City of Kidapawan

Location
Map of Cotabato showing the location of Kidapawan City. Map of Cotabato showing the location of Kidapawan City.
Government
Region	Central Mindanao (Region XII)
Province	North Cotabato
District	2nd District of Cotabato
Barangays	40
Income class:	2nd class city
Mayor	Rodolfo Y. Gantuangco
Founded	August 18, 1947
Cityhood	February 12, 1998 (R.A. 8500)
Official Website	www.kidapawan.gov.ph
Physical characteristics
Area	340.07 km
Population      Total (2000)      Density	101,205 297.6/km

Kidapawan City is a 2nd class city in the province of Cotabato, Philippines. It is the capital city of Cotabato. 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. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 101,205 people in 20,393 households. Estimates indicate that as of 2005, the population has reached 120,000.

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, and General Santos.

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.

History

A few years after the coming of the American Christian Missionary Alliance, the Rural High School of Semanongol (now Manongol) and Form School in Bulatukan were established in the Kidapawan area. Datu Siawan Ingkal, the leader of the place, was appointed First Municipal District Mayor and headed the civilian emergency administration.

Kidapawan was originally a district of Pikit. Shortly after the Liberation period, on August 18, 1947, it was declared a separate municipality, becoming the fourth town of the empire province of Cotabato by virtue of Executive Order No. 82 dated August 18, 1948 and signed by then President Manuel Acuña Roxas. It covered a total land area of 273,262 hectares. Later, four other municipalities were created out of Kidapawan thus diminishing its area to 33,926.4 hectares.

The then 2nd class municipality experienced rapid economic build-up in 1995 and was converted into 1st class in 1996 and eventually into a component city after an overwhelming yes vote in the plebescite. A physician named Luis P. Malaluan, M.D. is the last municipal mayor and first city mayor.

On February 12, 1998, then President Fidel Valdez Ramos signed Republic Act No. 8500 declaring Kidapawan a component city of the province of Cotabato. Despite strong opposition from certain sectors, RA 8500 was finally ratified on March 21, 1998.

Geography

Kidapawan City is located at the southeastern portion of Cotabato province, located almost midway between the cities of Davao and Cotabato at a distance of 110 and 120 km., respectively.

Population

The population as of 2000 is 101,205, excluding the Cotabato province.

Language/Dialect

Cebuano, Waray, Hiligaynon, Tagalog, Ilocano, Boholano, Ilocano, Manobo, Maranao, Maguindanaon, Tausog, and Iranon are spoken. Cebuano and tagalog is widely spoken especially in the city proper. English is taught in schools where it has been a medium of instruction

Climate

Located outside the typhoon belt, the city is blessed with a favorable climate characterized by wet and dry seasons. The coldest time of the year is between December and January, and the hottest months are during the months of April and May.

Industries

Cutflower has become a good source of livelihood among Cotabateños, especially those residing in Kidapawan City, who have organized a cooperative on cutflower marketing and production. Roses, anthuriums, and orchids which are conveniently grown locally are highly promising and profitable businesses and sources of livelihood. Even at large scale production, ornamentals and forest tree seedlings have become a high-selling business.

Ramie plantation in Kidapawan can be a future boom to the local textile industry.

Cotabato is primarily an agricultural area (50% of total land area devoted to agri-production) with major crops that include rubber, grains, sugarcane, and exotic fruits like durian, rambutan, mango, banana, lanzones and mangosteen.

The tourism industry has greatly been improved. Its local tourism council has been recognized and named as the most outstanding torism council in the Philippines from year 1996 to 1999. Kidapawan Tourism Council has then become one of the Philippine Department of Tourism Hall of Famers. Thousands of people come to Kidapawan to climb the Philippines' tallest peak, Mt. Apo at 10,000 feet above sea level.

Festivals

Founding

The Foundation Anniversary of the City of Kidapawan (February 12) is celebrated with parades, beauty contests, and traditional non-lethal horse fights.

Timpupo

The month of August sees the celebration of the festival 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.<ref name="timp1" />

Barangays

Kidapawan City is politically subdivided into 40 barangays.

Amas Amazion Balabag Balindog Binoligan Birada Gayola Ginatilan Ilomavis Indangan Junction Kalaisan Kalasuyan Katipunan

Lanao Linangcob Luvimin Macebolig Malinan Manongol Marbel (Embac) Mateo Meohao Mua-an New Bohol Nuangan Onica

Paco Patadon (Patadon East) Perez Poblacion (will soon be divided into 4 barangays) San Isidro San Roque Santo Niño Sibawan Sikitan Singao Sudapin Sumbac Magsaysay

Medical Facilities

• Kidapawan Doctors Hospital - Tertiary Hospital. Offers the first CT Scan in Region 12.
• North Cotabato Medical Center - Tertiary Hospital (formerly Cotabato Provincial Hospital).
• Kidapawan Medical Specialist Center - The first tertiary hospital in the province of Cotabato. Now with CT Scan services.
• 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.

Note: Aside from PhilHealth, Cotabato Province has its own insurance services called CHIP or Cotabato Health Insurance Program.

Banking and Financial Services

• Allied Banking Corporation *
• Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company *
• Philippine National Bank *
• One Network Bank *
• Development Bank of the Philippines *
• China Banking Corportation *
• United Coconut Planters Bank *
• Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation *
• Land Bank of the Philippines - City and Capitol Branch *
• BDO Equitable Bank *
• Peninsula Rural Bank
• Rural Bank of Digos
• Rural Bank of Midsayap
• Cooperative Bank of Cotabato

-* with ATM Onsite, most accepts Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Maestro transactions.

Pawnshops and Lending firms are extensive in the city. One of which is M Luilier which operates 24 hours even on holidays and weekends. Foreign currency exchange is located at KMCC Mall, Sugni Superstore and on all De Leon Pawnshops.

How to Get here

From Manila, Philippines

One can fly via Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific or Air Philippines to Davao International Airport (DIA). From there you may ride a taxi going to SM City Davao Van Terminal. After you get there, you can transfer to a Van Services bound for Kidapawan City even upto 8PM daily. Travel to Kidapawan is approximately 2 Hours which cost P140/pax.

Another option is through a Bus which is operated by Weena Bus Co. Their terminal is at Ecoland Overland Terminal Davao City.

What to See

• Mandarangan Geological Site

A major educational tourism site within the Mt. Apo Natural Park.

• Mawig Falls

The source of the crystal-clear Matingao River.

• Marbel Falls

A hidden twin falls about 60 to 70 feet high and surrounded by hot springs.

• Mt. Apo Peak

The Philippine's highest mountain and home to the almost-extinct Philippine Eagle.

• Lake Venado

A lake hidden among the mountain ranges at an elevation of 7,200 feet above sea level. Its crystal waters mirror the twin peaks of Mt. Apo.

• Lake Agko

A steaming blue lake where hot and cold springs converge at an elevation of 4,200 feet above sea level.

• The Landmark Park

A park that is perfect for family gatherings where one can enjoy the cool river water.

• Kidapawan Promenade

A park located within the heart of the city where marvelous light show starts every night.

• Christmas Light Show

Happens every December where the streets are filled with Christmas lights that dazzles your eyes.

Where to Stay

• AJ Hightime Hotel. - Highly Reccommended
• Grand Ficus Hotel and Restaurant - Highly Reccommended
• Apo Summit Hostel - Higly Reccomended
• Mang Omings Lodge
• Dezzert Inn
• AJD Pension House
• Supercool Drive Inn
• JBL Lodge
• Vista Lodge

Where to Dine

• Jollibee
• Mandarin Tea Garden
• Smokin Toppings
• Chicken Atiatihan
• Badoks Chicken
• Sariling Atin Just Pick and Grill
• Venado Grill
• Altche Tapz
• Rab Cafe and Coffee shop
• Lady M Restaurant & Coffee Shop -Free WiFi Hotspot http://www.netpcsupport.com/images/computer/logos/wifi_logo_tiny.gif
• PizzaHaus
• Boyaks Chicken & Fastfood
• Pepperbird Restaurant
• Jervosos Place Native Chicken Specialty
• Uncle Art Cold Cut
• Jazzy Fastfood

Where to Study

Tertiary Education

• Colegio de Kidapawan (Kidapawan College) - Free WiFi Hotspot
• Central Mindanao Colleges (CMC)
• STI Computer College Kidapawan Campus
• Notre Dame of Kidapawan College (NDKC)
• North Valley College Foundation Inc.
• University of Southern Mindanao
• RDA Computer College
• Southern Philippine College

Where to Shop

• KMCC Mall
• Davao Central Warehouse Club
• Kasapid Warehouse
• Kidapawan Mercantile
• Sugni SuperStore
• Survive Marketing
• Alnaz RTW

Radio/Telecommunications

• DXDM FM HotRadio 88.7
• Charm Radio FM 90.3
• Radyo Natin FM 105.7
• DXND Radio For Peace AM 747
• Metrophone (Philcom) - Main Landline provider
• SMART Communications
• Globe Telecom
• Sun Cellular

Whats the Future

• Kidapawan City Domestic Airport
• Eva's Mall (Under Construction)
• Gaisano Center Kidapawan

References

External links

• Philippine Standard Geographic Code
• 2000 Philippine Census Information

•  • [ e] City and Municipalities of Cotabato
Alamada • Aleosan • Antipas • Arakan • Banisilan • Carmen • Kabacan • Kidapawan City • Libungan • M'Lang • Magpet • Makilala • Matalam • Midsayap • Pigkawayan • Pikit • President Roxas • Tulunan

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