Regions of Mindanao

Quick answer

Mindanao is organized into Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga, and BARMM. Together, they cover 28 provinces and 33 cities. This directory starts at the regional level, then connects each region to its cities, places, routes, industries, and local civic context.

For readers checking older maps, BARMM replaced ARMM in 2019. Sulu is listed here under Region IX after Executive Order No. 91 in 2025, while some older datasets may still place it under BARMM.

Mindanao is the second-largest island in the Philippines, home to more than 26 million people across six administrative regions. Each region has a distinct economic base: Davao Region anchors the south with agribusiness and trade, Northern Mindanao connects Cagayan de Oro to the Bukidnon highlands and Camiguin, SOCCSKSARGEN runs from the Cotabato basin to the tuna capital of General Santos, Caraga stretches along the Pacific-facing Surigao coast and the Agusan river valley, Zamboanga Peninsula controls the western route to the Sulu Sea, and BARMM operates as the island's only autonomous region under parliamentary governance.

Total land area exceeds 100,000 km2. The 2024 POPCEN records Davao Region at 5,389,422 people, followed by Northern Mindanao at 5,178,326. Caraga has 2,865,196 people.

Zamboanga Peninsula - Western Mindanao sardine coast, Chavacano center, and Sulu Sea corridor
Provinces: Sulu, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay
Northern Mindanao - Northern ports, Bukidnon highlands, and Camiguin island links
Provinces: Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental
Davao Region - Southeastern growth belt around Davao Gulf and Mount Apo
Provinces: Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental
SOCCSKSARGEN - Cotabato heartland, Sarangani coast, and tuna capital General Santos
Provinces: Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat
Caraga - Pacific Surigao coast and Agusan river interior
Provinces: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao - Autonomous Moro region and peace process governance
Provinces: Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi

Mindanao region FAQ

How many provinces are in Mindanao?

Mindanao has 28 provinces when current regional coverage is counted, including Sulu under Region IX and the five BARMM provinces listed on this page.

How many cities are in Mindanao?

Mindanao has 33 cities, including highly urbanized cities such as Davao City, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga City, Iligan, Butuan, General Santos, and Cotabato City.

What are the regional centers of Mindanao?

The regional centers are Pagadian for Zamboanga Peninsula, Cagayan de Oro for Northern Mindanao, Davao City for Davao Region, Koronadal for SOCCSKSARGEN, Butuan for Caraga, and Cotabato City for BARMM.

Is Sulu part of BARMM or Region IX?

Sulu is treated here as part of Zamboanga Peninsula under Region IX after Executive Order No. 91 in 2025. Older maps and datasets may still show it under BARMM or the former ARMM coverage, so check the source date.

What is Region 15 in Mindanao?

Region 15 is not used in this current Mindanao list. BARMM replaced ARMM in 2019 and is now the autonomous region used for Bangsamoro regional coverage.

Which Mindanao region has the largest population?

Davao Region is the largest Mindanao region by 2020 census population, with 5,243,536 people centered around Davao City and its surrounding provinces.