The majestic Mt. Matutum

"Mt. Matutum, a steep, non active, volcano is located north of the town of General Santos in the province of South Cotabato. It’s irregular and characteristic shape is formed by volcanic uplift during previous periods of activity. Mt. Matutum has a well-preserved 320-m-wide crater at the volcano's summit, it’s last eruption was recorded in 1911. At a 2,286 meters rising high above sea level, Mt. Matutum is undoubtedly the provinces most imposing land mark that dominates the entire landscape from General Santos to Koronadal City.

The name Matutum is derived from the Blaa’n term “Amyak Maleh”, that means Climb and Plant. The forested slopes of this majestic mountain are covered with huge ferns, trees and plants that abundantly grow in the wild and are host to diverse animal and plant species, including the national bird, the Philippine Eagle. One of the tallest, rarest, largest and most powerful birds in the world. There are many creeks with free, cool and clear flowing water coming from the hillsides. Mt. Matutum is eyed as one of the greenest outdoor destinations in South Cotabato, this place is a perfect hub for promoting ecotourism in a big way. The slopes and steps of Mt. Matutum will lure the imagination of many visitors.

This mountain is nominated as a new UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mt. Matutum’s forest is being protected and managed by the Blaa’n, an indigenous group that inhabits the southern part of South Cotabato.

The prominent Mt. Matutum is one of the favorite climbing destinations in the area and is considered as an outstanding challenge to mountaineers and nature lovers. Climbers are requested to plant a seedling on the mountain, a great initiative in making a positive contribution to the preservation of the local ecosystem. The hillside of Mt. Matutum is a stunning place where nature is abundant and unrestrained, a place where one feels a humble respect for nature and the environment. The top of the volcano is offering a magnificent panoramic view of Polomolok, Koronadal City and General Santos City.

All of this creates one of the most amazing natural experiences that people can enjoy."

NAME OF VOLCANO: MATUTUM

LOCATION: Cotabato, 15 km north of Polomolok, South Cotabato and around 30 km

north-northwest of General Santos City (6°22'N, 125°06.5'E)

PHYSICAL FEATURES

Elevation: 2.286 km

Base Diameter: 25 km

Type of Volcano: Stratovolcano

Hotsprings: Akmoan and Linan springs (5.7 aerial km WSW of Matutum)

Adjacent Volcanic Edifice: Landayao, Tampad and Albulhek (west of Matutum), Magolo (north of Matutum)

GEOLOGICAL FEATURES

Rock Type: Andesite

Tectonic Setting: Cotabato Arc

Age of Deposits: 665+40 (Trimble/Martines, 1995, unpub. data) 2120+ 80, 2350+60 ybp (Rubin/Sabit, 1994, unpub. data)

VOLCANIC ACTIVITY

Number of Historical Eruptions: 1

Date: 07 March 1911

Eruption Type: Phreatic (?)

MONITORING ACTIVITY

1992 - Short-term monitoring was conducted at Matutum Volcano from 04-20 November 1992. Results of the survey showed that the volcano was seismically quiet.

2004 – Establishment of Matutum-Parker Seismic Network that would monitor both volcanoes

"Mt. Matutum, a volcano that nourished the soil of the province, giving food and life to the people of South Cotabato, is truly a gift of Mother Nature."