Island Where I Belong

I was born and grew up in Iligan City, Northern Mindanao. The island Mindanao is the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines. It is also one of the three island groups in the country, along with Luzon and Visayas. Contrary to common belief, only a portion of Mindanao was inhabited by Muslims by the time the Spanish arrived and colonized the Philippines, and centuries after the first native was converted to Islam. In fact, most of the people in the northern and eastern part of the island practiced native religions before they converted to Christianity. Designated as Region X of the Philippines, Northern Mindanao (Filipino: Hilagang Mindanao) is composed of five provinces and two cities classified as highly urbanized, all occupying the north-central part of Mindanao Island, and the island province of Camiguin. The regional center is Cagayan de Oro, where the national government's regional offices and other big establishments are located. The economy in Northern Mindanao is mainly agricultural. But there is also a booming growth of industries particularly in Cagayan de Oro and in Iligan City. The famous Del Monte Plantation is located in Bukidnon and it's plant is located in Cagayan De Oro City. The Agus-IV to VII Hydroelectric Plants in Iligan City and Baloi, Lanao del Norte supplies most of its electrical power in Mindanao.