Sumilao is a 4th class municipality in Bukidnon. According to the 2000 census, Sumilao has reached a population of 17,958 people living in 3,268 households.

The word sumilao comes from a Bukidnon phrase "kon sumilaw da" meaning "when light comes again". According to legend, there lived a man named Walu who possessed supernatural powers. Time came when a group of spiritual leaders called baylan fabricated stories against Walu. Walu became angry upon hearing the stories. At the top of a hill, Walu screamed at the top of his voice while pointing to the seven baylan. A light then glared at the tip of Walu's pointing finger and blinded the baylan. It is said that the curse will be lifted from them when the same light shines again.

Sumilao is famous because of the Sumilao Farmer's March where 55 farmers of the Higaonon tribe from Sumilao marched all the way to Manila. The 1,700-kilometer march took them 2 months to complete.  They arrived on December 7, 2007. The farmers petitioned to the Department of Agrarian Reform to issue a cease-to-desist order on the contested 144-hectare property in Sumilao which San Miguel Corporation converted into a hog farm.

Sumilao is politically subdivided into 10 barangays.

• Kisolon
• Culasi
• Licoan
• Lupiagan
• Ocasion
• Puntian
• San Roque
• San Vicente
• Poblacion
• Vista Villa

Source:
Wikipedia