Rio Grande de Mindanao

The catchment area of the Rio Grande de Mindanao

The Pulangi River at Valencia

The Rio Grande de Mindanao, also called the Mindanao River or at its upper reaches as Pulangi River is the largest river in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao and the second largest of the entire island state.

Geography

The main source is located in the 2,093 -meter-high Tago mountain range, north of Malaybalay City, southwest of Butuan City in the high plains of Bukidnon. Here he is called Pulangi River and flows southward into the province of Cotabato. Its main tributaries are the Buluan, Allah - both flow through the 2880 km ² large wetland Ligawasan - and the springing in the mountains of Kalatungan Muleta. The water catchment area of the river extends from the mountain range of Mount Kimangkil in Bukidnon to the north over the mountain Apo to Daguma Mountains to the south and comprises a total of 23,169 km ². In its catchment area are numerous lakes, including 65 km ² Buluan Lake, Lake Sebu and Lake Maughan, the latter is the largest and highest volcanic crater on Mindanao.

After passing Quezon, the river leaves the mountain and flows through the broad and fertile Central Mindanao Basin, which extends in the south central part of the island. Near the Municipality Kabacan he unites with the Kabacan River, it is only now called Mindanao River and flows to the northeast to Cotabato City to.

Before he finally in Cotabato City in the bay of Illana, part of the Gulf of Moro, opens, it divides into two parallel arms, the Cotabato River and the Tamentaka River. Both are divided by a 180 m high hill.

On his way he passed through the provinces of Bukidnon, Cotabato, Maguindanao and Shariff Kabunsuan. Along its river course are larger settlements, such as Cotabato City, Datu Piang and Malaybalay City.

Overall it has a length of approximately 320 km and a width of up to 96 m.

Economy

During the rainy periods occur along its river course often floods, which makes the country on its banks fertile and productive. The agriculture in general and rice in particular be advantageously influenced by him.

In addition, he is an important factor for fish farming and fishing. Not to forget is its function as a waterway. The river is one of the most important transport routes for freight to and from Cotabato City.

In recent times, it is also increasingly interesting for tourism. By boat trips, water sports and boat races of the flow is to contribute to the attractiveness of the central provinces of Mindanao.

Additional information

The Ligawasan River Marsh is a home of rare now Philippine crocodile.

Culturally, it is important because on the river including the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival of Cotabato City and the Festival of Hariraya Puasa discharged from Penafrancia.

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