Since pre-Spanish times, Sarangani has been occupied by indigenous tribes and Muslim groups whose rich cultural heritage has meaningfully survived to this day.

In fact in 1992, Sarangani old-time residents have found relics or artifacts of cavemen or ancient tribes who had inhabited at Pinol Cave, Maitum, Sarangani. Etching out various facial expressions in clayed portraits, the artifacts of anthropomorphic secondary burial jars are believed to have great significance not only to Philippine prehistory but also of Southeast Asia. (Click here for more details on this archaeological finds.)

National Museum’s researchers described the artifacts as “unparalleled in Southeast Asia” that date back to the Metal Age (nearly 2000 years ago). This year (2002) another discovery of potsherds from different ages likely 3000 years old was unearthed at Linao Cave, seven kilometers from the Maitum municipal hall.

The same group of researchers could not directly tell if Linao Cave was also a burial site like Pinol Cave was, but they observed, however, that it (Linao Cave) “may likely have been a ritual site.” The recovered shards, accordingly, depicted sketches of people believed to be older than the Maitum Jars.

Sarangani Province was named after Sarangani Bay. The name itself is legendary -- it is about Saranganing, an adventurous son of a Sangil family from the coast of Celebes off Indonesia. His voyages often brought him to the Sultanate of Buayan (now General Santos City), the stronghold of Maguindanaoans. His outstanding character impressed the people that they named the bay in his honor.