Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

Lake Sebu is a 2nd class municipality in the province of South Cotabato, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 54,142 people in 11,158 households.

Barangays

Lake Sebu is politically subdivided into 19 barangays.

* Bacdulong * Denlag * Halilan * Hanoon * Klubi * Lake Lahit * Lamcade * Lamdalag * Lamfugon * Lamlahak

* Lower Maculan * Luhib * Ned * Poblacion * Siluton * Talisay * Takunel * Upper Maculan * Tasiman

Economy

The economy is based on aquaculture of Tilapia grown in large fish cages floating in the lake. More than one half of the land around the lake is cultivated for agriculture. The Philippine government is also trying to promote ecotourism in the area. The finishing of a concrete road cut the travel time from 4 hours to less than 30 minutes greatly improving trade and commerce.

People

The lake's shores and the surrounding rainforest are home to the indigenous T'bolis, Tirurays, Ubos and Manobos. One of the major tribes, the T'bolis are known for their weaving skills and brassware production as well as fishing skills. The rest of the population are made of Ilonggos, Bicolanos and Ilocanos.

Geography

The placid lake of Lake Sebu can be found in Alah Valley near the municipality of Surallah, South Cotabato. Surrounded by rolling hills and mountains covered with thick rain forest. The total area of the lake is 891.38 km², with an elevation of approximately 1000 m.

Wildlife

Wild boars and Philippine deers which are considered endangered live around the lake. The lake and the surrounding rainforest are natural habitat to egrets, kingfishers, swallows, herons, Philippine cockatoos and kites.

Environmental conservation

The Philippine government proclaimed a 924.50 km² wide area as a protected landscape. On the southeastern watershed of the lake, a bamboo plantation was established.

External links

* [http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/default.asp Philippine Standard Geographic Code]
* [http://www.t-macs.com/kiso/local/ 2000 Philippine Census Information]