Polomolok, Philippines
Region: South Cotabato
Geographic Coordinates: 6.216700, 125.067000
Temperature Range: 25.0°C to 35.0°C (77°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with two distinct seasons: wet and dry.
Population: 172605
Language: Tagalog
Polomolok is a municipality located in the southern part of Mindanao, Philippines. It covers an area of 105.60 square kilometers and has a population of around 170, 000 people. The town’s name comes from two B’laan words meaning round marsh. The economy in Polomolok relies heavily on agriculture, With pineapple as the main crop produced in large quantities. Del Monte Philippines Inc., One of the largest pineapple producers in the country, Has a processing plant located in Polomolok that employs thousands of locals.
Tourism also plays an important role in Polomolok’s economy with scenic spots like Lake Sebu and Seven Falls Zipline Adventure attracting visitors. The town also boasts rich cultural heritage with several indigenous tribes residing within its borders including B’laan, T’boli and Tagakaolo people who have their own unique traditions and customs. Polomolok has several educational institutions including public elementary schools and high schools along with private schools offering education up to college level such as Holy Cross College Polomolok (HCCP), Notre Dame-Siena College of Polomolok (NDSCP), South Cotabato Institute Of Technology (SCIT) among others.
Travelers can reach Polomolok via General Santos International Airport or by bus or jeepney for those traveling within the town or to nearby areas. Overall, Polomolok offers visitors an authentic Philippine experience showcasing its vibrant agricultural industry, Scenic spots, Rich cultural heritage and educational institutions all while being hosted by friendly locals who offer warm hospitality.
- Agriculture, particularly banana and pineapple plantations
- Manufacturing such as food processing and textiles
- Retail trade
- Construction
- Services including healthcare, education, and tourism
- Several large corporations such as Dole Philippines Inc. and Sumifru Philippines Corporation
- The establishment of Polomolok as a municipality in 1949, separating it from the town of Tupi.
- The arrival of the first settlers in Polomolok, who were mostly from Luzon and Visayas, in the early 1900s.
- The development of the pineapple industry in Polomolok by Del Monte Philippines Inc., which started operations in 1926 and has since become one of the town’s major employers.
- The construction of the Allah Valley Dam, which provides irrigation to over 20,000 hectares of farmland in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces.
- Notable people associated with Polomolok include:
- Manny Pacquiao, world-renowned boxer and former congressman who owns a mansion and training facility in Polomolok.
- Rogelio Singson, former Secretary of Public Works and Highways under President Benigno Aquino III.
- Reynaldo Umali, former mayor of Polomolok who served for three terms from 2004 to 2013.
- Carlos Dominguez III, current Secretary of Finance under President Rodrigo Duterte who hails from nearby Tampakan town but has business interests in Polomolok.
- Lito Lapid, actor-turned-politician who served as senator from 2004 to 2016 and is known for his action films shot on location at Del Monte plantations.
- The Polomolok Municipal Hall
- The Polomolok Nature and Adventure Park
- The Polomolok Sports Complex
- The Polomolok Public Market
- Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto and Pilgrimage Site
- San Jose Parish Church
- Koronadal City Museum
- Lake Sebu Indigenous Peoples Museum
- Mount Matutum Protected Landscape
- T’boli Weaving Center
- After conducting online research, it was not possible to find any notable sports teams or their histories in Polomolok, Philippines.
- It’s possible that the town may have local teams or leagues for various sports, but information about them is not readily available online.
- Talakudong Festival is celebrated on August 18th every year to commemorate the founding anniversary of Polomolok. The festival includes a street dance competition where participants wear colorful costumes and headdresses inspired by the traditional warrior attire of the Maguindanao tribe.
- Hinugyaw Festival is held every January in honor of Sto. Niño, the patron saint of Polomolok. The festival features a grand parade, street dancing, and cultural presentations.
- Kawayan Festival showcases the town’s bamboo industry and is held from June 15-17 each year. It features a trade fair, bamboo planting activity, and various competitions such as bamboo raft race and bamboo pole climbing.
- Kalivungan Festival is celebrated in nearby General Santos City but also involves Polomolok since it is part of its cultural heritage area. The event highlights ethnic diversity in Mindanao through various cultural performances, exhibits, and competitions.
- Paskuhan sa Barangay takes place during Christmas season (December) and brings together residents from different barangays (villages) for caroling, parlor games, food sharing, gift-giving activities.
- Sarangani Bay Fest aims to promote Sarangani Bay as an eco-tourism destination through various activities such as beach volleyball tournaments, dragon boat races, food fairs, concerts, fireworks displays, etc.
- Polomolok Lechon Manok is a popular local restaurant that serves roasted chicken with a unique marinade and dipping sauce.
- Kambingan sa Polomolok specializes in goat meat dishes such as kaldereta, sinampalukan, and adobo.
- Tita Lita’s Kitchenette offers Filipino comfort food like sinigang, kare-kare, and bistek Tagalog.
- Mang Inasal is a fast-food chain known for their grilled chicken with unlimited rice and various dipping sauces.
- Jollibee is another popular fast-food chain in the Philippines that serves burgers, fried chicken, spaghetti, and other Filipino favorites.
- Kusina ni Lorraine is a cozy eatery that serves affordable Filipino dishes like pork sisig, crispy pata, and seafood kare-kare.
- Bulalo Express is a casual dining restaurant famous for its hearty bulalo soup made with beef shanks and vegetables.
- Neneng’s Halo-Halo atbp. is an ice cream parlor that offers refreshing halo-halo dessert topped with various fruits and sweets.
- The Food Gallery by Coffee Dream is a coffee shop that also serves sandwiches, pasta dishes, and cakes inspired by local flavors of Mindanao region where Polomolok is located.
- Lola Nena’s Pansit Malabon is a family-owned business offering authentic pansit malabon (rice noodles topped with seafood) which originated from the nearby city of Malabon but has gained popularity all over the Philippines including Polomolok.
- Polomolok Municipal Park is a public park that features playgrounds, a basketball court, and a jogging path.
- Palkan Eco-Park is a nature park that boasts hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping facilities.
- Mtb Trail Polomolok is an exciting mountain biking trail designed for enthusiasts.
- Polomolok Sports Complex offers visitors the chance to enjoy football on its field, run on its track oval or play basketball on its court.
- Polo River Park is situated along the riverside and provides visitors with picnic areas and fishing spots to relax in.
- Mt Matutum Protected Landscape offers protected hiking trails where visitors can spot various bird species in their natural habitat.
- Brgy Cannery Site 1 Park is a community park featuring playgrounds and outdoor gym equipment for locals to use at their leisure.
- Kalsangi Golf Course boasts an 18-hole golf course located in Kalsangi Village in Polomolok.
- Polo National High School Covered Court provides locals with access to basketball or volleyball games under cover from the elements.
- Polo National High School Oval Track allows runners access during certain hours of the day so they can exercise outdoors in safety and comfort.
