KIDAPAWAN CITY

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 North 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 120,210.

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 and koronadal city.

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.

Contents [hide] 1 History 2 Population 3 Economy 4 Ethnic Group and Dialect Widely Spoken 5 Climate 6 Industries 7 Tourism 8 Hotel, Inn, Lodging House 9 Housing 10 Educational Institutions 11 Medical Facilities 12 Radio / TV Stations 13 Shopping Centres/Department Stores 14 Fast Foods 15 Banking Institutions 16 Other Establishments 17 Transportation 18 References 19 External links

History

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 North Cotabato Province. The people overwhelming 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 defenders of the Filipino soldiers and guerrillas taken 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 North Cotabato 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.

Population

Based on the 2000 census, the city has a total population of 101,205 with an average household size of 4.93 members belonging to 20,393 households

Economy

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 IRA. 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.

Ethnic Group and Dialect Widely Spoken

Cebuanos and Ilonggos are the predominant ethnic groups in the city. Other ethnic groups residing in the area are the Maguindanaons and Manobos. 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 predominantly used in major government agencies in their transactions and reports. Laws and ordinances in the city are all written in English.

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

The cutflower industry is a good source of livelihood among Cotabateños, especially those residing in Kidapawan City. In addition to ornamentals 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 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.

Tourism

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 stood 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 stood at an elevation of 4,200 feet above sea level. It is five kilometers from the jump-off point for the mountain trekking 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.

Hotel, Inn, Lodging House

• AJ Hi Time Hotel and Restaurant - Downtown City of Kidapawan Contact No.: (064) 288-1811
• Grand Ficus - Near City Bus Terminal Contact No.: (064) 278-3392 or (064) 278-3408
• Atevanzz Place - Balindog, Kidapawan City Contact No.: (064) 288-1785 or Cell. 09106546384
• Boylyn - Magsaysay, Kidapawan City, Contact No: (064) 288-1215
• Mount Apo View Inn
• SAM's Guesthouse & Apartelles - Villamarzo Street Contact No.: (064) 288-1281

Housing

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. For more information, please contact (064) 288-5877 or visit the sales office at 003 Governor Bryant Street (1st Block Bautista Street) Kidapawan City.

Educational Institutions

• Marciano Mancera Memorial Elementary School
• School For Life Montessori
• Kidapawan City SPED center
• Kidapawan City Pilot Elementary School
• Kidapawan City National High School
• Kidapawn S.D.A. Elementary School
• ABC Educational Development Center
• Felipe Suerte Memorial Elementary School
• Central Mindanao Colleges
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints Kidapawan College
• Colegio de Kidapawan
• Kidapawan Anchor Bay Bible School
• Kidapawan Jireh Christian School
• Kidapawan Southern Baptist Elementary School
• Kidapawan Polytechnic College
• North Point College of Arts and Technology
• North Valley College Foundation
• Notre Dame of Kidapawan College
• St. Mary's Academy of Kidapawan
• University of Southern Mindanao Kidapawan City Campus

Medical Facilities

• 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.

Radio / TV Stations

• DXDM-FM 88.7 mHz Tayo Parin Siyempre (NDBC)
• DXND-AM 747 kHz Radio for Peace (NDBC)
• DXCA-FM 90.3 mHz Charm Radio (PFCABS)
• DXYY-FM 107.1 mHz Radyo Natin (MBC)
• DXGM-FM 103.3 mHz Dream FM (DepEd)
• DXCM-AM Radyo Ukay (UMBN)
• NBN DXAA-TV 8 (with transmitters located in Amas Provincial Compound)
• Sonshine DXNQ-TV 31 Kidapawan (ACQ-Kingdom Broadcasting Network)

Shopping Centres/Department Stores

• Davao Central Warehouse Club
• JN Center Mall
• Kasapid Warehouse Sales
• Kidapawan Mega Market
• Kidapawan Mercantile
• Lots 4 Less Kidapawan
• KMCC Mall of Kidapawan
• Boylyn T-shirt Center
• Sugni Super Store
• Survive Marketing
• Ace Bautista Galleria
• Eva's Mall
• Anabelle Tandual Plaza

Fast Foods

• Jollibee Kidapawan
• Dawns Cafe
• Aj Hi-time Hotel and Restaurant
• Noodols atbp.
• Mandarin Tea Garden
• Chicken Ati-atihan
• Sariling Atin Pick and Grill
• Atevanzz Place Lodge & Restaurant
• Alche Taps (24 hours)with Goldilocks products
• Bistro la Camille
• Lady M Restaurant
• JC Complex Fastfood
• Iris Garden Restaurant and Bar
• Nika's Cafe
• PEPS County Bar
• Co's bistro n' coffeeshop
• Mang Inasal (soon to open; refer to manginasal.com)
• Banoks (soon to open)

Banking Institutions

• Asian Hills Bank
• Cooperative Rural Bank Of Cotabato
• Enterprise Bank
• Land Bank of the Philippines
• Metro Bank
• Philippine National Bank
• Banco de Oro
• Rural Bank of Digos Kidapawan Branch
• One Network Bank
• Allied Bank
• Rural Bank of Midsayap Kidapawan Branch
• Pen Bank
• United Coconut Planters Bank
• Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation
• Development Bank of the Philippines
• China Bank
• Bank of the Philippine Islands

Other Establishments

• Mercury Drug
• The Generics Pharmacy (KMCC Mall)

Transportation

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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