| Kidapawan | |
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| — City — | |
| Map of Cotabato showing the location of Kidapawan City. | |
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Kidapawan
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Philippines |
| Region | Region XII |
| Province | Cotabato |
| District | 2nd District of Cotabato |
| Founded | August 18, 1947 |
| Cityhood | February 12, 1998 (R.A. 8500) |
| Barangays | 40 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Rodolfo Y. Gantuangco |
| Area | |
| • Total | 340.07 km2 (131.3 sq mi) |
| Population (2010) | |
| • Total | 150,044 |
| • Density | 441.2/km2 (1,142.7/sq mi) |
| Time zone | PHT (UTC+8) |
| ZIP Code | 9400 |
| Income class | First Class |
Kidapawan City is a 1st 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 “A Spring in the Highland”, 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.
Based on the 2010 estimates, the city has a total population of 150,044 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.
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.
Cebuanos, Ilonggos and Ilocanos are the predominant ethnic groups in the city. Other ethnic groups residing in the area are the Maguindanaons and Manobos. The 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.
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.
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 fruit basket of the Philippines. 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 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. 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[1]) 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.[2] In 2006, the festival was held in October due to problems with the harvest.[3] The 2007 festival was held in the traditional month of August.[1] 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.
There are a lot of villages and housing subdivisions that are located within the city's residential area and its adjacent barangays. Just recently there is a twelve acre subdivision project by E & N Country Homes that is located at the very heart of Kidapawan City. The new neighborhood is located near transportation, highways, schools, churches, hospitals, shopping centers, commercial districts, and other community facilities.
Note: Aside from PhilHealth, Cotabato Province has its own insurance services called CHIP or Cotabato Health Insurance Program.
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 passes the cities of Digos and Kidapawan. Public Utility Vans also served routes to and from the cities of Davao, Cotabato, Tacurong-Isulan, Koronadal and General Santos.
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