"Tara ikot tayo sa Cotabato"

Beyahi tayo 

        SA cotabato

Historical Background

     Cotabato City had witnessed more history than any other place in Mindanao.  Its history dates back to the 15th century when Shariff Kabunsuan, an Arab missionary, landed along the banks of the Rio Grande de Mindanao and introduced Islam to the natives.  Islam was the faith that moved the early settlers to communal life, and to establish the Sultanate of Maguindanao with its golden age ushered in by Sultan Dipatuan Qudarat during the 17th century the time when Cotabato City developed as the capital town of Maguindanao.

     In the nineteenth century, when Sultan Makakua ruled, roads and wharfs were constructed which gave rise to the birth of modern day Cotabato.  However, the then Municipality of Cotabato was first organized at the later part of the 19th century when the Spaniards established a military post at Barangay Tamontaka, one of the earliest Christian settlements.

     On July 1, 1950, the then Municipality of Cotabato was made first class municipality under Executive Order No. 466.   Nine Years later, on June 20, 1959, it was created into a chartered city by virtue of Republic Act No. 2364.

     Today, Cotabato City is the seat of two administrative regions: Region XII and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.   The City currently serves as the center for economic support activities (trade and finance), education and other support services such as social, physical, cultural and other basic services of Central Mindanao are offered in the city.

 Geography/Area and Location

     Cotabato City is located on the northwestern part of Maguindanao Province.  Approximately, it is 698.9 nautical miles from Manila, the capital city of the Philippines.  On the north, the city is bounded by the Municipality of Sultan Kudarat, with Rio Grande de Mindanao as its boundary; on the east by the Municipality of Kabuntalan; on the south by the Municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat and on the west by the Illana Bay.  Cotabato City has a total land area of 176.0 square kilometers.

 Climate

     The city's climate is generally characterized by more or less even distribution of rainfall throughout the year.   Compared to other regions in the Philippines, Cotabato has the lowest frequency of very cloudy or over-cast days.  The average temperature in Cotabato City is 25.5 C.   Seasonal temperature varies from 27.1 C in April

Mga Magandang Lugar sa Cotabato

Lake Sebu

It is in the municipality of Lake Sebu and T'boli where most lakes can be found. Among them, Lake Sebu is one of the favorites of tourists and local residents primarily because of its picturesque location. The lake is located between elevated hills and mountains, with tilapia fish cages scattered all over which makes it extra ordinary and captivating. It has an area of approximately 354 hectares. Adjacent to this lake, are lakes Lahit and Siloton with an area of 24 and 75 hectares respectively.

Hikong ALU

Hikong B'LEBEL

Hikong BENTE

The three falls (3) out of seven (7) falls that we              see in Lake Sebu.

MT. MELEBINGOY (Mt. Parker)

   The older version of the popular Eco-tourism destination in Luzon, Mt. Pinatubo. Its 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.

            Two popular trails exist, the Salacafe Trail which goes directly to the lake via 4 to 5 hrs of smooth trail where one could savor the coolness and serenity of Lake Holon (Maughan), and the San Jose Trail at GenSan City. This trail is strenuous and goes directly to Asamblak Peak where one could not go any further and can only view the Lake at the tree viewing deck of the peak.

        Lake Agco of Kidapawan

Lake Agco is really awesome. Seeing a small pond of murky but boiling water and felt the hot steam, I was quite scared of going near the lake. It was all natural! I smell sulfur all around; steam and hot water bursting from the ground. Though little bit terrified upon realizing that I was standing at one of the outlet of the volcano, Mount Apo, I still felt excited that time. A small resort was built near Lake Agco. A chilling cold swimming pool is just beside the large “hot bath tub.”