South Cotabato:
Land of Dreamweavers
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 agriproduction area, prides itself of its agri-based resources. The stable peace and order condition provides a favorable climate for more investment.
History
Centuries ago, the area that would be the South Cotabato was sparsely inhabited by Malay Pioneers which later evolved 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 1930s. 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 1960s 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 9th Mindanao Business 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.
People and Culture
The people of South Cotabato still retain many of the practices and traditions of their particular tribal heritages, although infused with a flavor that is distinctly Mindanaoan and the product of cultural interaction between the immigrants and the indigenous peoples of the area. One vivid example of this is the predominant use of the native ‘malong’, the colorful, tubelike garment used as a skirt by the indigenous tribes, in place of a blanket or sleeping bag. The people of South Cotabato have diverse heritages. Ilonggos from Panay and Negros in the Visayas settled the municipalities of Norala, Banga, Surallah, Sto. Niño and the province’s capital, Koronadal, The province’s major communication media is Filipino, English or Hiligaynon. On the other hand, people from the Ilocano speaking regions of Luzon settled in Tampakan, Tantangan and Tupi, and the Ilocano language may still be heard spoken in these towns. The Visayan language, Cebuano is also the main ethnic ethnolinguistic group of the municipality of Polomolok and is one of the main ethnolinguistic groups of Tupi (along with Ilonggo and Tagalog, which slightly differs from Manila Tagalog). Both towns are near to Cebuano-speaking General Santos City.
The people of South Cotabato still retain many of the practices and traditions of their particular tribal heritages, although infused with a flavor that is distinctly Mindanaoan and the product of cultural interaction between the immigrants and the indigenous peoples of the area. One vivid example of this is the predominant use of the native ‘malong’, the colorful, tubelike garment used as a skirt by the indigenous tribes, in place of a blanket or sleeping bag. The people of South Cotabato have diverse heritages. Ilonggos from Panay and Negros in the Visayas settled the municipalities of Norala, Banga, Surallah, Sto. Niño and the province’s capital, Koronadal, The province’s major communication media is Filipino, English or Hiligaynon. On the other hand, people from the Ilocano speaking regions of Luzon settled in Tampakan, Tantangan and Tupi, and the Ilocano language may still be heard spoken in these towns. The Visayan language, Cebuano is also the main ethnic ethnolinguistic group of the municipality of Polomolok and is one of the main ethnolinguistic groups of Tupi (along with Ilonggo and Tagalog, which slightly differs from Manila Tagalog). Both towns are near to Cebuano-speaking General Santos City.
The older version of the popular eco-tourism destination in Luzon, Mt. Pinatubo. It’s peak known as Asamblak peak stands tall at 1,750m ASL and holds a mossy campsite. Overlooking is the Maughan Lake at 300 m below. It is the crater lake of Mt. Parker and is estimated to be 300 ha wide.
LAKE SEBU
Known as the Summer Capital of the South, the 1st class town of Lake Sebu is in a place where life
blends with nature. Known as the Land of Dream Weavers, this famous and stunning lake for which the
town is named after is found on the high mountains. The lake itself is approximately 20 kilometers off the
main highway between Cotabato and General Santos cities.
As there are lakes, the place also takes pride in its 7 grandiose waterfalls. The second one, called
“Hikong Bente”, the T’boli word for “immeasurable falls” is at least 70m high, and is the highest among the
7. Enjoy being enveloped by its cool fine mist as you take a dip in the clean waters.
But the most wonderful thing about holidaying in Lake Sebu is shopping for souvenir items which
are not available elsewhere in the world. From colorful bead necklaces, brass wares, wooden items to T’boli
dolls, T’boli musical instruments or the intricately woven T’nalak fabrics, bracelets, ID holders, etc. you can
indulge in endless shopping at various shops in the vicinity of the resort area.
When you’re in Lake Sebu and South Cotabato you should not miss the gravity-defying Seven Falls Zipline experience. Literally FLY above three of the seven falls of Lake Sebu in just a ride at a speed of 100-120 kph and at a height of 180 meters high, the highest in Southeast Asia!
T’nalak Festival
T’NALAK FESTIVAL. The T’nalak is an intricately woven tapestry of intense and striking colors. The hues of intertwined abaca fabric depict the vivid spirit of the people whom this unique and artistic weaving has invariably come to represent. This symbol of woven dreams is a fundamental part of South Cotabato’s culture, a culture steeped in mystique. The T’nalak Festival is an annual celebration that commemorates the Foundation Anniversary of the dynamic South Cotabato province amidst the dual presence of tradition and progress. Much like the choreographed contrast of this unique tapestry, the T’nalak Festival is a mix of varied events that likewise characterize the South Cotabato people and their vibrant spirit, a people, whose distinct culture and multi-ethnicity contribute to the image of this emerging province – a province that is steadfast in weaving its wealth towards advancement, and a province undoubtedly beyond compare. From colourful street dancing, pulsation street parties and innovative trade expos the T’nalak Festival has it all.
.jpg)
Celebrate with the locals at the annual T’nalak Festival. Usually set every second week of July, the T’nalak Festival shows the rich and colorful cultural heritage of South
Cotabato and its people. The festivity is named after the famous T’nalak cloth woven
by the T’boli’s of South Cotabato. Some of the highlights of the festivity includes the T’nalak
street dancing competition participated by the 10 municipalities of South Cotabato, the search for Mutya ng South Cotabato, Balikbayan Night, nightly concerts
and more..
Kamayadan Festival
Coined from an Ilonggo term “mayad” which means “good.”Kamayadan Festival depicts a celebration of thanksgiving for good harvest. The rice Granary of the province, Norala commemorates its foundation from the 1st up to the 10th of March complemented with various activities that define the municipality’s abundance.
Kasadyahan Festival
Kasadyahan, a Street Dancing competition coined from Visayan word “Kasadya.” It is a convergence of various ethnic and cultural dances featuring Tupi as the province’s flower, fruit and vegetable basket and a town where various cultures abode. Held every September 1 to 11 in celebration of the town’s foundation anniversary.
Pasundayag Festival
Last week of February to First week of March Pasundayag, an Ilonggo term which means “show” or “a presentation” is a unique fiesta celebration which showcases the municipality’s local talents in a week-long celebration of good life and thanksgiving of the people of Banga.
Seslong Festival
This festival is a celebration that portrays the gathering of people to barter goods. The municipality of T’Boli showcases its unique ethnicity from the 5th to 16th of March. Known as the center for eco-cultural tourism, the people of the highlands reflect the cultural heritage and ancestry of the
province.
Kulitangtang Festival
Taken from the word “Kulitangtangan,” the ringing of a bell when there is a gathering, the municipality is known for its clay pots and ceramics made by local artisans and craftsmen. Tantangan celebrates its foundation anniversary every 27th day of January.
Flom’lok Festival
Flom’lok is taken from a B’laan word which means “hunting ground.” The people of Polomolok celebrate this by showcasing the local products and a mix of socio-cultural activities. Home to one of the world’s largest pineapple plantations, Polomolok commemorates its foundation from September 2nd to 16th with true South Cotabato flair.
Hinublag Festival
January 11 to 18 During this festival, the municipality of Sto. Nino celebrates its emancipation anniversary. This agriculturally blessed municipality is called the rice bin of the province. theHinublag Festival is held from Januray 11th to 18th. A highlight of the festival is the street dancing competition
in honor of the municipality’s patron saint, Sto. Nino.
Linggong Matutum
A week-long festivity every March 13 to 20 of each year in celebration of the declaration of Mt. Matutum as protected landscape: highlighting “AmyakMaleh,” a climb and plant mountaineering activities and the Mindanao wide “AmyakMaleh Mt. Matutum Boke Challenge.” Municipality of Tupi.
MAP of South Cotabato
How to get there:
There are daily flights from Manila to General Santos City.
.jpg)
There are schedules available which will bring you to South Cotabato.
.jpg)
From General Santos City, you can rent a taxi or ride a bus to go to Koronadal City, the capital of South Cotabato.
