Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)

Area: 11,836.2 sq. km
Provinces and their capitals:
Lanao del Sur:Marawi City
Maguindanao:Maganoy
Sulu:Jolo
Tawi-Tawi:Bongao

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was created by virtue of Executive Order No. 429 on October 12, 1990.

The autonomous government sees to it that the economic and social growth of its provinces are attained. It has the right to approve and implement laws pertaining to national security and defense, banking, trade and foreign affairs.

ARMM is the center of Islam.

Lanao del Sur is bounded in the north by Lanao del Norte, in the east by Bukidnon, in the west by Illana Bay, and in the south by Maguindanao.

When Lanao was divided into two provinces under Republic Act No. 2228 in 1959, Marawi was made the capital of Lanao del Sur. It was later renamed the "Islamic city of Marawi."

Maguindano's eastern side is criss crossed by the Rio Grande de Mindanao and its tributaries. The western part of the province is mountainous. Maguindanao means "people of the flooded plains." Rio Grande de Mindanao is the venue of water sports and boat racing.

Sulu lies midway between Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. It is surrounded by the Sulu Sea in the north and west, the Mindanao Sea in the east, and the Celebes Sea in the south. The province consists of four island groups --- Jolo, Panguturan, Tapul and Seasi and Samales. Jolo Island is mountainous, being a volcano in origin. Seasi and Tapul Group has a hilly interior. The rest are coral reef formations with low, forested, and swampy areas.

Tawi-Tawi consists of four island groups: Bungao, Simunol, Sibutu, and Sitangkai. The Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi/Cagayan de Sulu is between the southern tip of Palawan and the Sulu archipelago. The Turtle Island group is very near Sabah. The main island of Tawi-Tawi is made up of continous rolling hills and forests. The smaller islands are surrounded by reefs and deep harbor.

Climate

The region has a cool and pleasant climate, with a wet season from August to November. Some of its parts have an even distribution of rainfall throughout the year.

Beautiful Spots

Rio Grande de Mindanao is the venue for water sports and boat racing.

Bongao Peak in Tawi-Tawi is monkey sanctuary. The monkeys here are so tame. They can imitate the movements of people they see.

Sibutu is a hunter's paradise. Wild boars can be seen in hordes in this island. It also boasts of a rare species of rooster known as labuyo.

Sitangkai is known as the "Venice of the South" because of its canal streets.

Gusang Reef is the place where seagulls and sea turtles lay their eggs.