, Ranulfo Eduave

Elected officials of Bukidnon for the term of 2010-2013

• Provincial Governor: Alex Padua Calingasan
• Provincial Vice-Governor: Jose Maria Rubin Zubiri Jr.
• House Representative:
  • 1st District: Candido Pios Pancrudo Jr.
  • 2nd District: Teofisto De Lara Guingona III
  • 3rd District: Jose Ma. Fernandez Zubiri III
• Provincial Board Members:
  1. Rogelio Sabio Lago
  2. Jay Sadang Albarece
  3. Clive Dadole Quiño
  4. Renato Del Campo Centillas
  5. Ranulfo Eduave Pepito
  6. Manuel Litanon Dinlayan
  7. Nemesio Barroso Beltran Jr.
  8. Marivic Roa Montesclaros
  9. Alfeo Ungab Baguio
  10. Gordon Medina Torres

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