Blue and brown pyramid illustration

The name Mount Matutum is derived from the local Blaa'n tongue "Amyak Maleh" meaning climb and plant. Indeed, all trekkers are required to plant a tree while visiting the Mountain. The Mountain and its surrounding landscape are protected through a Presidential Proclamation issued March 25, 1995 by President Fidel Ramos. The indigenous Blaa'n group that inhabits this part of South Cotabato protects the Mountain and surrounding 14,000 hectacre forest. It's irregular characteristic shape was formed by volcanic uplift during previous periods of activity. The last eruption (unconfirmed) occurred on March 7, 1911. It is classified as a non-active volcanic cone composed mostly of pyroxene andosite. Its surrounding areas are classified as volcanic slopes and piedmonts. Mt. Matutum forms the headwaters and catchment area for several major drainages including the Klinan, Silway, and Buayan rivers which empty into the magnificantly beautiful Sarangani Bay through General Santos City. These rivers provide rich nutrients to nearby communities. Recognizing the lush vegetation, on December 7, 1963 the Dole Company established in nearby Polomolok what is arguably the largest pineapple plantation in the world. Army Officer Wu Ting Fang recorded the first documented ascent of Mount Matutum in March 1914. However, it was very likely scaled earlier as the local Blaa'n group's record keeping is practically non-existant.