Kidapawan City is a 3rd class city in the province of Cotabato, Philippines per Department of Finance Order No. 20-2005. It is the capital city of Cotabato Province. It is a favorite tourist destination in the late October to December and in the summer, where thousands of tourist climb the majestic Mt. Apo, the country's highest peak.
Kidapawan, the city hailed as “The Spring in the Highlands”, comes from the words “TIDA” which means spring and “PAWAN” meaning highland. The city is found at the bottom of the majestic Mt. Apo, the country’s tallest mountain making it a great spot and first-rate tourist attraction. Kidapawan is situated at the southeastern section of Cotabato province, placed in the middle of three other major cities of Davao, Cotabato, General Santos, Koronadal, and Cagayan de Oro.
Its first settlers were predominantly Manobos. The influx of Christian settlers from Luzon and the Visayas has resulted in the evolution of the word Tidapawan to Kidapawan. Strategically located at the foot of Mount Apo, the Philippines' tallest peak at 10,311 feet above sea level, Kidapawan City bustles with renewed energy as it opens its doors to the world. Mount Apo and its other scenic attractions make the province of Cotabato a potential world-class tourist destination.
Kidapawan City plays a pivotal role in the economic development of the province and its adjacent areas. It is the commercial and trading center of six adjoining municipalities. It also boasts of agricultural productivity that can provide a strong base for much-required industries.
Kidapawan City was legally created by virtue of Republic Act. No. 8500, signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos on February 12, 1998, making it the first component city of Cotabato Province. The people overwhelmingly ratified the said Act on March 21, 1998 during a plebiscite conducted for the purpose.
Originally named a district of Pikit in 1942, In 1942 the Japanese Imperial forces entered in Kidapawan, In 1945, local Filipino soldiers of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and Philippine Constabulary units and Moro guerrilla fighters taken to liberated in Kidapawan fought the battles attack by the Japanese Imperial forces beginning the World War II, Kidapawan was later declared a separate municipality by virtue of Executive Order No. 82 issued by then President Manuel Roxas on August 18, 1947 – thereby becoming the fourth town of the then Empire Province of Cotabato, composed previously of the municipalities of Cotabato (now Cotabato City), Dulawan (later named Datu Piang) and Midsayap.
Created along with the city were the 12 original barangays, namely: Birada, Ginatilan, Indangan, Linangcob, Luvimin, Manongol, Marbel, Mateo, Meohao, Mua-an, Perez, and Sibawan. From the original land area of 273, 262 hectares, Kidapawan retained only 34,007.20 hectares when four municipalities were created from it namely: Magpet (June 22, 1963, R.A. 3721), Matalam (Dec. 29, 1961, E.O. 461), M’lang (Aug. 3, 1951, E.O. 462) and President Roxas (May 8, 1967, R.A. 4869).
Prior to its conversion to a municipality, five appointed District Mayors had served Kidapawan. The first was Datu Siawan Ingkal, tribal chieftain of the Manobos, who headed the Civilian Emergency Administration when World War II broke out. He was followed by Felimon Blanco, Ceferino Villanueva, Jacinto Paclibar, and Alfonso Angeles Sr., who became the first elected mayor of the municipality.
Kidapawan became the provincial capital of Cotabato Province pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 341 dated 22 November 1973, with the provincial seat of government located in Amas. Later, Batas Pambansa No. 660 dated 19 December 1983 renamed the Province of North Cotabato just plain Cotabato. By the time it became the province’s capital, Kidapawan had already 40 barangays under its geopolitical jurisdiction.
Located outside the typhoon belt, the city is blessed with a favorable climate characterized by wet and dry seasons. The coldest months are December and January, and the hottest months are April and May.
Based on the 2010 NSO Census, the city has a total population of 125,447, from 117,610 in 2007. The religion is predominantly Roman Catholic, although there are many Muslims residing in the city. The main languages are Cebuano and Ilonggo, while Tagalog and English are the secondary languages.
Cebuanos, Ilonggos and Ilocanos are the predominant ethnic groups in the city. Other ethnic groups residing in the area are the Maguindanaons and Manobos. Both the Hiligaynon and Cebuano dialect is widely used, especially in the city proper. English is considered as the medium of instruction in schools and other learning institutions. English is predominantly used in major government agencies in their transactions and reports. Laws and ordinances in the city are all written in English.
- ABC Educational Development Center
- Amas Baptist Stork Learning Center, Inc.
- Amas CES
- Amas NHS
- Amazion ES
- Balabag Elementary School
- Binoligan ES
- Birada Elementary School
- Calaocan Public School
- Cayetano A. Javier Memorial Elementary School
- Central Mindanao Colleges
- Clarissian Child Tutorial and Learning Center
- Colegio de Kidapawan[1]
- Datu Saliman Elementary School
- Felipe Suerte Memorial Elementary School
- Gayola ES
- Gayola NHS
- Ginatilan Elementary School
- Ginatilan NHS
- Ginatilan NHS - Perez Integrated HS Annex
- Isidro Lonzaga Memorial Elementary School
- Jireh Alliance School of Kidapawan City
- Juan P. Jalipa Mem. HS
- Junction Elementary School
- Kalaisan Elementary School
- Kalaisan Elementray School - Datu Mileb E. Andagkit PS
- Kalaisan NHS
- Kalasuyan Elementary School
- Katipunan ES
- Kidapawan Anchor Bay Bible School
- Kidapawan City Baptist Heritage Academy
- Kidapawan City National High School (City High)
- Kidapawan City Pilot Elementary School
- Kidapawn City S.D.A. Elementary School
- Kidapawan City SPED center
- Kidapawan Jireh Christian School
- Kidapawan Polytechnic College
- Kidapawan Southern Baptist Elementary School
- Kidapawan Technical School and Security Training Center, Inc.
- Lake Agco PS
- Lanao Central Elementary School
- Linangkob Elementary School/Mateo Olodin Memorial Elementary School
- Linangkob NHS
- Luvimin Elementary School
- Macebolig Elementray School
- Malinan ES
- Manongol Elementary School
- Manongol NHS
- Marbel Elementary School
- Marciano Mancera Memorial Elementary School
- Mateo Elementary School
- Meohao Elementary School
- Mt. Apo NHS
- Mua-An Elementary School
- New Bohol Elementary School
- New LIfe Academy of Kidapawan
- North Point College of Arts and Technology
- North Valley College Foundation
- Notre Dame of Kidapawan College[2][3]
- Nuangan Elementary School
- Paco Central Elementary School
- Paco NHS
- Patadon ES
- Perez Elementary School
- Puasinda ES
- Read Data Access Computer College (RDACC)
- St. Louis Review Center (SLRC) - Kidapawan (Nursing, Teachers & Civil Service Review)
- St. Mary's Academy of Kidapawan (Private-Sectarian School under the Religious of the Virgin Mary)[4][5][6][7]
- Saniel Cruz National High School (SCNHS) Formerly Kidapawan City National High School Annex
- San Isidro ES
- San Miguel PS
- San Roque ES
- Sto. Nino ES
- Sayaban Elementary School
- School For Life Montessori
- Sibawan Elementary School
- Sibug MES
- Sikitan Elementary School
- Singao Elementary School
- Southern Philippines Methodist College
- Spottswood NHS
- Sumayahon Elementary School
- Sumbac ES
- System Technology Institute (STI Kidapawan)[8]
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Kidapawan College
source: Department of Education (Philippines) [10]
Kidapawan City was classified as a 1st class city per Department of Finance Order No. 20-2005 . In 2006, it yielded an income of Php268.94 million, of which 73.8 percent constituted the Internal Revenue Allotment. Of its Php314.22 million total expenditures for the year, 25.9 percent were expended on economic services.
The City is considered as the province’s industrial hub. It plays a pivotal role in the economic development of the province and its adjacent areas. It is the commercial and trading hub of six neighboring municipalities. It lies at the heart of two large domestic markets: Davao City and Cotabato City.
The flower-cutting industry is a good source of livelihood among Cotabateños, especially those residing in Kidapawan City. In addition to ornamental and forest tree seedlings, flowers such as roses, anthuriums and orchids are abundantly grown locally providing a very promising and highly profitable source of livelihood and business in the area.
Kidapawan city also prides itself as the Second Fruit Basket of the Philippines, after Davao City. Exotic fruits like Durian, Mangosteen, Lanzones, Marang, Rambutan, Banana, and the like are grown and harvested in abundance from the rolling highlands of Mt. Apo, passing through the wide plains of the rural communities of Kidapawan City, and down into the backyard of every household.
Crops abundantly grown in the area include abaca, rubber, corn, rice, coconut, and vegetables.
Kidapawan City is synonymous to Mt. Apo[11][12][13][14] which towers at 10,311 feet above sea level with a total area of 14.6 square meters. The country’s tallest peak is an abode to the almost extinct Philippine Eagle.[15][16][17] The majestic mountain is surrounded by moss-covered century-old-trees, captivating flora and fauna, sulfur craters, and massive boulders. Within the Mt. Apo Natural Park is the Mandarangan Geological Site which is being promoted as a major educational tourism site. Lake Venado which is hidden among the mountain ranges stands at an elevation of 7,200 feet above sea level. Its crystal waters mirror the twin peaks of Mt. Apo. Lake Agko, on the other hand, is a steaming blue lake where hot and cold springs converge. It stands at an elevation of 4,200 feet above sea level. It is five kilometers from the jump-off point of mountain trekkers located at Barangay Ilomavis, Kidapawan City.
The Marbel Falls, which is a hidden twin falls of about 60 to 70 feet in height, is surrounded by hot springs. The Mawig Falls on the other hand, which is located in Barangay Balabag, is the source of the crystal-clear waters of Matingao River.
To celebrate the abundance of the exotic fruits grown in Kidapawan City, the city government spearheads the annual celebration of a Festival which falls annually in the month of August called Timpupo or the fruit festival. This festival first held in 2002 (the 2007 festival was the 6th occurrence of the festival[18]) celebrates the fruit harvest, the city purchases large quantities of local fruit which is laid out on tables along the streets for visitors and residents.[19] In 2006, the festival was held in October due to problems with the harvest.[20] The 2007 festival was held in the traditional month of August.[18] Dubbed “Timpupo” from the Manobo word “harvest”, the celebration signifies the people's thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest and richness of the exotic fruits that thrive in the area. The Timpupo Festival is the best venue to savor the sweet, rich, and healthful banquet of tropical fruits which usually falls during the harvest season -August to October - depending on the ripening of fruits. Activities featured during the annual event include the Fruit Galore, Fruit Float Parade, Fruit Arrangement and Street Dancing Competition.
The Foundation Anniversary of the City of Kidapawan (February 12) is celebrated with parades, beauty contests, and traditional non-lethal horse fights.
Local means of transportation is served by almost 2,000 motor tricycles known locally as just "motor".
Transportations to its barangays and adjacent municipalities are served by Multicabs, Jeepneys, and L300 Vans.
Weena Bus Company serves the Davao City—Cotabato City Route which stretches along the cities of Digos and Kidapawan. Public Utility Vans also serve routes to and from the cities of Davao, Cotabato, Tacurong-Isulan, Koronadal and General Santos.
In adherence to the ascending rate of Kidapawan's Economic growth, many residential developers are flocking in the explorable lands of the city. Few of these residences, villages and subdivisions are:
- Apo Sandawa Homes
- Sunny Meadows Subdivision
- E & N Country Homes (Under Developing Status)
- Saniel-Cruz Subdivision
- Kidapawan Doctors Hospital - Tertiary Hospital.
- North Cotabato Medical Center - Tertiary Hospital (formerly Cotabato Provincial Hospital).
- Kidapawan Medical Specialist Center - Tertiary hospital
- Kidapawan City Hospital
- Luis P. Malaluan Hospital
- Madonna General Hospital - Secondary Hospital
- Manuel Medical Hospital
- United Doctors Hospital
- Dizon Clinic & Hospital - Secondary Hospital
- Rural Health Units are widely available in Kidapawan.
- Evangelista A.Dwin Medical Hospital
Note: Aside from PhilHealth, Cotabato Province has its own insurance services called CHIP or Cotabato Health Insurance Program.
- DXCA-FM 90.3 mHz Charm Radio, The Voice of our Land (PFCABS)
- DXDM-FM 88.7 mHz Hot Radio (NDBC)
- DXND-AM 747 kHz Radio for Peace (NDBC)
- DXYY-FM 107.1 mHz Radyo Natin (MBC)
- DXGM-FM 103.3 mHz Dream FM (DepEd)
- DXGM-FM Z 101 FM 101.5 MHz (G. MERCADO ENTERTAINMENT CENTER)
- The Edge Radio 103.7 MHz
- NBN DXKN-TV 8 (with transmitters located in Amas Provincial Compound)
- DXCA RADYO UKAY (UMBN) University of Mindanao Broadcasting Network
Largest cities or towns of Mindanao
National Statistics Office: 2010 Population Census |
| Rank |
City name |
Region |
Pop. |
Rank |
City name |
Region |
Pop. |
| 1 |
Davao City |
Davao Region |
1,449,296 |
11 |
Valencia |
Northern Mindanao |
181,556 |
| 2 |
Zamboanga City |
Zamboanga Peninsula |
807,129 |
12 |
Koronadal |
SOCCSKSARGEN |
169,074 |
| 3 |
Cagayan de Oro |
Northern Mindanao |
602,088 |
13 |
Panabo |
Davao Region |
164,456 |
| 4 |
General Santos |
SOCCSKSARGEN |
538,086 |
14 |
Digos |
Davao Region |
159,569 |
| 5 |
Iligan |
Northern Mindanao |
322,821 |
15 |
Malaybalay |
Northern Mindanao |
153,085 |
| 6 |
Butuan |
Caraga Region |
309,709 |
16 |
Surigao |
Caraga Region |
140,540 |
| 7 |
Cotabato City |
SOCCSKSARGEN |
271,786 |
17 |
Ozamiz |
Northern Mindanao |
131,527 |
| 8 |
Tagum |
Davao Region |
242,801 |
18 |
Mati |
Davao Region |
126,143 |
| 9 |
Marawi |
ARMM |
187,106 |
19 |
Kidapawan |
SOCCSKSARGEN |
125,447 |
| 10 |
Pagadian |
Zamboanga Peninsula |
186,852 |
20 |
Dipolog |
Zamboanga Peninsula |
120,460 |
|
|
|
| Luzon |
Antipolo (de facto), Rizal · Balanga, Bataan · Baler, Aurora · Bangued, Abra · Basco, Batanes · Batangas, Batangas · Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya · Boac, Marinduque · Bontoc, Mountain Province · Cabarroguis, Quirino · Calapan, Oriental Mindoro · Daet, Camarines Norte · Iba, Zambales · Ilagan, Isabela · Imus (de jure), Cavite · Kabugao (de jure), Apayao · Lagawe, Ifugao · Laoag, Ilocos Norte · La Trinidad, Benguet · Daraga, Albay · Lingayen, Pangasinan · Lucena, Quezon · Luna (de facto), Apayao · Malolos, Bulacan · Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro · Masbate, Masbate · Palayan, Nueva Ecija · Pasig (de jure), Rizal · Naga, Camarines Sur · Puerto Princesa, Palawan · Romblon, Romblon · San Fernando, La Union · San Fernando, Pampanga · Tabuk, Kalinga · Tarlac, Tarlac · Trece Martires (de facto), Cavite · Tuguegarao, Cagayan · Santa Cruz, Laguna · Sorsogon, Sorsogon · Vigan, Ilocos Sur · Virac, Catanduanes
|
|
| Visayas |
Bacolod, Negros Occidental · Borongan, Eastern Samar · Catarman, Northern Samar · Catbalogan, Samar · Cebu, Cebu · Dumaguete, Negros Oriental · Iloilo, Iloilo · Jordan, Guimaras · Kalibo, Aklan · Maasin, Southern Leyte · Naval, Biliran · Roxas, Capiz · San Jose de Buenavista, Antique · Siquijor, Siquijor · Tagbilaran, Bohol · Tacloban, Leyte
|
|
| Mindanao |
Alabel, Sarangani · Bongao (de facto), Tawi-Tawi · Butuan (de facto), Agusan del Norte · Cabadbaran (de jure), Agusan del Norte · Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental · Digos, Davao del Sur · Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte · Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay · Isabela, Basilan · Isulan, Sultan Kudarat · Jolo, Sulu · Kidapawan, Cotabato · Koronadal, South Cotabato · Malaybalay, Bukidnon · Mambajao, Camiguin · Marawi, Lanao del Sur · Mati, Davao Oriental · Nabunturan, Compostela Valley · Oroquieta, Misamis Occidental · Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur · Panglima Sugala (de jure), Tawi-Tawi · Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur · San Jose, Dinagat Islands · Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao · Surigao, Surigao del Norte · Tagum, Davao del Norte · Tandag, Surigao del Sur · Tubod, Lanao del Norte
|
|
