Sarangani Province, Philippines

People of Sarangani Province

• As of the 2020 Census, Sarangani had a population of 558,946.
• In 2015, the province recorded a population of 500,293, reflecting a growth rate of over 11.7% in five years.
• Sarangani is home to several indigenous groups including the Blaan, Tboli, and Tagakaulo peoples. These communities have deep ancestral ties to the mountains, forests, and coastal areas of the province, with rich traditions in weaving, music, and oral storytelling.
• The major dialect spoken is Cebuano, though Ilocano, Hiligaynon, and Tagalog are also widely used due to migration. Indigenous languages such as Blaan and Tboli are still spoken in upland barangays. English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and national integration.

Location of Sarangani Province

• Sarangani is located in the southernmost part of Mindanao, within Region XII (Soccsksargen). Its geographic coordinates center around 5.87°N latitude and 125.28°E longitude.
• The province spans a land area of 3,642.16 square kilometers, bordered by South Cotabato to the north, Davao Occidental to the east, and the Celebes Sea to the south. Its terrain includes coastal plains, rugged mountains, and river valleys. The climate is tropical, with a wet season from June to November and a dry season from December to May.
• The capital of Sarangani is Alabel. The Provincial Capitol is located in Barangay Poblacion, which also houses the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and other government offices.
• Most people reach Sarangani via land and sea. Alabel is accessible by bus from General Santos City (approximately 30–45 minutes). The nearest airport is General Santos International Airport, and the Port of General Santos serves as the nearest major seaport.

Tourist Attractions of Sarangani Province

• Gumasa Beach: Located in Glan, this white-sand beach is often dubbed the “Boracay of the South.”
• Sarangani Bay: A marine sanctuary ideal for diving, snorkeling, and coastal tours.
• Lamlifew Village Museum: A living museum in Malungon showcasing Blaan culture, weaving, and traditional practices.
• Maitum Burial Jars: Ancient anthropomorphic jars discovered in caves, offering insights into pre-colonial burial practices.
• MunaTo Festival: Celebrated every November, this festival commemorates the founding of the province and celebrates indigenous heritage through street dancing, rituals, and cultural exhibits.

Economy of Sarangani Province

• Sarangani’s economy is anchored in:
  • Agriculture: Major crops include corn, coconut, banana, rice, and sugarcane.
  • Fishing and aquaculture: Coastal municipalities contribute to seafood production and trade.
  • Construction and infrastructure: A key growth sector, contributing 19.4% to the province’s GDP in 2023.
  • Tourism: Eco-parks, beaches, and cultural sites attract both domestic and international visitors.
• In 2024, Sarangani posted a GDP of ₱52.66 billion, with an annual growth rate of 5.9%. It ranked as the 5th fastest-growing economy among Philippine provinces outside NCR.

Educational Institutions of Sarangani Province

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Sultan Kudarat State University – Glan Campus: Offers programs in agriculture, education, and business.
  • Notre Dame of Glan, Inc.: A private Catholic institution offering liberal arts and teacher education.
  • Edenton Mission College: Located in Maitum, emphasizing academic excellence and character development.
  • TESDA-accredited centers: Provide vocational training in welding, electronics, culinary arts, and other trades.
  • Public secondary schools: Each municipality has DepEd-supported high schools and senior high programs.

History of Sarangani Province

• Sarangani was originally part of South Cotabato. The area was inhabited by indigenous tribes such as the Blaan and Tboli, who lived in harmony with the land and practiced sustainable forest-based livelihoods. Spanish and American colonial administrations later established municipal districts in Glan, Maasim, and Kiamba.
• The province was officially created on March 16, 1992 through Republic Act No. 7228, which separated the municipalities of Alabel, Glan, Maasim, Maitum, Malapatan, Malungon, and Kiamba from South Cotabato to form a new province.
• Alabel was designated as the capital, and the province began operating as a separate political entity later that year. Sarangani’s creation aimed to improve governance, resource management, and development in the coastal and upland areas of southern Mindanao.
• Today, Sarangani is known for its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and emerging eco-tourism. It continues to grow through infrastructure development, education, and sustainable resource management.

Elected Officials of Sarangani Province

• As of the 2025 elections, Sarangani Province is led by:
  • Governor: Rogelio “Ruel” Pacquiao (PFP)
  • Vice Governor: Bogi Martinez (PCM)
  • Representative – Lone District: Steve Solon (Lakas)
  • Board Members – 1st District: Elmer De Peralta, Cornelio Martinez Jr., Arnold Abequibel, Tito Balazon
  • Board Members – 2nd District: Irish Louie Arnado, Ephraim Galzote, Joseph Montaño, Rosemarie Martinez Sayo
• For full election results and updates, visit: Sarangani Election Results.

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