Hon. Sabiniano “Ben” S. Canama
Bayan ng Lala · Lanao del Norte — Christmas Symbols Capital of the South
Lala Profile
Verified facts and recent milestones for the Municipality of Lala, Lanao del Norte.
Cityhood by Republic Act No. 5131
Lala was created a city by RA 5131, signed June 17, 1967. First officials sworn in on Feb 28, 1968 — observed annually as Lala Charter Day.
CivicComponent City of Lanao del Norte
Classified as a component city (not highly urbanized) in the 2nd Legislative District of Lanao del Norte, Region X (Northern Mindanao).
Civic55 Barangays · 68,389 Residents (2020)
23 urban and 32 rural barangays; 15 of these are coastal. Population 68,389 (PSA 2020 Census), with the 2024 estimate at 68,419.
CivicEtymology — “Tangkub”
From the Subanen “tangkub”, a bark-and-rattan rice basket. Renamed from Regidor to Lala via Act No. 3701 on Nov 20, 1930.
CivicPanguil Bay Bridge (3.169 km)
Inaugurated September 27, 2024 by President Marcos. PHP 8.026 B project linking Lala ↔ Tubod, Lanao del Norte — Mindanao’s longest water-spanning bridge. Cut crossing time from ~1.5 hours by ferry to ~7 minutes.
InfrastructureRegional Gateway Corridor
The Panguil Bay Bridge positions Lala as a regional travel gateway between Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Norte, with continuing improvements on the connecting corridor.
InfrastructureHoyohoy Highland Adventure Park
Lala’s flagship highland visitor area, known for the Sky-Line Zipline (~2.35 km) and the Stone Chapel at ~3,000 ft above sea level — cool weather and mountain views over Panguil Bay.
TourismGardens of the World & Belvedere View Deck
Garden-themed leisure stops and a highland view deck that anchor Lala’s upland circuit. Specific operating hours and access points are coordinated through the City Tourism Office.
TourismPanguil Bay Gateway Tourism
Scenic bay viewing, gateway photography, and corridor stops connected to the Panguil Bay Bridge experience — always from designated public lay-bys, never on active carriageways.
TourismChristmas Symbols Festival (since 1992)
Lala’s signature city tradition — longest-running Christmas festival in the Philippines. Lighted symbols and programs run from Dec 1 through the first week of January. “Discover the World” theme since 2012.
CultureSinanduloy Cultural Troupe
The city’s flagship performing-arts group — 12-time Grand Champion in the Sinulog-Based Category at the Cebu Sinulog, anchoring Lala’s creative identity.
CultureSt. Michael the Archangel — Patronal Feast
Lala’s patron is St. Michael the Archangel (feast September 29). Anchors the local Dalit Cultural Festival and parish life in the city core.
CultureMt. Malindang Range Natural Park
Lala sits within the wider Mt. Malindang Range landscape, elevation rising to ~2,421 m. Trails and protected-area access must be coordinated with authorized guides and DENR rules.
NaturePanguil Bay Coastal Plain
About 40% coastal plain, 60% rolling and hilly. 15 coastal barangays line the eastern shore of Panguil Bay — productive fishing grounds and scenic bay views.
Nature