Maguindanao del Sur Province, Philippines

People of Maguindanao del Sur

• As of the 2020 Census, Maguindanao del Sur had a population of approximately 1,173,933, prior to its division from the former unified Maguindanao Province.
• In 2015, the same area recorded a population of 1,041,132, reflecting a growth rate of around 12.7% over five years.
• The province is home to the Maguindanaon people, one of the major Moro ethnolinguistic groups in Mindanao. Known for their Islamic scholarship, kulintang music, and oral traditions, they have preserved a vibrant cultural identity rooted in the legacy of the Sultanate of Maguindanao.
• The major dialect spoken is Maguindanaon, with Tagalog and Cebuano also present due to interregional migration. English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and national integration.

Location of Maguindanao del Sur

• Maguindanao del Sur is located in central Mindanao, within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Its geographic coordinates center around 6.9°N latitude and 124.4°E longitude.
• The province spans a land area of approximately 4,500 square kilometers, comprising 24 municipalities. Its terrain includes river plains, marshlands, and lowland agricultural zones. The climate is tropical, with a pronounced wet season and moderate temperatures year-round.
• The capital of Maguindanao del Sur is Buluan. The Provincial Capitol is located in Barangay Poblacion, Buluan.
• Most people reach Maguindanao del Sur via land transport. From Cotabato City, travelers can take buses or vans to Buluan and other municipalities. The nearest airport is Awang Airport in Datu Odin Sinsuat, while the closest major seaport is Polloc Port in Parang, both located in neighboring Maguindanao del Norte.

Tourist Attractions of Maguindanao del Sur

• Buluan Lake: A serene freshwater lake ideal for fishing, birdwatching, and eco-tourism.
• Masjid Al-Nor: A prominent mosque in Buluan showcasing Islamic architecture and community gatherings.
• Inaul Festival: Celebrated every February, this festival honors the traditional Maguindanaon woven fabric “Inaul” through fashion shows, cultural dances, and exhibits.
• Local markets and weaving centers: Found in municipalities like Datu Paglas and Mangudadatu, these showcase traditional crafts and textiles.

Economy of Maguindanao del Sur

• The province’s economy is anchored in:
  • Agriculture: Major crops include rice, corn, banana, coconut, and rubber. Irrigation from the Rio Grande de Mindanao supports farming.
  • Fisheries: Inland fishing in lakes and rivers contributes to food supply and trade.
  • Textiles and crafts: Inaul weaving and brassware production support local artisans.
  • Trade and services: Buluan and Datu Paglas serve as commercial hubs with markets and cooperatives.
• While specific GDP data is still being consolidated post-division, Maguindanao del Sur plays a vital role in BARMM’s agricultural and cultural economy, with strong potential for growth in eco-tourism and halal industries.

Educational Institutions of Maguindanao del Sur

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Mindanao State University – Buluan Extension: Offers programs in education, agriculture, and Islamic studies.
  • Adventist Colleges of Technology: Located in Datu Paglas, offering programs in business, education, and health sciences.
  • Technical-vocational schools: TESDA-accredited centers provide training in welding, electronics, culinary arts, and other trades.
  • Public high schools: Each municipality has DepEd-supported secondary schools and senior high programs.

History of Maguindanao del Sur

• Maguindanao del Sur was officially created on September 18, 2022, following the ratification of Republic Act No. 11550, which divided the former Maguindanao Province into Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur. The division aimed to improve governance, service delivery, and regional development.
• The province traces its roots to the historic Sultanate of Maguindanao, which flourished from the 15th to the 19th century. The sultanate was a powerful Islamic kingdom that resisted Spanish colonization and maintained trade relations with neighboring regions and Muslim states.
• During the American and post-independence periods, Maguindanao was part of the larger Cotabato Province until it was established as a separate province in 1973. The 2022 division marked a new chapter in its administrative evolution, with Buluan designated as the capital of Maguindanao del Sur.
• Today, Maguindanao del Sur is focused on peacebuilding, infrastructure development, and cultural preservation. It plays a key role in the Bangsamoro region’s transition to autonomy and inclusive governance, while honoring its Islamic heritage and indigenous identity.

Elected Officials of Maguindanao del Sur

• As of the 2025 elections, Maguindanao del Sur is led by:
  • Governor: Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu
  • Vice Governor: Datu Nathaniel Midtimbang
  • Representative – At-Large District: Bai Sandra Sema
  • Board Members: As listed in the official Halalan 2025 results, representing municipalities such as Buluan, Datu Paglas, Mangudadatu, Pandag, and others.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Maguindanao del Sur Election Results.

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