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South Cotabato

Coordinates: 6°10′N 125°00′E / 6.17°N 125°E / 6.17; 125
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South Cotabato
Province
Other transcription(s)
 • Jawiسلاتن كوتوات
(from top: left to right) Lake Holon, Seven Falls in Lake Sebu, Mount Matutum, Lake Sebu, Lake Holon in T'boli and Koronadal City Hall.
Flag of South Cotabato
Flag
Official seal of South Cotabato
Seal
Nickname: 
Land of the Dreamweavers
Location in the Philippines
Location in the Philippines
OpenStreetMap
Map
Coordinates: 6°10′N 125°00′E / 6.17°N 125°E / 6.17; 125
CountryPhilippines
RegionSoccsksargen
FoundedJuly 18, 1966
CapitalKoronadal
Largest cityGeneral Santos
Government
 • TypeSangguniang Panlalawigan
 • GovernorReynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. (PFP)
 • Vice GovernorArthur Y. Pingoy Jr. (PFP)
 • LegislatureSouth Cotabato Provincial Board
Area
[1]
 • Total3,935.95 km2 (1,519.68 sq mi)
 • Rank32nd out of 81
 (excluding General Santos)
Highest elevation
(Mount Matutum)
2,286 m (7,500 ft)
Population
 (2020 census)[2]
 • Total975,476
 • Rank29th out of 81
 • Density250/km2 (640/sq mi)
  • Rank41st out of 81
 (excluding General Santos)
Divisions
 • Independent cities
1
 • Component cities
1
 • Municipalities
10
 • Barangays
 • Districts
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
9500–9513
IDD : area code +63 (0)83
ISO 3166 codePH-SCO
Spoken languages
Income classification1st class
Websitewww.southcotabato.gov.ph

South Cotabato,[a] officially the Province of South Cotabato, is a province in the Philippines located in the Soccsksargen region in Mindanao. Its capital is Koronadal (also the regional center of Soccsksargen), and it borders Sultan Kudarat to the north and west, Sarangani to the south and northeast, and Davao del Sur to the far northeast. To the southeast lies Sarangani Bay.

General Santos, the only coastal city/town located on the shores of Sarangani Bay, is the largest city in both the province and the region (by population), but is governed independently from the province. The province of Sarangani used to be part of South Cotabato until it was made an independent province in 1992.

History

[edit]

Early history

[edit]

Centuries ago, the area that would be the South Cotabato was sparsely inhabited by Maguindanaon pioneers and Lumads which are under Sultanate of Maguindanao's influence. The Spaniards launched expeditions to subdue the area throughout the colonial era but they never gained control of the region until the middle of the 19th century after the Spaniards established a military post at what is now Barangay Tamontaka, one of the earliest Christian settlements founded south of the Philippines, in present-day Cotabato City. Spaniards already took with them Chavacano-speaking Christians and Muslims from Zamboanga and Basilan, as well as the Visayans, especially the Hiligaynons and Cebuanos.

American invasion era

[edit]

The area of what is now South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces used to be part of Davao province until 1914, when the reorganization of the districts in Mindanao took place, thus it became part of the then-undivided Cotabato province. 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. General Paulino Santos led the first of wave of settlers that time.

Philippine independence

[edit]

After World War II, the final exodus of settlers from Luzon and Visayas poured into the area's virgin land. 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 separated from Cotabato as an independent province.[4] At that time, the province consisted of 11 municipalities, namely: Banga, South Cotabato, General Santos (now a city), Glan, Kiamba, Koronadal, Maitum, Norala, Polomolok, Surallah, Tantangan, and Tupi. These municipalities were established long before the creation of the province. Other component municipalities were formed after it fully functioned as a province.

With the creation of regions under Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, South Cotabato was grouped with Region XI, also known as Southern Mindanao, in 1975.[5]

In 1992, the province of Sarangani was formed out of South Cotabato. Seven towns in southern and coastal section of the province (Malungon, Alabel, Malapatan, Glan, Maasim, Kiamba and Maitum) became part of the new province, leaving South Cotabato with 11 remaining municipalities.[6]

Regional offices were relocated to South Cotabato in accordance with EO 429 dated October 12, 1990, issued by President Corazon C. Aquino during the expansion of the newly created Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,[7] and EO No. 36 dated September 19, 2001, issued by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo which says South Cotabato is to be transferred from Southern Mindanao region to Region XII and having the city of Koronadal as the regional center of Region XII.[8]

Contemporary

[edit]

On August 16, 2000, Republic Act No. 8803 was approved, that converted the municipality of Koronadal into a component city of South Cotabato.[9]

In 2015, the National Competitiveness Council declared the province as the 4th most competitive province in the country.

Geography

[edit]

South Cotabato covers a total land area of 3,935.95 square kilometres (1,519.68 sq mi).[10] When General Santos is included for geographical purposes, the province's land area is 4,428.81 square kilometres (1,709.97 sq mi).[10] The province is situated on the southern section of central Mindanao, bounded by the provinces of Sultan Kudarat to the north and west, Sarangani to the south and northeast, Davao del Sur to the far northeast, and the Sarangani Bay to the southeast.

The province is generally flat dotted with some hills and mountains. General Santos City occupies the province's only coastline.

Climate

[edit]

South Cotabato belongs to the fourth type of climate, that is rainfall is more or less evenly distributed throughout the year. The average number of rainy days for the year 2004 is recorded between 122 and 180 days with the months of May, June, July, August and October having the most occurrence.

Air humidity generally follows closely the rainfall pattern. Humidity is highest during the period of June to October with 88% being recorded at the Tupi seed farm. The months of February and April have the lowest air humidity recorded at about 72%.

Maximum daytime temperature throughout the province is in the range of 36 to 38 °C (97 to 100 °F), falling to 23 to 32 °C (73 to 90 °F) during the night depending on the elevation. The hottest period is January to April while July to December being the coolest.

South Cotabato enjoys a mild, pleasant climate with no pronounced dry or wet season, and is practically typhoon-free.

Administrative divisions

[edit]

South Cotabato comprises 10 municipalities and 1 component city. The highly urbanized city of General Santos is traditionally grouped with, but administered independently from, the province. It has a total of 199 barangays (225 if the city of General Santos is included).

Political map of South Cotabato
  •  †  Provincial capital and component city
  •   Municipality
  •  ‡  Highly urbanized city (geographically within but independent from the province)
  • ∞ Largest settlement

Demographics

[edit]
Population census of South Cotabato
YearPop.±% p.a.
1903 30,774—    
1918 42,787+2.22%
1939 58,224+1.48%
1948 102,860+6.53%
1960 136,609+2.39%
1970 252,612+6.33%
1975 329,534+5.48%
1980 401,705+4.04%
1990 539,458+2.99%
1995 621,155+2.68%
2000 690,728+2.30%
2007 767,255+1.46%
2010 827,200+2.78%
2015 915,289+1.95%
2020 975,476+1.26%
(excluding General Santos)
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[11][12][12]

The population of South Cotabato (excluding General Santos) was 975,476 in the 2020 census,[11] making it one of the country's most populous province. The population density is 250 inhabitants per square kilometre or 650 inhabitants per square mile.

When General Santos is included for geographical purposes, the province's population is 1,509,735 people,[11] with a density of 341 inhabitants per square kilometre (880/sq mi).

Inhabitants

[edit]

The people of South Cotabato have diverse heritages. The province's indigenous people are Blaan, Tboli and Maguindanaon. Ethnic Hiligaynons, descendants of migrants from Panay and Negros in the Visayas who settled in the municipalities/towns of Norala, Banga, Surallah, Santo Niño and the province's capital city, Koronadal, are the majority in the province. The province's major media of communication are Hiligaynon, Tagalog, and English. On the other hand, Ilocano-speaking peoples of Luzon settled in Tampakan, Tantangan and Tupi, and the Ilocano language may still be heard in these towns. The Cebuanos are the main ethnic group of the municipality of Polomolok, and are one of the main ethnic groups of Tupi (along with the Hiligaynons and Kapampangans). Both towns are near to General Santos, which speaks both Hiligaynon and Cebuano. Chavacano speakers are even found scattered in some areas of the province, as well as Maguindanaons because of the province's history of being part of Sultanate of Maguindanao. Tbolis mainly reside around the Lake Sebu area, while Blaans reside within General Santos and its outskirts.

Religion

[edit]
Religion in South Cotabato[13]
Religion percentage
Roman Catholic
 
 64.66%
Protestant
 
 22.35%
Islam
 
 4.31%
Iglesia ni Cristo
 
 2.32%
Others
 
 6.36%

Roman Catholics predominate the province with 65% adherence,[14] while Islam is a minority religion which is 6% of the population.[15] Other minorities are various Christian Churches such as Prostestants which form about 22% and consist of mostly evangelicals[16][13] of the province's population which can be mostly found in some urban parts of the province. Iglesia ni Cristo forms about 3-4% population.[17] The remainder are divided among Buddhist and animism.

The Maguindanaon make up the majority of the Muslim population in the province. Other indigenous Filipino tribes are the T'boli and B'laan tribes in Lake Sebu and T'boli municipalities, famous for their brassworks, beadwork and t'nalak weave. The people of these tribes wear colorful embroidered native costumes and beadwork accessories. The women of these tribes, particularly, wear heavy brass belts with brass 'tassels' ending in tiny brass bells that herald their approach even when they are a long way off.[clarification needed]

The people of South Cotabato 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.

Language

[edit]

Hiligaynon is the most widely spoken language in the province. It is the main language in the capital city of Koronadal—earning its nickname "the Ilonggo Capital of Mindanao"—and the municipalities of the Upper Valley region, namely, Surallah, Banga, Norala, Sto. Niño and Tantangan, followed by Cebuano, which is the majority language of General Santos and the main language in the Municipalities of Polomolok, Tampakan and Tupi. Tagalog and English are widely understood and often used for administrative functions by the local government and in education, with the former serving as dominant language in local media and of everyday communication of speakers of different languages, making it a secondary lingua franca in the province. Other languages spoken in the province are Maguindanaon, Tboli, Blaan, Kapampangan and Ilocano.

Economy

[edit]

Poverty incidence of South Cotabato

10
20
30
40
2006
31.74
2009
31.62
2012
31.98
2015
22.89
2018
18.03
2021
12.80

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]

Government

[edit]

Executive Branch:[26]

  • Governor: Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. (PFP)
  • Vice Governor: Arthur Y. Pingoy (PFP)

Legislative Branch:[26]

Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board Members)

  • First District:
  1. SP Nilda Almencion (PFP)
  2. SP Noel J. Escobillo (PFP)
  3. SP Alan Ines (PDP-Laban)
  • Second District:
  1. SP Marie Antonina "Junette" Ines Hurtado (PFP)
  2. SP Dardanilo N. Dar (PDP-Laban)
  3. SP Ervin Luntao (PFP)
  4. SP Mike Matinong (PFP)
  5. SP Alicia Causing (PFP)
  6. SP Henry L. Ladot (PFP)
  7. SP Cecile Diel (PFP)

Ex-Officio Members:

  1. SP Vincent Figueroa, SK President
  2. SP Rose Grace J. Achurra, PCL President
  3. SP Edgar G. Sambog, IPMR
  4. SP Rolando D. Malabuyoc, LnB President

Provincial capital

[edit]

The Local Provincial Government holds its official functions in the City of Koronadal. The Provincial Capitol, Provincial Hospital, and all related offices are found in the city.

Legislative districts

[edit]
District City Municipality Population
(2020)[2]
1st
  • -
287,082
2nd Koronadal
330,306
3rd
  • -
358,088
Lone General Santos
  • -
 697,315
  • 1st District Representative: Isidro D. Lumayag
  • 2nd District Representative: Peter B. Miguel
  • Lone District of General Santos: Loreto B. Acharon

House Bill No. 4678, filed on December 13, 2016, by First District Rep. Pedro B. Acharon, Jr., seeks to segregate the highly urbanized city of General Santos from the said district to form its own congressional district, separate from the representation of South Cotabato.[27] This bill was signed by the president last March 11, 2019.

List of governors of South Cotabato since 1966

[edit]
  • 1966–1986: Dr. Sergio B. Morales – The first governor of South Cotabato after its creation as a province in 1966. Gov. Morales laid down key infrastructure and governance systems, such as the provincial capitol, hospitals, roads, and water systems, helping shape the future of the province.
  • 1986–1992: Ismael Sueno – Elected after the EDSA Revolution; focused on development projects and governance. Gov. Sueno helped stabilize the province during the political transition from the Marcos Sr. regime to democracy.
  • 1992–2001: Atty. Hilario E. De Pedro III – Gov. De Pedro oversaw the separation of Sarangani province from South Cotabato and continued modernizing South Cotabato’s infrastructure such as the South Cotabato Gym and Sports Complex. Gov. De Pedro was also instrumental in the conversion of Koronadal into a city, a milestone in South Cotabato's urban development and modernization.
  • 2001–2010: Atty. Daisy P. Avance-Fuentes – Gov. Avance-Fuentes was known for her focus on poverty alleviation, social welfare improvements, and agricultural development. Under her leadership, South Cotabato gained recognition for transparency and good governance.
  • 2010–2013: Dr. Arthur Y. Pingoy, Jr. – Gov. Pingoy focused on enhancing healthcare services and medical assistance programs, including free hospitalization for indigent residents within the province.
  • 2013–2019: Atty. Daisy P. Avance-Fuentes - Gov. Avance-Fuentes during this term intensified social welfare programs and transparency on governance. She is also credited for modernizing the province's T'nalak Festival during this term as Governor.
  • 2019–Present: Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. – Gov. Tamayo's administration is marked by progressive programs such as free education, hospitalization, and the mechanization of rice production. His policies have focused on improving the livelihoods of marginalized sectors.Known for Free Hospitalization, Free Education, and agricultural initiatives. Gov. Tamayo is also known to be the National President of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas which is Bongbong Marcos's Political Party and the largest party in the Philippines as of 2024. Under his leadership, South Cotabato has consistently won the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), and it was named the most competitive province in Region XII in 2022.

Musical heritage

[edit]
Main articles: Music of the Philippines and Kulintang

The native Maguindanaon of South Cotabato have a culture that revolves around kulintang music, a specific type of gong music, found among both Muslim and non-Muslim groups of the Southern Philippines.

Festivals of South Cotabato

[edit]

South Cotabato is renowned for its vibrant and culturally rich festivals. These celebrations reflect the diverse heritage, traditions, and communal spirit of the region’s inhabitants. Here are some of the most notable festivals in South Cotabato:

Festival Date Location Notes
Hinugyaw Festival January 10 Koronadal City Founding Anniversary of the City of Koronadal[28]
Kulitangtang Festival January 27 Tantangan
Pasundayag Festival March 4 Banga
Kamayadan Festival March 10 Norala
Seslong Festival March 16 T'boli
SurbeTube Festival June 24 Surallah
Tamfaken Lum Alay Festival June 25 Tampakan
T'nalak Festival July 18 South Cotabato Foundation Anniversary of the Province of South Cotabato[29]
Agten Tufi Festival September 1 Tupi
Pinyahan Festival September 1 Polomolok Foundation Anniversary of Baranggay Cannery Site
FlomLok Festival September 10 Polomolok
Charter Anniversary October 8 Koronadal City Cityhood Anniversary of Koronadal
Kasadyahan Festival October 20 Koronadal City Foundation anniversary of Baranggay General Paulino Santos
Lumbayag Festival October 20 Koronadal City Foundation anniversary of Baranggay Santa Cruz
Helobung Festival November 11 Lake Sebu
Hinublag Festival December 23 Santo Niño

Education

[edit]

South Cotabato boasts a diverse array of educational institutions catering to the needs of its growing population. These institutions range from primary and secondary schools to colleges and universities, providing comprehensive education opportunities across various fields of study.

Institution Location
Notre Dame of Marbel University Tertiary Koronadal City
Notre Dame of Dadiangas University Glamang Campus Tertiary Polomolok
University of the Philippines Manila School of Health Sciences Koronadal Campus Tertiary Koronadal City
South Cotabato State College Tertiary Surallah
St. Alexius College Tertiary Koronadal City
South East Asian Institute of Technology Tertiary Tupi
Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges Tertiary Koronadal City
Green Valley College Foundation Tertiary Koronadal City
STI College Tertiary Koronadal City
King's College of Marbel, Inc. Tertiary Koronadal City
Notre Dame – Siena College of Polomolok Tertiary Polomolok
Regency Polytechnic College Tertiary Koronadal City
Goldenstate College Marbel Tertiary Koronadal City
Marvelous College of Technology, Inc. Tertiary Koronadal City
ACLC College of Marbel Tertiary Koronadal City
Philippine Science High School Soccsksargen Region Campus Secondary Koronadal City
Notre Dame – Siena School of Marbel Secondary Koronadal City
Notre Dame of Marbel University – Basic Education Department Secondary Koronadal City
Notre Dame of Banga Secondary Banga
Notre Dame of New Iloilo Secondary Tantangan
Notre Dame of Norala Secondary Norala
Notre Dame of San Jose Secondary Koronadal City
Notre Dame of Santo Niño Secondary Santo Niño
Notre Dame of Surala Secondary Surallah

Health

[edit]

South Cotabato is home to a range of medical facilities that provide comprehensive healthcare services to its residents. The province’s hospitals are strategically located across various municipalities and cities, ensuring accessible medical care for the community.

Hospital Location
Allah Valley Medical Center Koronadal City
Dr. Arturo P. Pingoy Medical Center Koronadal City
Polomolok General Hospital Polomolok
Howard Hubbard Memorial Hospital Polomolok
Norala District Hospital Norala
Lake Sebu Community Hospital Lake Sebu
Moorehouse Mission Hospital T'boli
Polomolok Municipal Hospital Polomolok
Soccsksargen General Hospital Surallah
Socomedics Medical Center Koronadal City
South Cotabato Provincial Hospital Koronadal City
Heramil Maternity and Children's Hospital Polomolok
Surallah Community Hospital Surallah
Bontuyan Medical Hospital, Inc. Polomolok
Tampakan General Hospital Tampakan

Notable people

[edit]

Within the province jurisdiction

[edit]

Outside the provincial jurisdiction (i.e. city of General Santos)

[edit]
Main pages: General Santos § Notable personalities, and Category:People from General Santos

Sister province

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Hiligaynon: Bagatnan Cotabato; Cebuano: Habagatang Cotabato; Ilocano: Abagatan a Cotabato; Maguindanaon: Salatan Kutawatu, Jawi: سلاتن كوتوات; Filipino: Timog Cotabato[3]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "List of Provinces". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved May 14, 2014.
  2. ^ a b c Census of Population (2020). "Region XII (Soccsksargen)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  3. ^ "Mapa ng mga Wika (Rehiyon) - Rehiyon XII" (in Filipino). Commission on the Filipino Language. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  4. ^ "Republic Act No. 4849 - An Act Creating the Province of South Cotabato". Chan Robles Virtual Law Library. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  5. ^ "Presidential Decree No. 742; Restructuring the Regional Organization of Mindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi". The LawPhil Project. July 7, 1975. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  6. ^ "An Act Creating the Province of Sarangani" (PDF). House of Representatives of the Philippines. March 16, 1992. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 7, 2016. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  7. ^ "Executive Order No. 429; Providing for the Reorganization of the Administrative Regions in Mindanao, And for Other Purposes". The LawPhil Project. October 12, 1990. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  8. ^ "Executive Order No. 36; Providing for the Reorganization of the Administrative Regions in Mindanao and for Other Purposes". The LawPhil Project. September 19, 2001. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  9. ^ "Republic Act No. 8803; An Act Converting the Municipality of Koronadal, South Cotabato Province, Into a Component City to Be Known As the City of Koronadal" (PDF). House of Representatives of the Philippines. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 3, 2016. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  10. ^ a b c d "Province: South Cotabato". PSGC Interactive. Quezon City, Philippines: Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
  11. ^ a b c d Census of Population (2015). "Region XII (Soccsksargen)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved June 20, 2016.
  12. ^ a b Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region XII (Soccsksargen)" (PDF). Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. National Statistics Office. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  13. ^ a b "Population and People".
  14. ^ Bueza, Michael (January 18, 2015). "MAP: Catholicism in the Philippines". Rappler.
  15. ^ Bueza, Michael (July 17, 2015). "MAP: Islam in the Philippines". Rappler.
  16. ^ "Philippine Church National Summary". philchal.org.
  17. ^ Bueza, Michael (July 26, 2014). "MAP: Iglesia ni Cristo in the Philippines". Rappler.
  18. ^ "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  19. ^ "Estimation of Local Poverty in the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. November 29, 2005.
  20. ^ "2009 Official Poverty Statistics of the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. February 8, 2011.
  21. ^ "Annual Per Capita Poverty Threshold, Poverty Incidence and Magnitude of Poor Population, by Region and Province: 1991, 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2015". Philippine Statistics Authority. August 27, 2016.
  22. ^ "Annual Per Capita Poverty Threshold, Poverty Incidence and Magnitude of Poor Population, by Region and Province: 1991, 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2015". Philippine Statistics Authority. August 27, 2016.
  23. ^ "Annual Per Capita Poverty Threshold, Poverty Incidence and Magnitude of Poor Population, by Region and Province: 1991, 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2015". Philippine Statistics Authority. August 27, 2016.
  24. ^ "Updated Annual Per Capita Poverty Threshold, Poverty Incidence and Magnitude of Poor Population with Measures of Precision, by Region and Province: 2015 and 2018". Philippine Statistics Authority. June 4, 2020.
  25. ^ "2021 Full Year Official Poverty Statistics of the Philippines" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. August 15, 2022. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  26. ^ a b "South Cotabato Provincial Officials". OFFICIAL WEBSITE Province Of South Cotabato Angat ka sa Lahat. Retrieved June 1, 2021.
  27. ^ Acharon, Pedro B. Jr. (December 13, 2016). "House Bill No. 4678 - An Act Creating the Lone/3rd Legislative District of the City of General Santos" (PDF). House of Representatives of the Philippines. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  28. ^ "Hinugyaw Festival 2021".
  29. ^ "T'nalak Festival ⋆ Expert World Travel". January 6, 2020.
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