14/05/2022
π
·π
Έπππ
Ύππ
Έπ
²π
°π
» ππ
Έππ
΄
π ππππππ: π¬ππ¦π§ππ₯πππ¬, π§π’πππ¬ ππ‘π π§π’π π’π₯π₯π’πͺ
Malalag was once a sleepy town and is now bustling with life. It is a coastal town in the province of Davao del Sur, which covers a total area of 186.12 square kilometers populated with 40,000 people in 15 barangays, with the seat of government located in barangay Poblacion. By virtue of Executive Order No. 596 issued by then President Elpidio Quirino on May 28, 1953, Malalag became a municipality.
A frequently asked question about Malalag is how the town got its name. There were two local legends: the chieftain's name "Alag," and the yellow water of the river that flows through the town.
The town is blessed with the bounty of gifts of nature. It is the agricultural capital of the province, and among its products are coconuts, bananas, and other fruits and vegetables. Another significant advantage bestowed by God is the presence of the bay, which ultimately serves as a natural harbor for sea-faring vessels and a wharf. Malalag Wharf is along the south-west coastline of Malalag Bay, about 25 km. south of Digos and 88 km. south of Davao City. It is now a venue of an important economic activity, being the center of the fish cage craze, which started in the late 90βs and is now a thriving, lucrative business. Its main product, bangus, was distributed throughout the country, and boneless bangus can be found in the Japanese market and other places around the world.A major lifeblood of Malalag's economy, as it also generates livelihood for the locals. With the collapse of the world economy in the past years, the bay became a safe haven for numerous vessels, which anchored in the bay, becoming an instant tourist attraction.. A scenic landscape around the bay, the so-called Overview, is now a growing tourist destination. With the support of visionary leaders like the incumbent Mayor Peter Paul T. Valentin and his legislative counterparts, Malalag Wharf, strategically situated between Gen. Santos City and Davao City, will soon be fully operational and a decongestant to its neighboring towns.
Truly, Malalag marks a significant milestone from yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Text by Elsa G. Sasuman
& Carole Joy T. Hernan
Photos from Art Debulgado, Bryan l. Timon, DOTR Philippines and Malalag Municipality
