Municipality of Talakag: The Spring Capital of Bukidnon

Nestled in the highlands of Northern Mindanao, Talakag is a first-class municipality in the province of Bukidnon. Known as the “Spring Capital of Bukidnon”, it is a land of rolling terrain, cool mountain air, and rich indigenous heritage.

Strategically located between the bustling city of Cagayan de Oro (CDO) and the agri-tourism hubs of Bukidnon, Talakag serves as a vital gateway and a rising destination for eco-tourism and high-value agriculture.

Geography & Location

• Location: Northern part of Bukidnon, bounded by Cagayan de Oro City to the north, Lantapan to the east, and Lanao del Sur to the west.
• Topography: Characterized by rugged terrain, plateaus, and mountains. It sits at a high elevation, giving it a cool climate similar to Baguio or Malaybalay.
• Accessibility: It is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours away from Cagayan de Oro City via the paved CDO-Talakag-Lantapan Road.

History & Heritage

The name “Talakag” is derived from the local Visayan/Binukid word “Lakag,” which means “to go after” or “to pursue.”

• Legend: Folklore tells of a time when men from a neighboring settlement called Kalabangasan would aggressively pursue women from the Dagundalahon settlement. This “fondness for pursuit” led to the area being named Talakag.
• Indigenous Roots: The municipality is the ancestral domain of the Talaandig and Higaonon tribes. Their culture is deeply woven into the town’s identity, from sacred rituals to the preservation of the Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park.
• WWII History: During World War II, Talakag served as a convergence point and refuge for guerrilla forces fighting against the Japanese occupation in Mindanao.

Tourism & Attractions

Talakag is rapidly emerging as a nature-lover’s paradise, offering “sea of clouds” views and untouched waterfalls.

1. Lantaw 360 Camp (Barangay Lirongan)

A famous camping and viewing site that offers a panoramic 360-degree view of the province’s major peaks: Mt. Kitanglad, Mt. Kalatungan, and Mt. Apo (on clear days). It is a prime spot for catching the sunrise and the sea of clouds.

2. Sinulom Falls (Barangay San Isidro)

Located near the boundary of CDO and Talakag (Tignapoloan area), this features a series of stunning waterfalls cascading directly from the lush forest cliffs into the river. It requires a short trek but offers a refreshing, raw nature experience.

3. Dangulaan Falls

A hidden gem often visited by locals, offering cool waters perfect for swimming and picnics.

4. Bonseta’s Fun Fun Rides

A mountain resort located in Barangay Salucot, known for its “Instagrammable” statues, playground, and sweeping views of the winding highway and mountains.

Economy & Agriculture

Talakag is an agricultural powerhouse. Its cool climate makes it ideal for high-value crops that cannot grow in the lowlands.

• Major Crops: Corn, rice, coffee, cacao, and high-value vegetables (carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, lettuce).
• Coffee Production: The municipality is gaining recognition for its Robusta and Arabica coffee, with local farmers partnering with the DOST (Department of Science and Technology) to improve processing and packaging.
• Infrastructure: Recent road widenings and the opening of financial institutions (like the DBP branch in 2025) signal a booming local economy.

Festivals

• Araw ng Talakag: Celebrated annually on March 19, commemorating the municipality’s founding.
• Kalasag Festival: Often held in conjunction with the founding anniversary, this festival showcases the street dancing competitions, indigenous rituals, and an agri-fair displaying the town’s bountiful harvest.

Political Subdivision

Talakag is politically subdivided into 29 barangays:

How to Get There

1. From Cagayan de Oro: Go to the terminal at Carmen Market.
2. Ride: Look for vans or jeepneys bound for Talakag.
3. Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
4. Fare: Ranging from ₱100 to ₱150 (subject to change).