Cotabato, Philippines

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Cotabato, Philippines

Region: Cotabato (Philippines) is located in the province of Cotabato

---

Geographic Coordinates: 7.220000, 124.250000

Climate: Tropical climate with wet and dry seasons.

Population: 325079

Language: Tagalog

---

Cotabato is a province located in the southern part of the Philippines, Known for its vast agricultural lands, Stunning landscapes, And diverse culture. The province is home to several indigenous tribes such as the Maguindanao, T’boli, And Manobo who have preserved their unique traditions and practices. One of the most popular attractions in Cotabato is Lake Sebu. This natural wonder boasts three beautiful lakes surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. Visitors can take a boat ride around the lake or go trekking to explore its surroundings.

The lake also serves as home to several species of fish, Including tilapia and carp. Another must-visit destination in Cotabato is Mount Apo, Which stands at 2, 954 meters above sea level making it the highest peak in the country. It offers breathtaking views of surrounding valleys and mountains while providing an excellent opportunity for hiking enthusiasts to explore its trails. Cotabato’s rich cultural heritage can be experienced through its festivals such as Shariff Kabunsuan Festival held every December in honor of Shariff Mohammed Kabunsuan – a Muslim missionary who introduced Islam into Mindanao Island during his time.

Another festival worth experiencing is T’nalak Festival celebrated every July that showcases traditional dances performed by T’boli tribe members wearing their colorful woven clothes made from abaca fibers. The cuisine in Cotabato also reflects its diverse culture with dishes like piyanggang (grilled chicken marinated with coconut milk), Beef kulma (spiced beef stew), Tiyula itum (black soup made from beef broth), Among others being popular choices among locals and visitors alike.

Cotabato has become known for eco-tourism initiatives that promote sustainable tourism practices while preserving natural resources like waterfalls such as Asik-asik falls located in Alamada town offering an awe-inspiring view created by cascading water flowing through rocks and lush vegetation. Cotabato is a province that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, Cultural heritage, And culinary delights. It is a destination worth exploring for those who want to experience the best of what the Philippines has to offer.

---

---

1. The Grand Mosque of Cotabato is a stunning architectural masterpiece and the largest mosque in the Philippines, attracting many tourists.
2. For nature lovers and hikers, Mt. Apo is a must-see destination being the highest peak in the Philippines.
3. Lake Sebu offers breathtaking views with its lush forests, rolling hills and clear waters that make it a popular spot for fishing, boating and hiking.
4. Built during the Spanish colonial period, Tamontaka Church is one of Mindanao’s oldest churches and an important historical landmark.
5. Kutawato Cave located in Magpet town features impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations inside its chambers making it a natural wonder to behold.
6. Rio Grande de Mindanao runs through Cotabato City providing scenic views for tourists who enjoy boat rides along its length as it’s known to be Mindanao’s longest river.
7. Asik-Asik Falls located in Alamada town are renowned for their crystal-clear waters cascading down from towering cliffs making them an excellent spot to visit for those who love waterfalls.
8. Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex showcases various Islamic culture artifacts such as clothing items, weapons etc., making it an interesting place to visit while exploring Cotabato’s cultural heritage.

---

• Agriculture
• Fishing
• Livestock production
• Mining
• Tourism

The region is known for:

• Growing crops such as rice, corn, sugarcane, and fruits
• Fishing in the coastal areas of Cotabato
• Livestock production with cattle and poultry farming being the most common
• The mining industry has been growing in recent years with the discovery of various mineral deposits such as gold and copper
• Tourism is also an emerging industry in Cotabato with attractions such as Lake Sebu’s Seven Falls Eco-Tourism Park and Mount Apo National Park drawing visitors to the area
• Several cultural festivals held throughout the year that attract tourists from all over the country

---



Noteable History

1. The arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century marked the beginning of Christianity in Cotabato.
2. In 1903, Datu Ali led a Moro rebellion against American colonial rule.
3. The Province of Cotabato was established in 1914 during the American colonial period.
4. Datu Udtog Matalam led the Mindanao independence movement in 1935.
5. On March 18, 1968, a group of Muslim recruits were allegedly killed by their Christian officers for refusing to participate in a secret mission to infiltrate Sabah – an event known as the Jabidah massacre.
6. The Bangsamoro struggle for self-determination and autonomy began in the early 1970s and continues today.
7. Notable people from Cotabato include former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo; musician Freddie Aguilar; and Sultan Kudarat – a legendary Muslim leader who fought against Spanish colonialism during his time.
8. Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman is another notable person from Cotabato who founded Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBPM) which promotes peace education among children through various programs like mural painting competitions that encourage creativity while promoting respect for diversity among students across different cultures or religions within Mindanao region especially those affected by armed conflict or natural disasters such as typhoons or earthquakes etc.).

---



Museums and Things To See

1. Tamontaka Church is a historic church that was built in the 1800s.
2. The Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex is a museum that showcases the culture and traditions of Maguindanao.
3. Kutawato Cave is an underground cave system with beautiful rock formations.
4. The PC Hill Shrine is a monument dedicated to fallen soldiers during World War II.
5. The Sultan Kudarat Monument is a statue honoring Sultan Kudarat, one of the most influential leaders in Mindanao history.
6. Cotabato City Hall is an iconic building with unique architecture inspired by Islamic design.
7. The Notre Dame University Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography is a museum showcasing various artifacts from different tribes in Mindanao.
8. Rio Grande de Mindanao is the longest river in Mindanao offering scenic views and water activities such as rafting.
9. The Grand Mosque of Cotabato is one of the biggest mosques in Southeast Asia, featuring intricate designs and architecture.
10. Lantawan Viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views overlooking Cotabato City and nearby landscapes including Mt Apo, Lake Buluan, Rio Grande de Mindanao among others.

---



---



Sports Teams

1. Cotabato City Warriors – The Cotabato City Warriors is a professional basketball team that competes in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). They were established in 2018 and have been one of the top-performing teams in the league.
2. Southwestern Mindanao College (SWMC) Cobras – The SWMC Cobras is a collegiate basketball team that competes in various regional and national tournaments. They have won several championships over the years and are known for producing talented players.
3. Notre Dame University (NDU) Primes – The NDU Primes is another collegiate basketball team based in Cotabato City. They compete in various tournaments and have also produced notable players who went on to play professionally.
4. Maguindanaoan United Football Club (MUFC) – MUFC is a football club based in Cotabato City that competes locally across different leagues and tournaments with an emphasis on promoting football as a sport among young people from different communities.
5. Sultan Kudarat Braves – Although not based specifically within Cotobato city, Sultan Kudarat Braves represents many areas surrounding it including Tacurong city which lies within its borders. This professional basketball team also competes within MPBL and has gained popularity due to their strong performance throughout seasons past.

---

---



Cultural Events

1. Shariff Kabunsuan Festival is an annual event held in December to honor the Muslim leader, Shariff Kabunsuan.
2. Kalivungan Festival takes place every August in Midsayap town and highlights the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples.
3. Lami-Lamihan Festival is celebrated every June in Lamitan City to commemorate its founding anniversary and showcase local coconut-based delicacies.
4. T’nalak Festival occurs annually in July at South Cotabato to celebrate the T’boli tribe’s weaving tradition and their intricate designs on abaca cloth called t’nalak.
5. Sinulog sa Maguindanao is a January festival that pays tribute to Sto. Niño de Cebu while showcasing traditional dances, music, and costumes.
6. Kuyog Ta Sarimanok Festival is held during October 23-25th at Isulan, Sultan Kudarat Province and features various cultural activities including street dancing with colorful costumes depicting Sarimanok bird.
7. Sagayan Festival involves Maranaos performing a dance ritual during significant occasions like weddings or fiestas that symbolizes unity against common enemies or a battle between good versus evil spirits.

---



Cuisine

• Sinina – a traditional Maguindanaoan dish made with beef or chicken cooked in coconut milk and spices.
• Tiula Itum – a Tausug dish made with beef or chicken cooked in burnt coconut sauce.
• Satti – grilled meat (usually chicken or beef) served on skewers with peanut sauce.
• Maguindanaoan Kakanin – various rice cakes made from sticky rice, coconut milk, and sugar.
• Aling Foping’s Halo-Halo – a popular dessert consisting of shaved ice, mixed fruits, sweet beans, and other toppings.
• Balut sa Puti – boiled duck egg served with vinegar and salt.
• Bobong’s Pizza House & Restaurant – a local restaurant serving pizza and pasta dishes.
• Jannah’s Seafoods & Grill Haus- a seafood restaurant offering fresh fish dishes and grilled meats.
• Mama Mia Pizzeria Ristorante Italiano- an Italian restaurant serving pizza, pasta, salads, and other Italian favorites.
• Teddy’s Kitchenette – serves Filipino dishes like sinigang na baboy at hipon (sour soup) at affordable prices.

---



Parks and Recreation

1. People’s Palace is a public park situated in the heart of Cotabato City. It features a man-made lake, gardens, and a playground.
2. Tamontaka Riverfront Park is a scenic park located along the Tamontaka River. It offers picnic areas, jogging paths, and fishing spots.
3. Rio Grande de Mindanao Ecozone Park is an eco-park found in Sultan Kudarat that showcases hiking trails, waterfalls, and natural pools.
4. Maguindanao Provincial Capitol Complex is a government complex located in Buluan that includes a public park with gardens and fountains.
5. Awang Airport Ecopark is an eco-park situated near the airport in Datu Odin Sinsuat that provides bird-watching opportunities and picnic areas.
6. Liguasan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Maguindanao famous for its diverse wildlife and bird species.
7. Midsayap Municipal Plaza is a public plaza found in Midsayap that highlights gardens, fountains, and monuments to local heroes.
8. Kabacan Public Plaza is another public plaza with gardens, fountains, and playgrounds situated at Kabacan town center.
9. Lake Sebu Zipline Adventure Park offers zipline adventure activities located at Lake Sebu which boasts seven waterfalls.
10. Mt Apo National Park – Located at Kidapawan City it’s the Philippines’ highest peak open for trekking activities.

---



Escape The Norm.

---