South Cotabato

BRIEF HISTORY

Centuries ago, the area that would be the South Cotabato was sparsely inhabited by Malay Pioneers which later involved into various ethnic groupings that still exist in the Province today. Settlers, who would lay the foundation of what would become a progressive province, started trooping down 1914.

The significant thrust occurred during the term of President Quezon in late 30's. Gen. Paulino Santos, a man whose undaunted pioneering spirit inspired thousand, led the first of wave of settlers that time. After World War II, the final exodus of settler from Luzon and Visayas poured into the virgin land of promise.

In the early 60's as population, trade and industries grew in southern part of Cotabato, a clamor of local self-governance arose. Thus, on July 18, 1966 , South Cotabato was finally formed as an independent province raring to push its own development.

In 1992, South Cotabato gave birth to a new province. Seven towns in southern and coastal section of the province now form part of the Province of Sarangani . This was a new challenge. In addition, South Cotabateños , with their indomitable pioneering spirit have proven once more their ability to face and hurdle diverse challenges ably went through with the demands of time.

South Cotabato sparks new interest having emerged as a favorite venue for conventions and big events of national significance like the National Secondary School Press Conference, Palarong Pambansa and 9 th Mindanao Bussiness Conference to name few.

The new millennium ushers in a new beginning for the province with the coming in of regional offices in the area in consonance with EO 429 dated October 12, 1990 issued by President Corazon C. Aquino and EO No. 36 dated September 19, 2001 issued by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, provide for the reorganization of the new Administrative Region in Mindanao and having the city of Koronadal as the regional center of Region XII.

In four decades since its provincehood, South Cotabato has already surpassed dozens of provinces establish half a century ahead in almost every aspect of development. In a short span, it becomes one of the leading provinces in Mindanao . What it got to show today are vivid result of human synergy and the richness of its resources.

MUNICIPALITY OF POLOMOLOK
Agro-industrial Center and Sub-Urban Residential Development Center"

Date of Creation: August 27, 1957 under E.O. No. 264
Land Area(sq. Km.) 339.97
No. of Barangay: 23
Population: 131, 436 (2007 NSO Survey)

BRIEF PROFILE

Home of the biggest pineapple plantation in the country, DOLE Philippines, a 12,000 hectare pineapple plantation, Polomolok is gaining the title of being the agro-industrial center and sub-urban residential development center.

Located at the southern part of South Cotabato, Polomolok is nestled at the base of the most prominent scenic spot Mt. Matutum. It is cone-shaped and looms over the provinces at 2,286 meters high, a unique challenge to mountaineers. It is perhaps the provinces most imposing landmark. Natural hot and cold spring abound at its foot.

Natural springs are abundant within this area and provide free flowing water. Two of these springs have developed into natural resorts. It is splendidly gifted with pineapple products and processing, livestock resources (cattle, piggeries, meat packaging) furniture, asparagus and cut flowers, cotton ginnery, corn, vegetable and fruits.

Polomolok is currently pursuing major residential development as rapid economic activities are established that further stabilizes the ever growing economy.

MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS

Hon. Isidro D. Lumayag
Mayor

Hon. Ligaya R. Orbesido
Vice Mayor

Sanguniang Bayan Members

Hon. Leo J. Cordova
Hon. Jude G. Bontuyan
Hon. Eliazar G. Jovero
Hon. Rhyolite A. Balili
Hon. Naomi C. Esitus
Hon. Rodolfo E. Doctolero
Hon. Rogelio E. Limos
Hon. Nilda B. Almenacion

MUNICIPALITY OF TUPI
"Fruit/Vegetable Production and Processing Center"

Date of Creation: September 11, 1953 under E.O. No. 612
Land Area(sq. Km.) 228.0
No. of Barangay: 15
Population: 57, 779 (2007 NSO Survey)

BRIEF PROFILE

Tupi, best known for its vast plantation of flower, fruits and vegetables owes its fertile soil to the volcanic waste that eroded from the orifice of the remarkable Mt. Matutum and offered a great enticement to investors particularly in the field of agriculture.

It is also blessed with rich resources such as pineapple, corn, bananas. Bamboo and has shown eco-tourism potentials.

Its mildly cool climate with an average of 23.94° Celsius is one of the town's best assets.

Tupi's major sites include the cut-flower plantation located in Poblacion, Cebeano and Acmonan, the cut-flower plantation is managed Blooming Petals. The latter ships fresh flowers to Cebu and Manila. On the other hand, investment owned and manage by Dole Philippines, Inc.

It also include the highway Fruit Stands, strategically located along the National highway within Barangay Kablon and Polonuling that sells fruit produced from Tupi.

Another is the Miasong Vegetable Plantation, locatod in the east side of Mt. Matutum and frequently visited by researchers. Kablon Farms, a privateowned farm which practices multi-cropping system of high value crops and organic farming is frequently visited by students and researchers.

The products include processed fruits which have reach major markets in the country. It specialized in passion fruit juice amongst numerous others.

MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS

Hon. Valentin G. Mariano, Jr.
Mayor

Hon. Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr.
Vice Mayor

Sanguniang Bayan Members

Hon.Teresita M. Zabala
Hon.Efren P. Buca
Hon.Honorio M. Cornejo, Jr.
Hon.Noel J. Escobillo
Hon.Rodner F. Torre
Hon.Alexander A. Robleza
Hon.Armenda M. Kasan
Hon. Weynard John B. Cornejo

KORONADAL CITY
"The provincial capital: agri-industrial, commercial service and administrative center."

Date of Creation: August 18, 1947 under EO No. 82 as municipality
August 16, 2000 under R.A. No. 8803 as component city

Land Area (Sq. Km.) 284.25
No. of Barangay: 27
Population: 149, 622 (2007 NSO Survey)

BRIEF PROFILE

South Cotabato's Center for finance, business, education, services and government institution, Koronadal City has advanced itself to become the capital city of the province while being named as the new seat of Region XII.

The city is less than an hour drive from General Santos City and is the main crossroad to other key points in Southern and Central Mindanao.

Converted into a component city in year 2000, Koronadal is a fast developing growth center composed of twenty seven 27 Barangays and is the center in terms of political, cultural and socio-economic activities.

Koronadal boast of its favorable geographical location, rich human and natural resources, and potentials conductive for trade business and Industry. It is endowed with scenic spots with high potential for tourist attractions. Among them are waterfalls in Barangay Saravia and Barangay San Jose, Caves in Barangay San Jose, a golf course in Barangay Mambucal and wildlife sanctuary in Sitio EL Gawel, Barangay Saravia.

It was adjudged as the most competitive small-sized city in the Philippines last 2003 and was adjudge as the 2005 Most Business-Friendly City in Mindanao.

Koronadal is now an important hub of commercial, industry and other socio-economic activities. It enjoys the distinction of having been identified as the Agri-industrial Center of the Province of South Cotabato, which made it a lead center for industrialization, acting as catalyst for development particularly in the second district of South Cotabato.

Koronadal, primarily an agri-production area, prides itself of its agri-based resources. The stable peace and order condition provides a favorable climate for more investment.

CITY OFFICIALS

Hon. Fernando Q. Miguel
Mayor

Hon. Vicente R. De Jesus
Vice Mayor

Sangguniang Panlungsod

Hon. Kristine Michelle S. Aguilar
Hon. Gregorio B. Ogoy
Hon. Oscar J. Pagunsan
Hon. Rose S. Dideles
Hon. Marie Antonina I. Hurtado
Hon. Ester Marin Catorce
Hon. Sergio S. Morales
Hon. Ellen Grace N. Subere
Hon. Jose Henry D. Aguirre
Hon. Reynaldo M. Millan

MUNICIPALITY OF TAMPAKAN
"Fruit, Fiber and Corn Producer Center"

Date of Creation: June 21, 1969 under R.A. No. 5561
Land Area(sq. Km.) 242.50
No. of Barangay: 14
Population: 34,245 (2007 NSO Survey)

BRIEF PROFILE

The Vast expanse of fertile plains that dominate the western portion of the municipality and its rolling terrain and mountainous areas exceedingly contributes to make Tampakan as the fruit, fiber and corn producer.

Found in the eastern part bounding the province of Davao del Sur and Sultan Kudarat in the north, Tampakan has numerous rivers and streams that traverse the town which serve as source of water supply of the different Baragays for irrigation purposes. This also contributes to the productivity of the localities in term of agriculture.

It is a major producer of corn, banana, pineapple, gold and copper, forest products and fiber, woodcrafts bamboo and rattan.

As high as 71% of its area can be utilized for permanent crops, permanent pasture, woodland and wildlife purpose.

It is known for Taal Falls located between the boundaries Barangays Albagan and Tablu, Bundok ng Susong Dalaga in Barangay Lambayong and Kwubang Bungo in sitio Kolondatal, Barangay Tablu.

A wide area of Tampakan is utilized by Global Fruits Corporation (GFC) / Lapanday Diversified Products for its fruit plantation and by Sagittarius Mines Inc. for its copper gold project.

MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS

Hon. Bienvenido F. Barroso
Mayor

Hon. Pedro A. Cagas
Vice Mayor

Sanguniang Bayan Members

Hon. Relly A. Leysa
Hon. Anadel T. Magbanua
Hon. James S. Cagas
Hon. Grace B. Josol
Hon. Luisito C. Reyna
Hon. Rolando D. Malabuyog
Hon. Dan N. Cagas
Hon. Azucena G. Constantino

MUNICIPALITY OF SURALLAH
"Alternate Provincial Agri-Industrial Center"

Date of Creation: June 22, 1963 under R.A. No. 3364
Land Area(sq. Km.) 241.00
No. of Barangay: 17
Population: 71, 513 (2007 NSO Survey)

BRIEF PROFILE

Surallah is a very fast growing municipality of South Cotabato. It is located in the upper Allah Valley and because of its high elevation and the presence of several waterways, the town is well drained.

Its functional role is Alternate Provincial Agri-industrial Center. While being a major producer of corn and rice, Surallah has explored its vast potential for progress.

Recognized as the champion-advocate of the Clean and Green Program, Surallah envisions the integral development of the municipality and the people. Through the USWAG Surallah Program, a multi-sectoral approach to addressing the main thrust of its people, Surallah is certain to be the next leading agri-industrial zone in the province of South Cotabato.

MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS

Hon. Romulo O. Solivio, Sr.
Mayor

Hon. Antonio O. Bendita
Vice Mayor

Sanguniang Bayan Members

Hon. Lorenzo E. Dagum
Hon. Pinky U. Divinagracia
Hon. Cerlino L. Villanueva
Hon. Jose Mari L. Pingoy
Hon. Edgardo V. Canieso
Hon. Hernany G. Regalado
Hon. Paquito L. Corneta
Hon. Merlina L. Lopez

MUNICIPALITY OF T'BOLI
"Eco/Cultural Tourism Destination"

Date of Creation: March 5, 1974 under PD No. 407
Land Area(sq. Km.) 809.00
No. of Barangay: 27
Population: 70, 609 (2007 NSO Survey)

BRIEF PROFILE

The municipality of T'boli is located in the hinterlands, on the southwestern portion of Province of South Cotabato and is predominantly inhabited by the T'boli and B'laan ethnic tribes.

With rugged, rolling terrain, valleys and high slopes a top the mountain ranges, it is the hope of the many tribes of the lumads of Mindanao.

Lake Holon (formerly Lake Maughan) nestled at the crater of Mt.Melibengoy (Mt. Parker) was adjudged as the cleanest lake in region XII and ranked first in the 2003 and 2004 search for the Cleanest Inland Bodies of Water in the whole Philippine archipelago. Mt. Melibengoy (parker) Mountain Range considered as one of the highest and longest in the municipality is located some 31 kilometers from Poblacion. It encompasses the areas of Barangay Tudok. Datal, Dlanag and Salacafe. Since time immemorial, this mountain has been considered as one of the sacred places of the T'bolis. Lake holon can be reach from Poblacion to Salacafe on a one hour ride by Skylab (extended carrier motorcycle) then Salacafe to Lake Holon via a three hour trek.

T'boli is the eco-cultural tourism destination, it has gifted with gold reserve, crop plantations (pineapple tropical fruits), corn, livestock, cement manufacturing potential, forest products (rattan, bamboo) abaca handicrafts (t'nalak), ornamentals ferns production potential, watershed resources, inland fishing, geo-thermal resources and wildlife resources.

Seslong Festival, a celebration that portrays the gathering of people of the highlands to barter goods that reflects the cultural heritage and ancestry of the province.

MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS

Hon.Ernesto B. Manuel
Mayor

Hon.Mike S. Mann
Vice Mayor

Sanguniang Bayan Members

Hon.Pacifico C. Cordada, Jr.
Hon.Merlyn T. Ganchoon
Hon.Cosme V. Balzon
Hon.James T. Piang
Hon.Arnold A. Tanco
Hon.Johnel M. Glis
Hon.Steven G. Lutan
Hon.Jimmy F. Pericon