Saguiaran | |
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Municipality | |
Map of Lanao del Sur with Saguiaran highlighted |
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Location within the Philippines | |
Coordinates: 08°02′N 124°16′E / 8.033°N 124.267°ECoordinates: 08°02′N 124°16′E / 8.033°N 124.267°E | |
Country | Philippines |
Region | Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) |
Province | Lanao del Sur |
Barangays | 30 |
Government | |
• Mayor | Macmod R. Muti |
Area | |
• Total | 51.35 km2 (19.83 sq mi) |
Elevation | 630 m (2,070 ft) |
Population (2015 census) | |
• Total | 24,619 |
• Density | 480/km2 (1,200/sq mi) |
Time zone | PST (UTC+8) |
ZIP code | 9701 |
IDD : area code | +63 (0)63 |
Income class | 4th municipal income class |
153625000 | |
Electorate | 18,608 voters as of 2016 |
Website | www |
Saguiaran (Maranaoan: Monisipiyo san Saguiaran) is a fourth class municipality in the province of Lanao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 24,619 people.
Saguiaran is politically subdivided into 30 barangays.
Almost all people residing in Saguiaran are Maranao with only minority from other tribes usually Maguindanaon, Bisaya and Subanon who are working as house-help and other available jobs. Some people of Saguiaran particularly those from the Barangays along the national highway such as Brgy Batangan, Poblacion and Mipaga, trace their roots from the Royal Sultanate of Marawi or the Buadi Sacayo.
Saguiaran is considered the gateway to Lanao del Sur when one is coming from Northern Mindanao. It is home to NPC Agus II Hydro Power Plant. It host the widely known MSU-Saguiaran Community High School where the first Maranao Summa Cum Laude graduate of the Mindanao State University completed his secondary education. Saguiaran is relatively peaceful as compared to nearby towns within Lanao. One would know if he is entering town of Saguiaran once he is crossing the Pantar Bridge, an American–built steel–truss bridge more than five decades ago and this is now being renovated, and seeing the Provincial Welcome Arch with visible Islamic influence. This indicates that one is entering a Muslim majority province and only about 7 kilometers away from the lone Islamic City in the country. One needs to traverse the town of Saguiaran to reach the only city in Lanao del Sur, Marawi City. Originally, selective people of Saguiaran trace their lineage to Buadi e Sacayo from Marawi City and his descendants are the only allowed to wear the throne as Sultan of Marawi along with Buad e Sacayo from Marawi. Thus people of Saguiaran and Marawi are inter-related.
Saguiaran boasts its town of having one of the best Municipal offices in the province. Also, it is where the Pantaw Raya is located which is considered a National treasure. Traversing Saguiaran would mean that one has to pass by the Barangays of Pawak, Batangan, Limogao, Poblacion and Bubong. This has a total distance of nearly 5 kilometers with good paved national roads. Mosque's minarets are too visible along the highway. This shows how devoted the people to their religion, Islam.
The main form of livelihood here is agriculture however the town is widely known as the home to the best Browa, a Maranao sweets, in Lanao. One must stop by at the Tata's Store across the Municipal Hall along the highway to have a taste of this delicacy. This along with most popular Palapa, a Maranao spicy appetizer, are best for 'Balikbayan pasalubong'.