Mabuhay!
Geography
Located in southwestern Philippines specifically in Mindanao Island, the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is composed of 6 provinces, 3 of
which are located on the mainland of Mindanao namely Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao,
and Shariff Kabunsuan while the other 3 are
the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. The mainland provinces are mostly hilly and plains while the island
provinces are marked by mountains with small flat coastal areas. Sulu and Tawi-Tawi have even distribution of rainfall
throughout the year (Type IV climate) while the other provinces are relatively dry from November to April and relatively wet
during the rest of the year (Type III climate). Lake Lanao is the largest lake in the Region while Rio de Mindanao
is the longest River. Mt. Butig in Lanao Del Sur is the highest peak.
People
The region is home to most Muslim Filipinos particulary the Badjaos, Maguindanaos, Maranaos and Tausugs.
Other cultural groups are Iranuns, Mandaya, Samal, and Jama Mapun. There are also Cebuanos, Ilocanos, Tagalogs, Ilonggos
and Warays especially in the mainland provinces and Basilan. Annual Population growth rate stood at an average of 5.46%
from 2000 to 2007, the highest among the regions.
Economic Profile
Muslim Mindanao has the least Gross Regional Domestic Product among the 17 regions of the country.
Its contribution to the national GDP is a miniscule 0.87%. It has the highest poverty incidence at 60.44% in 2006.
More than two thirds of the work force are engaged in farming and fishing. The region is a top producer of
rice, corn, and seafoods. Other farm products are coconut, banana, poultry, and cattle. Manufacturing is limited to processing
of agricultural products such as rice and corn milling and cottage industries. The development of the tourism industry
is hampered by peace and order problem. Due to its unstable peace and order situation, tourism is not as developed as in the
other regions.
Economic factsheet of Muslim Mindanao Region, 2007
| Gross Regional Domestic Product (in billion pesos at current prices) |
|
| Total | 55.8 | 100% | |
| Agriculture | 24.4 | 43.74% | |
| Mining | - | - | |
| Manufacturing | 6.6 | 11.98% | |
| Construction | 0.3 | 0.57% | |
| Electricity, Gas, and Water | 3.8 | 5.69% | |
| Services | 21.2 | 38.02% | |
|
| Employment Data (figure in thousands) |
|
| Total Employed | 1,039 | | |
| Agriculture | 757 | 72.86% | |
| Industry | 30 | 2.89% | |
| Services | 252 | 24.25% | |
| Unemployment Rate | | 3.1% | |
| Underemployment Rate | | 25.8% | |
| Source: NSCB |
|
