Summer has officially begun and this calls for a quick vacation within the beautiful islands of our country. Today we will be exploring the awe-inspiring city of Kidapawan, North Cotobato. This province was designated as a city on February 12, 1998, by Republic Act No. 8500, which was signed by the 12th President, Fidel V. Ramos, and made it a component city of the Province of Cotabato. Despite some opposition, Kidapaweños overwhelmingly approved cityhood in a constitutional referendum held on March 21, 1998. Historically, Kidapawan City was named a district of Pikit in 1942, but was later declared a municipality by President Manuel A. Roxas on August 18, 1947, through Executive Order No. 82, thus, becoming the fourth town of the then Empire Province of Cotabato. At that time, the empire was made up of the municipalities of Cotabato (now Cotabato City), Dulawan (later renamed Datu Piang), and Midsayap. Originally, Kidapawan had 12 baranggays which were called: Birada, Ginatilan, Indangan, Linangcob, Luvimin, Manongol, Marbel, Mateo, Meohao, Mua-an, Perez and Sibawan with an original land area of 273,262 hectares. Nonetheless, the municipality retained only 33,926.40 hectares after four municipalities were built which are known as Magpet, Matalam, M’lang, and President Roxas.
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There were five appointed District Mayors that served Kidapawan before its conversion into a municipality. The first mayor was Datu Siawan Ingkal, tribal chieftain of the Manobos who headed the Civilian Emergency Administration when World War II broke out. He was followed respectively by Felimon Blanco, Ceferino Villanueva, Jacinto Paclibar, and Alfonso Angeles Sr., who later on became the first elected mayor of Kidapawan. Last November 22, 1973, Kidapawan turned into the provincial capital of North Cotabato. In Amas, one of its baranggays, the provincial seat of government was formed. During that time, it already had 40 baranggays under its geopolitical jurisdiction. Located in the southeastern portion of the province, it lies 7 degrees north latitude, 125 degrees longitude. It is located almost midway between the cities of Davao and Cotabato at a distance of 110 and 120 kilometers, respectively.
The city is renowned as the “City of Fruits” because of its famous Kidapawan City Fruit Festival that features different kinds of exotic Filipino fruits such as Durian, Mangosteen, Lanzones, Marang, Singkamas, Rambutan, Banana, and the like. These fruits grow abundantly from the rolling highlands of Mount Apo, passing through the wide plains of the rural communities of Kidapawan City, and down into the backyard of every house and lot. Currently, it is recorded that hundreds of tourists participate in this festival every year which is a huge help in boosting local tourism greatly. In addition, because of its strategic location at the foot of the Philippines’ highest mountain, Kidapawan City has shown vast eco-tourism potential that has yet to be realized.
To help you maximize your visit to this majestic province, here are the Top 10 things to do when you go to Kidapawan City, North Cotobato:
1. Go hiking at Mount Apo
It is undeniable that Kidapawan City is probably one of the most preferred destinations for mountain climbers. Countless hotels and resorts are accessible within the area. Mount Apo is the highest mountain and volcano in the Philippines, rising 2954 meters above sea level. Don Joaquin Rajal, a Politico-Military Governor of Davao, led the first successful climb to Mount Apo in 1880, with Datu Manib of Sibulan as their guide. The last eruption of Apo, on the other hand, is unknown, and sulfuric craters spewing toxic fumes can be found on the boulders section, on the way to the summit.
2. Drop by at the Kansal Falls
Located at Sitio Lapaan in Barangay Perez is the Kansal Falls. The waters of the Kansal Falls are considered one of the cleanest and cheapest in Asia and is the source of North Cotabato’s Metro Kidapawan Water District dam. The water rushing through Kansal Falls comes from the various mountain springs in Mt. Apo. This waterfall is the source of Kidapawan City’s water supply.
3. Explore Lake Venado
Located at the foot of Mount Apo is an endorheic lake named Lake Venado. It is the second most breathtaking lake in the country after the well-known Bulalacao Lake of Mount Tabayoc. The name of the lake originates from the Spanish word Venado, which means “deer,” attributable to the deer-like state of the lake.
4. Have a dip at the Indangan Falls
Also known as Marbel or Marble Falls due to its beautiful clear color and rock formations surrounding it, Indangan Falls is located in Baranggay Indangan near Kidapawan City in Cotabato. It is a hidden twin falls of about 60 to 70 feet in height and are surrounded by hot springs.
5. Take a trip to the Mandarangan Geological Site
This is an educational tourism site within the Mount Apo Natural Park known to the locals as ‘gamay nga bulkan’ which means little volcano. When you come here, you will be able to observe the mountain ridges, slopes, and behavior of Mount Apo alongside uncovering its rich history and how the people of Cotabato benefit from this majestic volcano.
6. Take a visit to the Lake Agco Mahomanoy Mountain Resort
Located in a forest reservation 1,250 meters above sea level at the foot of Mt. Apo is the Lake Agco Mahomanoy Mountain Resort. It is part of Brgy. Ilomavis some 25 kilometers from the city proper of Kidapawan Lake Agco is a pool of hot sulfur mud presumably from the geothermal innards of Mt. Apo’s belly. One popular relaxation place for a lot of people in Kidapawan and surrounding provinces is the Lake Agco Mahomanoy Mountain Resort. Additionally, it is one of the mountaineers’ favorite places to rest after hiking Mt. Apo. The saunas, mud packs, and jacuzzis of the resort are havens for exhausted muscles.
7. Make a trip to the Paniqui Cave and Falls
Located in Barangay Balabag, near Kidapawan, North Cotabato is the Paniqui Cave and Falls. It is known for its crystal clear waterfalls and cold springs with a natural pool that is surrounded by mountain ridges. It is blessed with a natural cave named after bats, hence “Paniqui.”
8. Witness the beauty of Mawig Falls
Among the many waterfalls located in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato is a crystal-clear 65 feet-long waterfalls located in Barangay Balabag. Mawig falls is one of the immaculate park destinations within the city. It is the major source of Matingao River.
9. Take a moment to reflect and pray in the Cathedral of Our Lady Mediatrix of all Graces
If you want to visit one of the jubilee churches for the 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines, then you might consider visiting the Cathedral of Our Lady Mediatrix of all Graces located in Kidapawan City.
10. Stroll around the Cotabato Provincial Capitol
Lastly, do not forget to make time to wander around the marvelous and historical Cotabato Provincial Capitol. By doing so, you will be able to immerse yourself in the abundant customs and heritage of the province alongside supporting the local tourism and economy of Kidapawan. You will find fresh produce, exotic products, and delicious foods when you stroll this area.
Aside from its rich culture, history, and attractions, Kidapawan is considered a growing urbanized city that maintains its clean and green surroundings. Soon, the city government aims to make it one of the Low-Carbon Smart Cities in the Philippines. For those planning to permanently move here, do not fret, for BRIA Homes has already expanded its affordable house and lot projects in this province.
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