Chroniclers say that centuries ago, long before Legaspi's expedition reached the Philippines in 1565, the tala-andigs and the Banwahons, two of the known peace-loving Higa-onon tribes of Mindanao, had built an ilihan or iliyan, meaning a "fortress of defense" on the coastal plain to secure them from the frequent attacks of pirates and savage tribes. Hence, the place came to be called as ILIGAN.
ILIGAN CITY, is bounded by the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, by two provinces of Lanao and by Cagayan de Oro. Iligan has a total land area of 81, 337 hectares with 44 Barangays. It has a type C climate characterized by short, low sun dry season for one to three months. Rainfalls are evenly distributed throughout the year. It is located outside the typhoon belt.
Iligan City of majestic waterfalls as of latest count has 23 waterfalls distributed in the 44 barangays of Iligan. Most famous of these waterfalls is the Maria Cristina falls whis is harnessed by some corporation and provides electricity not only for the city but the entire Mindanao island as well.
It is not only known for its rich natural resources but is also the home of nationally acclaimed artists, poets, film makers, cultural workers and writers and geographically, the crossroad of the cultural mix of the Maranaos of Lanao del Sur, Higaonons of Bukidnon and the dominantly Christian settlers and migrants from Luzon, Visayas and other places of Mindanao.
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