Maitum, Sarangani
Definition
Maitum is a second-income-class municipality in Sarangani, Soccsksargen (Region XII), Philippines. Bordered by Sultan Kudarat to the west, South Cotabato to the north, Kiamba to the east, and the Celebes Sea to the south, it covers 290.66 square kilometers (112.22 sq mi), has 19 barangays, and recorded a population of 44,185 in the 2020 census. Maitum is famed as the “rice granary” of Sarangani and for its remarkable anthropomorphic burial jars.
Identities (Wikipedia/Wikidata/DBpedia)
- Wikipedia: Maitum, Sarangani
- Wikidata: Q174442
- DBpedia: Maitum, Sarangani
Also Known As
Maitum is internationally known for the “Maitum anthropomorphic burial jars” — earthenware with human facial features — found in Ayub Cave (1991) and Sagel Cave (2008). It is also called the “rice granary” of Sarangani.
Examples and Analogies
Maitum pairs a productive farming-and-aquaculture economy with a major Philippine archaeological treasure. The jars anchor its place in national prehistory much as Tabon Caves do for Palawan.
Usage Scenarios
Maitum is referenced in Philippine archaeology (Metal Age burial practices), cultural-heritage protection, rice and aquaculture (milkfish, prawns, shrimp) production, and coastal-resource management. The jars are held as National Cultural Treasures.
Strategies
Strategies emphasize protecting archaeological caves as heritage sites, strengthening rice and aquaculture value chains, developing heritage and nature tourism, and improving coastal and upland infrastructure across its 19 barangays.
Security and Safety Measures
Cave-site security, supported by the National Museum and local government, prevents looting of irreplaceable artifacts. Coastal safety covers fishing and aquaculture operations and typhoon preparedness along the Celebes Sea.
Historical Context
Maitum’s anthropomorphic burial jars, found in Ayub Cave (1991) and Sagel Cave (2008), show human figures with complete or partial facial features and date to the Metal Age (around 190 BC to 500 AD). The municipality was established on May 7, 1959, through Republic Act No. 2189. Carved from the then-undivided Cotabato, it joined South Cotabato in 1966 and the new province of Sarangani in 1992.
Challenges and Controversies
Maitum must balance heritage protection against site disturbance, sustain aquaculture without degrading coastal waters, and convert archaeological fame into managed tourism that benefits local communities.