The Official Website of the Municipal Government of Mambajao

Mambajao

Officially the Municipality of Mambajao, is a 3rd class municipality and capital of the province of Camiguin, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 41,094 people.

Cultural History

The name MAMBAJAO is believed to have come from two Cebuano-Visayan origins. One version is derived from the phrase “naay bahaw” or “there is a cooked rice leftover” and the other, and more popularly known, is from the word “mamahaw”, meaning “ tohave breakfast”.

When the early Spanish colonizers arrived in the island of Camiguin, they named the town “mamahaw” and later became what is called today as “Mambajao”. Mambajao was founded as a town and parish on July 6, 1855 with Señor Don Froilan Basa as the first Governadorcillo and Fr. Valero Salvo de San Sebastian as the parish priest. Nine barangays were created Agoho to Tupsan.

The eruption of Mt. Vulcan-Daan that caused the total destruction and sinking of the town proper of Guiob-Catagman forced its residents to migrate to new settlements in Mambajao. This in turn created the socio-economic and population growth to over 11,000 of the town by the end of the century.

When Camiguin Island was elevated to a province by virtue of Republic Act 4669, Mambajao became its capital town. Abaca industry boomed after the May 1, 1871 eruption of Mt. Vulcan that later paved Mambajao to become as an abaca port in Northern Mindanao. In 1888, steamers carried more than P400,000 worth of abaca to Cebu and Manila every four days making it the town’s major economy.

On November 21, 1901, the American conquerors landed at Cabuan beach. Some locals known as “los libertadores” (youth volunteer defenders) fought against the Americans which resulted to a battle that drove the invaders to sail away. However, after the capture of Gen. Aguinaldo, the local officials decided to surrender the town to the Americans. Public education and local water systems were opened the following year.

In 1911, House Speaker Osmeña inaugurated the Rizal monument and the public elementary school building of Mambajao. In that same year, William Cameron Forbes visited Mambajao where he landed the first automobile ever to come to Mindanao.

In 1924, Doña Agustina Borromeo founded the Academy of Our Lady which was managed later on by the Benedictine German sisters.

After World War II the management of the academy was returned to laymen’s administration. The former principal was Ms. Asuncion B. Cagulada, now a religious sister named Madre Asuncion, R.V.M. Camiguin Institute became the first catholic high school in Mambajao and in the entire Camiguin.

On June 16, 1942, the Japanese army arrived and established its local government in the Municipality. They did not stay long but came back after hearing of the Camiguingnons’ guerrilla military plan. As a result of the Japanese and guerrilla encounter, the town was burned by the Japanese army completely destroying sixty seven Spanish built houses, the Municipal Hall and the Catholic Parish Convent.

Finally, Mambajao regained its freedom from the Americans on February 2, 1944.

On September 1, 1948, Mount Hibok-Hibok erupted for the first time killing people in the upland villages. It exploded again in September 14, 1949 burning to death 79 persons in Baylao, Agoho and Mambajao.

On December 4, 1951 was Mount Hibok-Hibok’s third and most terrifying eruption that ever occurred in Camiguin where more than 1000 persons perished under rolling balls of fire that damaged almost 8 square kilometers of coconut land. Mambajao then became a ghost town and the seat of local government was transferred to Barangay Tupsan. During this period Camiguin belonged to the Province of Misamis Oriental.

On January 2, 1957, Camiguin Island was inaugurated as a sub-province with Dr. Jose P. Neri as its first Lieutenant Governor and Mambajao as its capital town.

Today, Mambajao has emerged as the most economically and politically significant town in Camiguin being the hub of provincial governance, education, trade, business and tourism.

HIBOK-HIBOK_16x9

Mambajeños were able to put up for the first time its potable water system for the whole town in 1903. The stone construction of San Nicolas de Tolentino Church soon followed and was completed in 1936. The projects were financed by the wealthy families of the town.

In 1908, Speaker Sergio Osmeña of the first Philippine Assembly, together with Secretary Dionisio Jakosalem of the Ministry of Agriculture came to Mambajao. In 1909, Ms. Ruth Forbes with her son visited Mambajao as the personal house guests of the Reyes family. Ms. Forbes acted as sponsor in the laying of the stone foundation of Rizal monument, incidentally the tallest Rizal monument in the country today.

In 1911, House Speaker Osmeña inaugurated the Rizal monument and the public elementary school building of Mambajao. In that same year, William Cameron Forbes visited Mambajao where he landed the first automobile ever to come to Mindanao.

In 1924, Doña Agustina Borromeo founded the Academy of Our Lady which was managed later on by the Benedictine German sisters.

After World War II the management of the academy was returned to laymen’s administration. The former principal was Ms. Asuncion B. Cagulada, now a religious sister named Madre Asuncion, R.V.M. Camiguin Institute became the first catholic high school in Mambajao and in the entire Camiguin.

On June 16, 1942, the Japanese army arrived and established its local government in the Municipality. They did not stay long but came back after hearing of the Camiguingnons’ guerrilla military plan. As a result of the Japanese and guerrilla encounter, the town was burned by the Japanese army completely destroying sixty seven Spanish built houses, the Municipal Hall and the Catholic Parish Convent.

Finally, Mambajao regained its freedom from the Americans on February 2, 1944.

On September 1, 1948, Mount Hibok-Hibok erupted for the first time killing people in the upland villages. It exploded again in September 14, 1949 burning to death 79 persons in Baylao, Agoho and Mambajao.

On December 4, 1951 was Mount Hibok-Hibok’s third and most terrifying eruption that ever occurred in Camiguin where more than 1000 persons perished under rolling balls of fire that damaged almost 8 square kilometers of coconut land. Mambajao then became a ghost town and the seat of local government was transferred to Barangay Tupsan. During this period Camiguin belonged to the Province of Misamis Oriental.

On January 2, 1957, Camiguin Island was inaugurated as a sub-province with Dr. Jose P. Neri as its first Lieutenant Governor and Mambajao as its capital town.

Today, Mambajao has emerged as the most economically and politically significant town in Camiguin being the hub of provincial governance, education, trade, business and tourism.

MISSION

Mambajao, a prime eco-tourism paradise, propelled by competent and determined leaders upholding transparency for a self-reliant, God-loving community and living in harmony with nature.

VISION

Committed to deliver the basic services to our people through a sustained Clean and Beautiful Mambajao.

CORE VALUES

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List of Elected and Appointed Mayors

A. Spanish Period

1855 - 1857 Froilan Basa
1857 - 1860 Juan Biyok
1860 - 1861 Pablo Palarca
1861 - 1864 Vicente Maestrado
1864 - 1867 Mariano Ebarle
1867 - 1869 Hilario Ebarle
1869 - 1871 Placido Reyes
1871 - 1873 Ambrosio Borromeo
1873 - 1876 Isidoro Aranas
1876 - 1879 Felino Aranas
1879 - 1885 Estaquio Nery
1885 - 1890 Hermogenes Ebarle
1890 - 1894 Lucio Borromeo
1894 - 1896 Francisco Nery
1896 - 1898 Ciriaco Maestrado (last Gobernadorcillo)

B. American Period

1898 - 1900 Severino Reyes
1900 - 1912 Ricardo Reyes
1912 - 1916 Felino Aranas
1917 - 1921 Carlos Corraleso
1922 - 1926 Macario Cainglet
1926 - 1935 Leon Borromeo
1936 - 1946 Jorge Ebarle

C. Philippine Government

1946 - 1951 Meliton Limbaco, Sr.
1951 - 1952 Jesus B. Neri
1952 - 1955 Pio P. Cagmat
1955 - 1961 Sergio Lactao
1961 - 1968 Antonio R. Luspot
1968 - 1971 Atty. Julio A. Vivares
1971 - 1972 Atty. Marciano Ll. Aparte, Jr.
1972 - 1980 Isidra E. Neri
1980 - 1986 Nicolas E. Neri
1986 - 1987 Araceli M. Romualdo
1987 - 1987 Gil G. Fabe
1987 - 1998 Araceli M. Romualdo
1998 - 2001 Isidro T. Reyes
2001 - 2007 Noordin Efigenio M. Romualdo
2007 - 2016 Ma. Luisa D. Romualdo
2016 - 2019 Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo
2019 - Present Yñigo Jesus D. Romualdo

Demographics

FACTS AND FIGURES

The Municipality of Mambajao is located in the northernmost part of Camiguin Island. It lies within the geographic coordinates 9°12’ latitude, 124°42’ longitude. It is bounded on the north by Mindanao Sea; on the east by Bohol Sea; on the west by Mindanao Sea and the Municipality of Catarman; on the south by the municipalities of Sagay and Mahinog.

Figure 1 – Mambajao Map

The town proper is about seventeen (17) kilometers away from the port of Benoni in the Municipality of Mahinog.  Mambajao is accessible by land, air and sea.  From Cebu, it is about nine (9) hours travel by boat via the Port of Balbagon and only twenty (20 )minutes by plane.  The municipality is about 5 hours sailing time by ferry from Jagna, Bohol to the Port of Balbagon.  It takes about one hour and fifteen minutes from the Port of Balingoan, Misamis
Oriental to cross the channel between mainland  Mindanao  and  the  island  of

Camiguin.

The  Municipality of Mambajao has a land area of 89.00 square kilometers or 34.36 square miles which constitutes 37.40 % of Camiguin’s total land area.Mambajao is politically subdivided into fifteen (15) barangays. Eleven (11) barangays are coastal and four (4) are upland.  Poblacion is the biggest in terms of land area (18.28%) with a population (29.41%) while Kuguita is the smallest (1.79%) in land area followed by Bug-ong. 

Table 1 – Land Area by Barangay, 2011

Barangay

Area (Has.)

Percent (%)

URBAN:

Poblacion

1,627

18.28

URBANIZING:

Yumbing

Bug-ong

Balbagon

Anito

Tupsan

Agoho


602

200

389

521

752

437


6.76

2.25

4.23

5.85

8.45

4.91

RURAL:

Benhaan

Kuguita

Magting

Naasag

Pandan

Soro-soro

Tagdo

Baylao


351

160

503

500

567

707

619

956


3.95

1.79

5.65

5.62

6.37

7.94

6.96

10.84

TOTAL

8,900

100

          Source: 2011 Comprehensive Master Plan for the Province of Camiguin

Figure 2 - Administrative Map

Population

Historical Growth of Population

For eleven (11) censal periods, from 1093 to 2015 the population of the Municipality steadily registered a 2 percent growth rate every ten (10) years or a 1 percent average growth rate every five (5) years.  It was only during the Mt. Hibok-Hibok eruption when the Municipality registered a significant negative
rate of 4.08 percent when the locals migrated to the mainland and to Bohol. 

Table 2 – Historical Growth of the Population, 1903-2015 

Censal Year

Population

Increase/

(Decrease)

Ave. Growth

Rate

1903

14,446

1918

21,308

6,862

2.62

1939

21,414

106

0.02

1948

25,193

3,779

1.82

1960

15,288

(9,905)

(4.08)

1970

18,673

3,385

2.02

1975

19,243

570

0.54

1980

21,337

2,094

2.15

1990

25,207

3,870

1.68

1995

27,770

2,563

1.83

2000

30,806

3,036

2.25

2007

35,308

4,502

1.90

2010

36,435

1,127

1.15

2015

38,735

2,300

1.17

Source:  NSO 2015 Data (Wikipedia)

Population by Barangay

All the fifteen (15) barangays registered positive growth rates with the urban (Poblacion) and the six (6) urbanizing barangays (Agoho, Anito, Balbagon,
Bug-ong, Tupsan and Yumbing) getting 63.56% of the population and the remaining 36.44% shared by the eight  (8) rural barangays.

Table 3 – Comparative Population by Urban-Rural, 2010-2015 


Barangay

Population

Percentage

(2015)


Population

(2015)


Population

(2010)


Change

(2010-2015)

Annual

Population

Growth Rate

(2010-2015)

URBAN

     

Poblacion

27.42%

10,623

10,330

2.84%

0.53%

URBANIZING

     

Agoho

6.69%

2,593

2,374

9.22%

1.69%

Anito

4.26%

1,650

1,593

3.58%

0.67%

Balbagon

7.20%

2,790

2,606

7.06%

1.31%

Bug-ong

3.21%

1,244

1,158

7.43%

1.37%

Tupsan

6.76%

2,619

2,455

6.68%

1.24%

Yumbing

8.02%

3,107

2,969

4.65%

0.87%

RURAL

     

Baylao

6.90%

2,673

2,151

24.27%

4.22%

Benhaan

2.79%

1,081

1,020

5.98%

1.11%

Kuguita

3.05%

1,183

1,127

4.97%

0.93%

Magting

5.39%

2,089

1,980

5.51%

1.03%

Naasag

4.29%

1,663

1,544

7.71%

1.42%

Pandan

7.63%

2,957

2,731

8.28%

1.53%

Soro-soro

2.81%

1,089

1,039

4.81%

0.90%

Tagdo

3.55%

1,374

1,358

1.18%

0.22%

Mambajao Total

38,735

36,435

6.31%

1.17%

Source : PSA 2010 and 2015

The first three (3) barangays with the biggest population increase within seven  (7) years are Baylao with 24.27% change in population, where the location of
the province airport is located and where  there is high economic activity in the area. Followed by Agoho with 9.22% change. Agoho is one of the identified BAY (Bug-ong-Agoho-Yumbing)  areas  and  as  high-density  tourism  zone. Pandan with 8.28% change in population, highlighting BLISS (Bagong Lipunan Improvement of Sites and Services) that is located in this barangay. 

With the average growth rate from year 2010-2015 of 1.17, it is projected that population distribution in the already populated areas will continue, except in those areas of the barangays which are identified as high risk areas for disasters.

Population by Age Group

According to the 2015 Census, the age group with the highest population in Mambajao is 5 to 9, with 4,070 individuals. Conversely, the age group with the lowest population is 80 and over, with 482 individuals. 

Combining age groups together, those aged 14 and below, consisting of the young dependent population which include infants/babies, children and young adolescents/teenagers, make up an aggregate of 31.55% (12,221). Those aged 15 up to 64, roughly, the economically active population and actual or potential members of the work force, constitute a total of 61.61% (23,864). Finally, old dependent population consisting of the senior citizens, those aged 65 and over, total 6.84% (2,650) in all.

The computed Age Dependency Ratios mean that among the population of Mambajao, there are 51 youth dependents to every 100 of the working age population; there are 11 aged/senior citizens to every 100 of the working population; and overall, there are 62 dependents (young and old-age) to every 100 of the working population. 

The median age of 25 indicates that half of the entire population of Mambajao are aged less than 25 and the other half are over the age of 25.

Youth Dependency Ratio: 51.21                 Old Age Dependency Ratio: 11.10

Total Dependency Ratio: 62.32         –         Median Age: 25.06                         

Table 4 – Comparative Population by age group 2010-2015 

AGE GROUP

2010

2015

TOTAL

MALE

FEMALE

TOTAL

MALE

FEMALE

Under 1

792

371

421

786

443

343

1 – 4

3,034

1,552

1,482

3,313

1,733

1,580

5 – 9

4,064

2,097

1,967

4,070

2,084

1,986

10 – 14

4,003

1,990

2,013

4,052

2,099

1,953

15 – 19

3,950

2,010

1,940

3,764

1,892

1,872

20 – 24

3,018

1,637

1,381

3,352

1,690

1,662

25 – 29

2,495

1,297

1,198

2,753

1,465

1,288

30 – 34

2,412

1,208

1,204

2,542

1,305

1,237

35 – 39

2,246

1,138

1,108

2,397

1,239

1,158

40 – 44

2,158

1,072

1,086

2,253

1,141

1,112

45 – 49

2,031

1,060

971

2,161

1,102

1,059

50 – 54

1,575

808

767

1,924

1,007

917

55 – 59

1,288

634

654

1,502

740

762

60 – 64

1,023

509

514

1,216

612

604

65 – 69

836

391

445

939

465

474

70 – 74

621

258

363

708

313

395

75 – 79

434

174

260

521

213

308

80 years and over

384

137

247

482

158

324

TOTAL

36,364

18,343

18,021

38,735

19,701

19,034

Table 5:   School- Age Population, 2015

School-age Group

Population

Percent

Total

Pre-School ( 4-5 yrs. Old)

914

3.75%

Special Education

26

0.11%

Elementary (6-11 yrs. Old)

10558

43.35%

High School ( 12-16 yrs. Old)

11987

49.22%

Post-Secondary  (17-21 yrs. Old)

870

3.57%

TOTAL

24,355

100.00%

 

Population Density

Based on the Table below, Barangay Poblacion has the biggest population with a total number of 10,623 individuals (PSA, 2015), followed by Barangay Yumbing which comprises 3,107 while the smallest populated barangay is Benhaan with a total number of 1,081. However in terms of population density Barangay Balbagon  has  8.40 persons  per hectare. This is due  to the  location of Camiguin   Polytechnic   State   College  where   students   from  different municipalities and some are from other places live.

Table 6 – Population and Population Density by Barangay, 2015


Barangays

Number of

Household

(CBMS 2015)


Land Area

(Has.)


Population

(PSA 2015)


Density

(Persons/Ha.)

URBAN

Poblacion

1,964

1,627.06

10,623

6.53

URBANIZING

Anito

348

521.03

1,650

3.17

Agoho

583

437.74

2,593

5.92

Balbagon

631

332.22

2,790

8.40

Bug-ong

260

200.44

1,244

6.21

Tupsan

513

757.74

2,619

3.46

Yumbing

724

601.68

3,107

5.16

RURAL

Baylao

665

964.23

2,673

2.77

Benhaan

182

351.22

1,081

3.08

Kuguita

212

160.43

1,183

7.37

Magting

446

601.74

2,089

3.47

Naasag

295

500.22

1,663

3.32

Pandan

552

566.35

2,957

5.22

Soro-soro

158

637.92

1,089

1.71

Tagdo

270

619.34

1,374

2.22

TOTAL

7,803

8,879.36

38,735

4.36

Source: CBMS 2015, PSA 2015 and GIS generated data

Table 7 – Projected Population by Barangay 2015-2027


Barangays

Population(PSA

2015)


2016


2017


2018


2019


2020


2021


2022


2023


2024


2025


2026


2027

URBAN

             

Poblacion

10,623

10,747

10,873

11,000

11,129

11,259

11,391

11,524

11,659

11,795

11,933

12,073

12,214

URBANIZING

             

Anito

1,650

1,669

1,689

1,709

1,729

1,749

1,769

1,790

1,811

1,832

1,854

1,875

1,897

Agoho

2,593

2,623

2,654

2,685

2,716

2,748

2,780

2,813

2,846

2,879

2,913

2,947

2,981

Balbagon

2,790

2,823

2,856

2,889

2,923

2,957

2,992

3,027

3,062

3,098

3,134

3,171

3,208

Bug-ong

1,244

1,259

1,273

1,288

1,303

1,318

1,334

1,350

1,365

1,381

1,397

1,414

1,430

Tupsan

2,619

2,650

2,681

2,712

2,744

2,776

2,808

2,841

2,874

2,908

2,942

2,976

3,011

Yumbing

3,107

3,143

3,180

3,217

3,255

3,293

3,332

3,371

3,410

3,450

3,490

3,531

3,572

RURAL

             

Baylao

2,673

2,704

2,736

2,768

2,800

2,833

2,866

2,900

2,934

2,968

3,003

3,038

3,073

Benhaan

1,081

1,094

1,106

1,119

1,132

1,146

1,159

1,173

1,186

1,200

1,214

1,229

1,243

Kuguita

1,183

1,197

1,211

1,225

1,239

1,254

1,269

1,283

1,298

1,314

1,329

1,344

1,360

Magting

2,089

2,113

2,138

2,163

2,188

2,214

2,240

2,266

2,293

2,320

2,347

2,374

2,402

Naasag

1,663

1,682

1,702

1,722

1,742

1,763

1,783

1,804

1,825

1,847

1,868

1,890

1,912

Pandan

2,957

2,992

3,027

3,062

3,098

3,134

3,171

3,208

3,245

3,283

3,322

3,361

3,400

Soro-soro

1,089

1,102

1,115

1,128

1,141

1,154

1,168

1,181

1,195

1,209

1,223

1,238

1,252

Tagdo

1,374

1,390

1,406

1,423

1,439

1,456

1,473

1,491

1,508

1,526

1,543

1,562

1,580

TOTAL

38,735

39,188

39,647

40,111

40,580

41,055

41,535

42,021

42,513

43,010

43,513

44,022

44,537

Source: Comprehensive Land Use of Mambajao

Topography and Slope

Topography

Mambajao has a rugged topography and is shaped like an open fan. The elevation is categorized into four, based on its range from less than 100, 100
to 500, 500 to 1,000 and above 1,000 meters above sea level (masl). Mambajao has 29.82% of land area with an elevation of less than 100
masl covering all fifteen barangays. 36.45% are ranging from 100-500 masl, 25.86% 500-1,000 masl and the remaining 7.87% are land areas with elevations of more than 1,000 masl.

Figure 3 – Elevation Map

Table 8 – Elevation by Barangay

Barangay

Elevation [Meters Above Sea Level (masl)]

Grand

Total

< 100

100 – 500

500-100

> 1,000

Agoho

228.23

185.22

24.29

 

437.74

Anito

205.18

272.65

43.19

 

521.02

Balbagon

271.45

60.77

  

332.22

Baylao

271.37

344.79

348.06

 

964.22

Benhaan

88.98

173.65

88.74

0.12

351.49

Bug-ong

86.38

114.04

  

200.42

Kuguita

160.42

   

160.42

Magting

136.25

181.71

93.99

189.8

601.75

Naasag

128.32

274.56

94.43

2.73

500.04

Pandan

131.28

227.65

207.43

 

566.36

Poblacion

543.61

373.14

599.8

110.49

1,627.04

Soro-soro

26.02

380.66

227.83

3.41

637.94

Tagdo

40.33

201.02

277.48

100.47

619.30

Tupsan

197.02

216.91

141.89

202.21

758.03

Yumbing

133.19

229.67

149.56

89.28

601.68

Total

2,648.03

3,236.44

2,296.69

698.51

8,879.36

Percentage (%)

29.82

36.45

25.86

7.87

100%

        Source: GIS derived Data (Layover of Administrative & Elevation Maps)

Slope

Slope is a physical land characteristic that influences the susceptibility of the soil to erode, rainfall infiltration and ultimately the use of land. The Municipality of Mambajao has 34.68% of land area that ranges from level to nearly level (0-3%), 18.80% of the land area ranges from gently sloping to undulating (38%), 10.21% undulating to rolling (8-18%), 8.58% rolling to moderately steep (18-30%) and 27.71% of the land area is steep (30-50%).

Figure 4 – Slope Map of Mambajao

Table 9 – Slope by Barangay


Barangay

0 to 3%

3 to 8%

8 to 18%

18 to 30%

30 to 50%


Grand

Total

Level to

Nearly

Level

Gently

Sloping to

Undulating

Undulating

to Rolling

Rolling to

Moderately

Steep


Steep

Agoho

158.33

142.17

118.57

 

18.67

437.74

Anito

337.18

57.15

 

26.22

100.48

521.03

Balbagon

267.69

64.53

   

332.22

Baylao

373.08

196.25

132.86

59.36

202.90

964.45

Benhaan

95.53

98.89

45.80

52.06

59.22

351.50

Bug-ong

53.86

85.03

61.16

 

0.39

200.44

Kuguita

146.98

13.45

   

160.43

Magting

191.76

80.31

1.88

67.39

260.40

601.74

Naasag

82.85

30.34

264.40

 

122.46

500.05

Pandan

225.94

175.82

12.11

10.41

142.07

566.35

Poblacion

533.31

340.06

62.49

273.09

418.10

1,627.05

Soro-soro

286.00

55.04

 

296.88

637.92

Tagdo

7.24

188.11

42.67

103.67

277.60

619.29

Tupsan

206.47

48.27

14.89

161.11

327.04

757.78

Yumbing

113.91

94.50

150.21

8.68

234.38

601.68

Total

3,080.13

1,669.92

907.04

761.99

2,460.59

8,879.36

Percentage

(%)

34.68

18.80

10.21

8.58

27.71

100.00

          Source: GIS derived data (Layover of Administrative & Slope Maps)

Geology

Soil Type

Basic Life SuppThere are five soil types found in Mambajao. The most dominant type is the undifferentiated mountain soils found on the pyroclastic hills at the center of the municipality extending towards its southern boundary and within the vicinity of the volcanic mountains. It covers 49.37 percent of the total municipal land area. The vegetative cover of this area is generally forest patches of grasslands. Erosion ranges from slight to severe, especially on the western
part. These areas have no immediate agricultural value and are suitable for forest uses. The second dominant type of soil covering 29.11 percent is Camiguin clay. This is principally located in the pyroclastic hills extending from
east to west. Severe erosion has been observed in the eastern part. Its present vegetation are coconuts, forest, shrubs and diversified crops. This type of soil is suitable for permanent crops such as fruit trees and coconuts due to the presence of rock outcrops. It can also be used as pastureland. Soil management measures have to focus on the prevention on
soil erosion and the maintenance of soil productivity. Next to Camiguin clay is
Mambajao clay which covers 15.94% of the total municipal land area. This type is also found on the pyroclastic hills next to Camiguin clay, extending from east to west but towards the northern portion of the municipality. Slight erosion has been observed in most parts of the area. Its current vegetations are coconuts and associated paddy rice, banana, lanzones and other fruit trees, grasses and shrubs. This type of soil is suitable for all indigenous crops most especially coconuts, corn, rice, banana and abaca.

The northernmost part of the municipality has two (2) types of soil; beach sand and San Manuel Loam. The coastal type forms the outer ring of the town covering 2.94 percent but has no agricultural value. The other type, the San Manuel Loam is found in flat to nearly level areas along the coastal plain. This is usually utilized for rice production. It is also easy to manage and does not pose any erosion problem. ort Extricatio

Soil depth is classified as follows: 

  1. a) Shallow – less that 50 centimeters deep 
  2. b) Moderately Deep – 50 to 100 centimeters deep 
  3. c) Deep to Very Deep – more that 100 centimeters deep


Based on this classification, majority of the soil in Mambajao are deep to very deep due to the very thick deposition of pyroclastic materials and intense weathering that have produced deep profiles even on relatively steep slopes. Shallow   soils   comprise   the   minority   and   are   found   on   rocky   and
miscellaneous soil types. The inherent fertility of the soil in the island is

assessed by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management using sufficient samples from representative sites. Assessment is based on various factors such  as  soil  acidity,  organic  matter  content,  available  phosphorus  and potassium, base saturation and cation exchange capacity. Like the rest of the
province, Mambajao’s soils have medium to high fertility and are slightly acidic. The main agricultural areas devoted to rice has high organic matter, available
phosphorus and potassium contents. The  broad  alluvial  plain  area  is  not  well  drained  due  to  its  low physiographic position. Although this area is devoted to rice which can tolerate poorly  drained  soils. 

Table 10: Land Area by Soil in Mambajao, 1996 

Soil Classification

Area (Has.)

Percent

Beach Sand

262.00

2.94

San Manuel Loam

236.00

2.64

Mambajao Clay

1,418.00

15.94

Camiguin Clay

2, 591.00

29.12

Mountain Soil Undifferentiated

4, 393.00

49.36

Total

8,900.00

100.00

                          Source: Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Mambajao

Climate

Mambajao  falls  under Type II climate characterized by very pronounced  rain  period  during  the  months  of  December to February and the absence of a definite dry season (LREP, 1986). Mambajao  being  on  the northeastern part of the island receives an annual rainfall of 2300 millimeters. The estimated gross precipitation is 6.5×10 cubic meter. This also replenishes the watershed  areas  of  Mambajao, generally found in four (4) upland  barangays. Rainfall in Mambajao is greatly influenced by the seasonal occurrence of northeast and southwest monsoon. The months of April and May have the least rainfall. While the months of December to February, more amount of rainfall occurs in the lower portion than on the higher parts of the municipality, as a result of maritime air masses by the Northeast monsoon and the north trade winds coming from the northeast and eastern directions. 

Like the rest of the island province, Mambajao has a mean annual temperature of twenty five degrees centigrade (25°C). The hottest months are April to August with average temperature that reaches twenty six degrees centigrade (28°C) and the coldest is September with 22.7 degrees Celsius (LREP, 1986). 

The municipality has an average relative humidity of eighty percent (80%). The presence of forest cover along the foot slopes of Mount Hibok-Hibok and its environs affect the relative humidity of the upland barangays. These barangays have higher relative humidity compared to the coastal and lowland barangays.

Wind from the northeast, locally known as “Dumagsa”,  usually brings in the dry season. Wind from the Southwest also locally known as “Habagat”, ushers in the wet season. This south-westerly wind has an average speed of four kilometers per hour greatly affecting the fishing activities of the town.

“Satan” is a local name for wind that blows from the southern portion of the town and is characterized by a terrible heat. Like the rest of the province, typhoon normally visits the municipality. It usually occurs during the months of August to December. Gust of strong winds coupled with relentless heavy downpour brings considerable damage to agricultural crops resulting to famine and starvation among farmers.

Climate

Mambajao in general, is an island kissed by fire and water. Fire from the belly of the earth destroyed the idyllic setting when Old Vulcan erupted in 1871 and Mt. Hibok-hibok erupted in 1951. Rains are seasonal occurrences, sometimes due to typhoons, other times due to weather systems like monsoons and cold front. These occurrences have changed the contour of Mambajao. The changing coastlines serve as realities of the rain and wind. Wind and water scour the coastlines and erode the mountains. Mambajao occasionally experienced ground shaking due to tectonic movement. 

The  has identified a number of climate change hazards that possess threats to create havoc, namely:  landslide, flooding, storm surge & tsunami and volcanic 

Landslide

Landslide can be caused by continuous heavy rains. It has two categories, the high and moderate susceptibilities. All barangays except Kuguita are highly susceptible to landslide covering a total area of 5,527.16 hectares with 210 households while a total of 4,352.20 hectares with 5,485 households are moderately susceptible to landslide.

Table 11. Result of Landslide Hazard Assessment 


Barangay

Name

High Susceptibility to

Landslide

Moderate Susceptibility to

Landslide

Area (Has.)

No. of

Households

Area (Has.)

No. of

Households

Agoho

95.19

 

342.56

458

Anito

237.6

26

283.43

315

Balbagon

0.06

 

332.16

343

Baylao

348.8

6

615.43

502

Benhaan

208.28

13

143.23

136

Bug-ong

43.05

1

157.37

250

Kuguita

  

160.42

236

Magting

409.31

20

192.44

238

Naasag

298.61

43

201.43

216

Pandan

330.95

33

235.4

320

Poblacion

884.8

45

742.24

1330

Soro-soro

427.82

7

210.1

176

Tagdo

406.88

 

212.42

180

Tupsan

466.16

10

291.64

405

Yumbing

369.65

6

232.03

380

Grand Total

4,527.16

210

4,352.20

5,485

Source: GIS generated data (Layover of Administrative & Landslide Maps)

Flooding

Flooding on the other hand, is also caused by continuous heavy rains. Top three highly susceptible areas are barangays Baylao, Poblacion and Yumbing with 131.63, 67.88 and 22.58 hectares respectively.

Figure 5 - Geo-Hazard Map (Flooding)

Table 12. Result of Flooding Hazard Assessment 

Barangay

Name

High Susceptible to Flooding


Barangay Name

High Susceptible to Flooding

Area (Has.)

Number of

Households

Area (Has.)

Number of

Households

Agoho

14.45

65

Naasag

Anito

15.88

16

Pandan

12.33

9

Balbagon

6.83

5

Poblacion

67.88

204

Baylao

131.63

165

Soro-soro

7.62

Benhaan

8.5

15

Tagdo

15.6

Bug-ong

0.03

Tupsan

21.92

46

Kuguita

Yumbing

22.58

144

Magting

Total

325.25

669

Source: GIS generated data (Layover of Administrative & Flooding Maps)

Volcanic

As a volcanic island, the municipality prepares for storm surge and tsunami consequences. Mambajao has eleven (11) coastal barangays namely: Tupsan, Magting, Anito, Balbagon, Poblacion,  Baylao, Kuguita, Bug-ong, Agoho, Yumbing and Naasag. People living along the coastal line of these barangays will be greatly affected during storm surge and tsunami. 

Camiguin Island is composed of fourteen (14) volcanoes scattered around the island’s five (5) municipalities. Volcanic eruption is the most feared hazard
in Mambajao. Strict implementation of issuance of building permit and zoning certification is being followed and the early warning signs that the MDRRMC needs to watch out for is the alert warning given by the PhilVolcs. Based on the map, all barangays of the municipality is within the danger zone for volcanic eruption covering a total of 7,290.89 hectares or 82.12%.

Figure 6: Geo - Hazard Map (Volcanic Hazard)

Table 13: Result of Volcanic Hazard Assessment 

Barangay

Danger Free

Zone (In Has.)

Potentially Dangerous

Zone (In Has.)

Total

Agoho

43.61

394.13

437.74

Anito

 

521.03

521.03

Balbagon

 

332.22

332.22

Baylao

2.51

961.71

964.22

Benhaan

250.9

100.6

351.5

Bug-ong

7.48

192.45

199.93

Kuguita

 

160.42

160.42

Magting

13.2

588.55

601.75

Naasag

135.95

364.09

500.04

Pandan

 

566.35

566.35

Poblacion

 

1627.02

1628.02

Soro-soro

 

637.92

637.92

Tagdo

341.28

278.01

619.29

Tupsan

491.54

265.71

757.25

Yumbing

301

300.68

601.68

Grand Total

1587.47

7290.89

8879.36

%

17.88

82.12

100.00

Source: GIS generated data (Layover of Administrative & Volcanic Hazard Maps)

Storm Surge/Tsunami

Mambajao is not spared from storm surges due to the winds coming from the north and  tsunami  threats  considering the presence of two (2)   earthquake generators: East Bohol Fault and Surigao-Butuan Fault.

Figure 7 - Geo-Hazard Map (Storm Surge/Tsunami)

Table 14 – Result of Storm Surge/Tsunami Susceptibility Assessment 


Barangay

High Susceptibility

(Area in Hectares)

Agoho

23.34

Anito

27.83

Balbagon

29.14

Baylao

17.73

Benhaan

 

Bug-ong

10.41

Kuguita

17.66

Magting

16.49

Naasag

35.18

Pandan

 

Poblacion

50.07

Soro-soro

 

Tagdo

 

Tupsan

45.84

Yumbing

23.04

Total

296.73

Source: GIS generated data (Layover of Administrative & Storm Surge/Tsunami Maps)

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