Cotabato City

Cotabato City, officially the City of Cotabato (Maguindanaon: Ingud nu Kutawatu; Iranun: Inged a Kotawato), is a 3rd class independent component city in the province of Maguindanao, Philippines, in the Bangsamoro region. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 299,438,[4] making it as the most populated city under the independent component city status.

Cotabato City

Kutawatu
Independent component city
City of Cotabato
Birds eye view of Cotabato City ; City Hall of Cotabato; Magallanes Street; Southseas Mall; Old Cotabato Provincial Capitol; Rio Grande De Mindanao in Cotabato City
Flag
Seal
Nickname(s): 
"City of Cultural Charms"[1]
Motto(s): 
Sigay ka Cotabato! (Shine Cotabato!)
Map of Maguindanao with Cotabato City highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Cotabato City
Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 7°13′N 124°15′E
Country Philippines
RegionBangsamoro
ProvinceMaguindanao (geographically only)
District1st District of Maguindanao shared with Cotabato City
During Manobo period13th century
Founded as capital of Maguindanao Sultanate1520
Founding of Pueblo de Cotabato1862
CityhoodJune 20, 1959
Founded byApo Mamalu and Apo Tabunaway
Barangays37 (see Barangays)
Government
 [2]
 • TypeSangguniang Panlungsod
 • MayorFrances Cynthia J. Guiani-Sayadi
 • Vice MayorGraham Nazer G. Dumama
 • CongressmanDatu Roonie Q. Sinsuat Sr.
 • Electorate114,083 voters (2019)
Area
 [3]
 • Total176.00 km2 (67.95 sq mi)
Population
 (2015 census)[4]
 • Total299,438
 • Density1,700/km2 (4,400/sq mi)
 • Households
55,987
Demonym(s)Cotabateño (masculine)
Cotabateña (feminine)
Economy
 • Income class3rd city income class
 • Poverty incidence29.7% (2015)[5]
 • Revenue (₱)769,359,556.60 (2016)
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
9600
PSGC
129804000
IDD : area code +63 (0)64
Climate typetropical climate
Languages
Websitewww.cotabatocity.ph

Cotabato City is formerly part and was the regional center of Region XII. But due to the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, it is now part of BARMM and served as the regional center. Being an independent component city, it's not a subject to regulation from the Provincial Government of Maguindanao where it is geographically located. The Philippine Statistics Authority also lists Cotabato City as statistically independent.[6]

Cotabato City is distinct from and should not be confused with the province of Cotabato.

History
The Spanish fortress in Cotabato, El Fuerte Reina Regente, 1896

Prior to the arrival of Hindus and Muslims, the city was a vast swamp and rainforest landscape where numerous ethno-linguistic groups lived. Maguindanao vernacular architecture developed during this era, which included the architectural techniques of at least 10 ethno-linguistic groups. Later on, Hindu traders arrived and the people of the area embraced the practice of Hinduism. The set of moral standards and culture of present-day people of Maguindanao are seen due to this Hindu influence.[7][8]

Sultanate of Maguindanao
Datu Piang, fourth from the left, with American officers circa 1899. He was the first governor of the Empire Province of Cotabato; Cotabato City was once the capital of the province from 1920 to 1967.

By 1515, after a successful Islamic colonization in Sulu, Muslim traders went to Maguindanao and converted many of the natives to Islam. Those that did not accept the arrival of the Muslims went into higher ground or the interior of the island. During the same year, the Sultanate of Maguindanao was formally established, with Kota Wato as its capital, and ruled a vast territory in Mindanao from until its total collapse in 1888.

Following the Spanish evacuation in Jan. 1899, Datu Piang led the Moro's in a massacre of the remaining Christian community, enslaving those they did not kill.[9]:529–530 Americans arrived in Mindanao in 1900 after the Spanish–American War ended in 1898. Cotabato town was part of Moro Province and of Department of Mindanao and Sulu from 1903 to 1920, when the Empire Province of Cotabato, referred to as "Moroland" by the Americans, was founded with the town as the capital, with Datu Piang as its first governor.[6]

Cotabato
Cotabato province 1918 map

Several towns were carved off from Cotabato town since the year 1913, with Pikit being the first one founded by Cebuano Christian colonists. Dulawan (now Datu Piang, Maguindanao) and Midsayap were incorporated as regular municipalities in 1936. In 1942, at the beginning of the Pacific Front of World War II, the Japanese Imperial forces entered what is now Maguindanao province. In 1945, Maguindanao was liberated by allied Philippine Commonwealth troops and Muslim Maguindanaoan guerrilla units after defeating the Japanese Imperial forces in the Battle of Maguindanao during the Second World War.[6] On August 18, 1947, just two years after the Second World War and a year after the official inauguration of Philippine independence, the number of towns in the gigantic Cotabato province were multiplied by Executive Order No. 82 signed by President Manuel Roxas, namely: Kidapawan, Pagalungan, Buayan, Marbel, Parang, Nuling, Dinaig, Salaman, Buluan, Kiamba, and Cabacan, a total of eleven (11) towns added to the previous four towns; the newly founded towns of Kabuntalan, Pikit (conversion as regular municipality), and Glan added up on September 30, 1949. More and more newly created towns added up in the province's number of towns as the province entered the second half of the 20th century.[6]

Cityhood status

The city was chartered by the virtue of Republic Act No. 2364 on June 20, 1959.[10]

The city used to be part of the original Province of Cotabato and was its capital from 1920 until 1967, a year after the separation of South Cotabato; since then the city was the administrative center of the ARMM when Maguindanao was carved out in 1973. However, the city broke off administratively from Maguindanao as it rejoined Soccsksargen in the 1990s. Now many sources consider the city as part of the present Cotabato province, although geographically it is still considered part of Maguindanao.[6]

Inclusion in the Bangsamoro region

The city has traditionally resisted efforts for its inclusion to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao despite serving as the government center of the autonomous region. Despite of this, the city's residents voted for their locality's inclusion in the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region by voting to ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law in the January 21, 2019 plebiscite. The city became the government center of the new region.

Geography

Cotabato is approximately 698.9 nautical miles (1,294.4 kilometres) from Manila, the country's capital, and is bounded by the municipalities of Sultan Kudarat to the north—with Rio Grande de Mindanao separating the two—Kabuntalan to the east, and Datu Odin Sinsuat to the south. The city faces Illana Bay, part of the Moro Gulf, to the west.

Cotabato City has a total land area of 176.0 square kilometres (68.0 sq mi), located at the mouth of the Rio Grande de Mindanao and Pulangi River.[11]

Urban Areas

Cotabato City has two 27 urban barangays that are grouped into two major urban areas, the Down Town Area and the Upper Town Area.

Down Town Area covers the barangays of Poblacion and Bagua which has a population of more than 150,000, Down Town area is below the sea water level, so it is always prone to flooding, down town is the center of banking, trading and commerce of Cotabato City, more than 20 banks including Central Bank of the Philippines are here, the two major wet markets are also located here the Mega Market and the City Arcade, malls and supermarkets are also here such as South Seas Mall, Puregold Main Branch, Sugni Super Store, Superama (3 branches) and also the upcoming KCC Mall of Cotabato. Some of major schools are also located at the down town area such as Notre Dame University, Cotabato City Central Pilot School the largest elementary school, STI Cotabato and Notre Dame of Cotabato, many restaurants and fast food chains are located here such as McDonalds, two branches of Jollibee, Greenwhich, Chowking, Goldilocks, Redribbon, Mang inasal, Mister Donut and Choobi Choobi.

Upper Town Area is the elevated area of Cotabato City, it covers all barangays of Rosary Heights and where the Peoples Palace (City Hall) are situated, the upper town area is the services center of Cotabato City because the Regional Government Agencies from the Bangsamoro Region and Region 12 are located on this area, it also covers Cotabato Regional and Medical Center and other medical hospitals, other educational institutions are also located here Cotabato City State Polytechnic College, Notre Dame-RVM, AMA Computer College and also the defunct University of Mindanao is located here. There are three major shopping malls here the CityMall, Mall of Alnor and Fiesta Mall(Puregold 2nd branch), many restaurants are also spread out on this area such as Jollibee (2 branches), Chowking (2 branches), Greenwich, Chicken Deli, Reyes Barbecue, Hukad Restaurant, Bo’s Coffee (2 branches), Blackscoop Cafe, Highlands Coffee and Penongs.

The other two developing areas are Barangays of Kalanganan which is the Seaport and the Grand Mosque is located, the major industry here are aquaculture, the proposed Public Market and Public Terminal is located here, coastal road is also under construction on this area. Another developing area is the Barangays of Tamontaka, which the proposed International Airport will be established on this area, Tamontaka is also the east diversion road of Cotabato City.

Topography

The city is situated in the lowest portion of Maguindanao province. The City of Cotabato with its 37 barangays spans an area with marked landscapes of flat, level to nearly level, very gently sloping to gently undulations to moderately sloping or rolling. It is basically a delta formed by two big rivers, the Tamontaka River and the Rio Grande de Mindanao. Basically 70% of its total land area is below sea level. There are only 2 existing elevated areas in the city, the PC Hill and the Timako Hill with an altitude of 90 and 150 feet, respectively.

Concentration of settlements and other urban uses are in the central portion while the southwestern and southeastern portion have mixed uses of agricultural land settlements. The city is criss-crossed by meandering and braided creeks and rivers like the Matampay, Parang, Timako, Esteros and Miwaruy.

These water bodies serve as sources of both agricultural, industrial and domestic water requirements of some rural barangays. These rivers also serve as the natural drainage flow of the city's wastes.

Barangays

Cotabato City is politically subdivided into 37 barangays.[12][13] Cotabato City has 27 urban barangays as classified by Philippine Statistics Authority.

Urban

  • Bagua Mother
  • Bagua I
  • Bagua II
  • Bagua III
  • Kalanganan Mother
  • Kalanganan I
  • Kalanganan II
  • Poblacion Mother
  • Poblacion II
  • Poblacion IV
  • Poblacion V
  • Poblacion VI
  • Poblacion VII
  • Poblacion VIII
  • Poblacion IX
  • Rosary Heights Mother
  • Rosary Heights II
  • Rosary Heights III
  • Rosary Heights V
  • Rosary Heights VI
  • Rosary Heights VII
  • Rosary Heights VIII
  • Rosary Heights IX
  • Rosary Heights X
  • Rosary Heights XI
  • Rosary Heights XIII
  • Tamontaka Mother

Rural

  • Poblacion I
  • Poblacion III
  • Rosary Heights I
  • Rosary Heights IV
  • Rosary Heights XII
  • Tamontaka I
  • Tamontaka II
  • Tamontaka III
  • Tamontaka IV
  • Tamontaka V

Climate

Under the Köppen climate classification system, Cotabato City features a tropical rainforest climate (Af), falling just short of a tropical monsoon climate (Am).

Climate data for Cotabato City (1981–2010, extremes 1986–2012)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 36.1
(97.0)		 36.5
(97.7)		 37.7
(99.9)		 37.0
(98.6)		 36.0
(96.8)		 35.5
(95.9)		 35.4
(95.7)		 35.3
(95.5)		 35.4
(95.7)		 34.8
(94.6)		 35.2
(95.4)		 35.5
(95.9)		 37.7
(99.9)
Average high °C (°F) 32.7
(90.9)		 32.8
(91.0)		 33.4
(92.1)		 33.7
(92.7)		 33.1
(91.6)		 32.3
(90.1)		 31.9
(89.4)		 32.1
(89.8)		 32.3
(90.1)		 32.2
(90.0)		 32.6
(90.7)		 32.5
(90.5)		 32.6
(90.7)
Daily mean °C (°F) 27.8
(82.0)		 27.9
(82.2)		 28.3
(82.9)		 28.6
(83.5)		 28.1
(82.6)		 27.6
(81.7)		 27.3
(81.1)		 27.5
(81.5)		 27.6
(81.7)		 27.5
(81.5)		 27.8
(82.0)		 27.6
(81.7)		 27.8
(82.0)
Average low °C (°F) 22.9
(73.2)		 23.1
(73.6)		 23.3
(73.9)		 23.5
(74.3)		 23.2
(73.8)		 22.8
(73.0)		 22.7
(72.9)		 22.9
(73.2)		 22.9
(73.2)		 22.9
(73.2)		 22.9
(73.2)		 22.8
(73.0)		 23.0
(73.4)
Record low °C (°F) 20.0
(68.0)		 21.0
(69.8)		 21.0
(69.8)		 21.0
(69.8)		 21.0
(69.8)		 20.5
(68.9)		 20.6
(69.1)		 20.5
(68.9)		 20.8
(69.4)		 20.8
(69.4)		 20.7
(69.3)		 20.0
(68.0)		 20.0
(68.0)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 88.4
(3.48)		 83.9
(3.30)		 119.9
(4.72)		 146.7
(5.78)		 268.5
(10.57)		 312.3
(12.30)		 325.4
(12.81)		 244.8
(9.64)		 256.6
(10.10)		 285.5
(11.24)		 216.3
(8.52)		 139.6
(5.50)		 2,487.8
(97.94)
Average rainy days (≥ 0.1 mm) 9 9 11 11 17 20 19 16 16 17 14 12 171
Average relative humidity (%) 75 74 74 73 74 76 76 76 76 76 75 75 75
Source: PAGASA[14][15]

Demographics
Queen of Peace Church
Sultan Hajji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque
Population census of Cotabato City
YearPop.±% p.a.
1970 61,184—    
1975 67,097+1.87%
1980 83,871+4.56%
1990 127,065+4.24%
YearPop.±% p.a.
1995 146,779+2.74%
2000 163,849+2.39%
2007 259,153+6.53%
2015 299,438+1.82%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[4][16][17][18]

The majority of the inhabitants of Cotabato City are Maguindanaon, comprising about 50% of the city's population. There are sizable ethnic populations of Cebuanos (14%), Tagalogs (9.7%), Iranun (7%), Hiligaynons (5.6%), Binisaya (2.7%) and Chinese (2%). The remainder of the population belongs to other ethnicities (e.g. Tausug, Teduray, Ilocano, Maranao and Indian).[19]

Language

The main language is Maguindanao. Tagalog, Chavacano and Cebuano spoken by both Christians and Muslims, as well as Iranun, Maranao, English, and Arabic, are also heard in the city. The dialect of Chavacano native to Cotabato City is referred to as Cotabateño.[20]

Religion

As reported by Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on 2015, 76.15% of the people of Cotabato City are adherent of Islam and mainly belong to Sunnites.[21] The followers of Islam are mainly Maguindanaoan, Iranun, Maranao, and Tausug people. The remaining proportion belong to non - Islamic belief such as Christianity, Buddhism and other sects.

Cotabato City also hosts the largest mosque in the Philippines, the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid which can accommodate approximately 15,000 worshippers.[22] It is also the seat of the Archdiocese of Cotabato which serves its Roman Catholic population.[23]

Festivals religious of origin are also held in the city annually such the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival which is dedicated to Sharif Kabungsuwan, a Muslim missionary which introduced Islam in the area.[24] The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, since the Mary, mother of Jesus as the Immaculate Conception, is regarded by the patron saint of the city by its Catholic population.

Local Government
Drone shot in ORG Cotabato City
Old Cotabato City Hall

Elected officials 2019-2022:[25]

  • Mayor:
    • Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi (NPC)
  • Vice Mayor:
    • Graham Nazer Dumama (NPC)
  • City Councilors:
    • Jayjay Guiani (NPC)
    • Bruce Matabalao (NUP)
    • Dr. Eddie Rabago (NPC)
    • Johari Abu (PFP)
    • Michael Datumanong (NPC)
    • Abdillah Lim (NPC)
    • Popoy Formento (PDPLBN)
    • Hassan Biruar (NPC)
    • Freddie Ridao (NPC)
    • Christina Chua (NPC)

List of former mayors
  • Justino Maquez - First Municipal President (1912-1914)
  • Jose Heras - 2nd Municipal President (1913-1932)
  • Jose S. Lim Sr. - The 3rd Municipal President (1932-1937)

1935 Philippine Constitution

  • Aurelio Casanova (1937-1938) appointed
  • Alejandro Doroteo - The first elected mayor in the Municipality of Cotabato under the 1935 Philippine Constitution, 1938 to 1941
  • Jose S. Lim Sr 2nd elected Municipal Mayor (1941-1944)
  • Pacifico Gutierrez - Military Mayor (1944-1945)
  • Datu Mando U. Sinsuat - 1947 to 1951 (Municipality); 1952 to November 16, 1967 (City)
  • Andres Alonzo (1946-1950)
  • Teodoro V. Juliano - November 17, 1967 to February 2, 1975; March 1, 1980 to March 5, 1984
  • Juan J. Ty - February 3, 1975 to February 28, 1980;1984.
  • Angka O. Biruar - Designated (March 1984 - March 1986)
  • Ludovico D. Badoy - March 30, 1986 to December 2, 1987; May, 1988 to 1992; 1992 to 1995; 1995 to 1998
  • Officer-in-Charge
    • Arthur P. Bueno - December 1987 to February 1988
    • Dra. Lydia Mercado - February 1988 to May 1988
  • Muslimin Sema - January 1998 to 2001; 2001 to 2004; 2004 to 2007; 2007 to 2010
  • Rodel M. Mañara (Won thru electoral protest against Muslimin Sema) - January 2001 to March 2001
  • Japal Guiani Jr. - May 10, 2010 to June 30, 2013; June 30, 2013 to May 30, 2016; May 30, 2016 to September 22, 2016 (deceased)
  • Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi - September 22, 2016 to May 13, 2019 (Law of succession); May 13, 2019 to present.

Economy
Skyline of Down Town Cotabato City as of 2019

Cotabato City is the commercial, industrial, finance, education and regional center of Bangsamoro Region as well as Central Mindanao. It is a strategically located at the center of Mindanao which the city has a road link to all other major cities in the island such as Davao, Cagayan de Oro,Zamboanga City and General Santos City. The city government had reported some 1.2-billion pesos worth of new investments or a recorded 1,368 new businesses in 2019, As a result of the robust growth in city’s economy it has posted a total annual income of 1.044 billion pesos in the same year, for the past five years, Cotabato City’s annual income had been growing at an average of 10.51 percent yearly, also in 2019 Cotabato City is recognized as the top 2 most competitive component city in Mindanao and the most competitive city in Region 12 for 3 consecutive years based on the Cities Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) annual ranking.

Commercial Retail and Banking Center
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas - Cotabato City Branch

Cotabato City has one of the Highest Bank Deposits in Mindanao with total of Php18,736,523,000.00 deposits as of June 30, 2017 with 150,406 bank accounts[26] the city has 20 banks (Private and Government), due to high bank deposits and good economic dynamism. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas built its Central Mindanao branch in the city.

Mall of Alnor currently the biggest shopping center in Cotabato City and Robinsons are the major tenants

The city has local and national-based shopping centers. Local-based shopping centers like Superama, Sugni, Mall of Alnor, and Southseas Mall have been in competition with the national-based shopping centers like CityMall, Puregold, Robinsons Supermarket and Department Store, Centro Department Store, and SM Savemore. Cotabato City is one of the fastest growing economy in the Soccsksargen region.[27]

KCC Malls had started its full blown construction last July 1, 2020, it is located at a prime lot along Quezon Avenue corner Sinsuat Avenue, the project is estimated to cost 2 billion pesos, the mall is 4 storey with a total lot area of 11 hectares, on the second phase of construction is the completion of 11 storey hotel with convention center, probably upon completion this could be the tallest building in the region 12.[28] NCCC Malls, a Davao-based mall corporation have also confirmed their interest to build their mall within the city.[29]

Agro-Industrial
City "Double A" Standard Halal Slaughterhouse

Cotabato City has a more or less 1,700 hectares of fishponds which has an annual production of 500,000 kg of mangrove crabs, prawn and milkfish.[30][31][32]

Aiming to be the halal hub of the Philippines, the City Government and Malaysian Businessman built a Class AA halal slaughter house in Baranggay Kalangan II in the city primary serving the entire Central Mindanao, the Halal slaughter house generates a gross income of 4,642,135.00 pesos in 2018.[33]

The city has different factories for cooking oil, coffee, corn starch, processed food and furniture operating within the city.

Cotabato City-Kidapawan City (CK) Agri-industrial and Eco Tourism Corridor

Is an Agri-industrial and Eco Tourism Corridor projected by the NEDA region 12, the primary growth node in this corridor is Cotabato City with Kidapawan City and Midsayap as intermidiate urban centers.

Cotabato City as the primary urban center in this corridor, serves as the institutional, financial and service center, also the center of public health with the existence of the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center, and the defacto capital of BARMM. The city is a special economic zone is expected to diversify its economic base and will facilitate the creation of more investment and job opportunities.

Cotabato Province ranks first in the region in rice and rubber production, second in corn and produces organic coco sugar and delicious tropical fruits. It hosts processing plants for palm oil, sugar cane and rubber. The Mount Apo Geothermal Power plant in Kidapawan City generates 52 megawatts.

Tourism

Recently the number of hotels, inn and pension houses increases, in 2015 the city post an all-time high tourist arrivals growth of 241.01% highest on region 12, and Cotabato City has a 63.97% hotel occupancy rate, rank 1 in region 12.[34]

Landmarks
  • Rio Grande de Mindanao – this is the largest river system in the Philippines and the longest in the whole Mindanao region. With the estimated long of 182 kilometers and 96 meters wide, this river is crisscrossing the whole area of the city.
  • Kutang Bato Caves – this is the only cave in the country that is situated in the heart of the city.
  • Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid – this is the largest mosque in the Philippines, it is also named as Grand Mosque of Cotabato.
  • Tantawan Park- A monument to Sultan Ditapuan Kudarat at the foot of the colorful houses in Pedro Colina Hill. Sultan Kudarat is the 7th ruler of the Maguindanao Sultanate was instrumental in the expansion and rise of the Sultanate and feared by the Spanish colonizers.
  • The Church of the Immaculate Concepcion Tamontaka - Tamontaka Church was the center of Jesuit evangelization in the late 19th century and the original structure was built in 1872 along the banks of the Tamontaka River.
  • Old Cotabato City Hall Museum-The old Cotabato City Hall was designed by National Artist for Architecture, Juan Arellano and built in the 1940s. It is now a small museum as well as visitor information center of the city.
  • Old Historic Cotabato Empire Capitol - even before Cotabato City was already been a capital town and trading during the former regional governance under Cotabato Empire formerly known as Cotabato Region, recently it is now called SOCCSARGEN Region as some provinces join with BARMM
  • Takumi Butai Memorial Shrine - A shrine in honor of a Japanese Provincial Commander Takumi Butai assigned in Cotabato City.
"Bai Walk" in Cotabato City
Pedro Colina (PC) Hill on May 2018
Kuyog Street Dancing December 2018

Festivals
2018 Kuyog street dancing competition
  • Chinese New Year - in recent years, the city government participates in celebration of its Chinese constituents in the city because of their historical presence and influence of trading even before the governance of Cotabato Empire
  • Feast of the Immaculate Conception - a celebration of Patron Saint of the city from Dec 1 to Dec 8 activities are mostly participated by different catholic schools
  • Shariff Kabunsuan Festival – this festival is celebrated every December 15–19, which is celebrated in honor of Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan, an Arab missionary from Johore who planted the seed of Islam in Central Mindanao. On this event, certain presentations are performed such as dances. There are also many recreational activities and sports. Highlights in this festival are Dance Parade, Banca Race and the re-enactment of Shariff's arrival.
  • Araw ng Kutabato (Cotabato Day) – celebrated every June 12–25, this is the biggest celebration in all of the city's festivals. This festival is held to commemorate the city's charter day.
  • Festival of Lights - A Christmas celebration organized by the Notre Dame schools in Cotabato City, celebrated every December of the year.
  • Pakaradjaan Festival - A regional wide festival and held in the ORG compound in Cotabato City, Pakaradjaan is a generic term for celebration among ethno-linguistic tribes in the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the Mainland Provinces of Lanao Del Sur and Maguindanao in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.The festival shall be capped off with the setting up of intricate mock tribal villages inside the 32-hectare ARMM capitol southwest of Cotabato City to educate tourists on the ethnicity of Muslim, Christian and Lumad people in the autonomous region.
  • Ramadhan - Being a muslim majority, the city is one in celebrating the holy month of Ramadhan, both the city local government unit and the Bangsamoro Region are establishing their own Ramadhan Fair and different activities.
  • Layagan Festival - is a Crabs Festival held and organized in the Barangay of Mother Kalanganan, the event is conducted every December, Barangay Kalanganan produces hundred of tons of crabs annually making it as the crabs capital of Soccsksargen.

Transportation
Arrival Area of Cotabato City Airport

Air

Flights going to Cotabato City can be reached via Cotabato Airport which is currently situated in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, an adjascent town from the city. The following airline companies are flying from these destinations vice versa.

Land

Modified Toyota Townace and Modified Suzuki Multicab are the usual means of transportation routing the city, while tricycle are only roaming within downtown area. Single motor transport known as Habal-habal are also available around in some location. There are also taxi company operating within city or nearby municipality, namely Alnor Taxi and Wow Taxi.

Inter-city bus transportations are accessible with these Bus Companies listed below. There are also Shuttle Vans currently operating in the city that travels to Lebak, Pagadian, Marawi, Iligan, Zamboanga, Parang, North Upi, Kabuntalan and even to various towns in BARMM, SOCCSARGEN, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao and Davao Region.[35]

Utilities
Cotabato Light and Power Company Building along Sinsuat Avenue, July 2020

Power is handled by Cotabato Light and Power Company, a private firm owned by Aboitiz who gets power resources from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines. (NGCP). It also operates a bunker fuel-fired stand-by power engines to address emergency situations like power failures, trip-offs and fluctuations.[36]

Metro Cotabato Water District is the main water supplier in the city. It has an active connection of 29,960. It resources are located in Barangay Dimapatoy, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.[37]

Telecommunications are handled by PLDT or Philippine Long Distance Company, Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, and Sun Cellular. Internet service providers in the city are PLDT, Smart, and Globe. Cable services are being handled by local-based Cotabato Cable[38] and national-based Cignal[39] and Sky Cable.

Healthcare
United Doctors Hospital Cotabato along Notre Dame Avenue
Cotabato Regional and Medical Center

The city has one government hospital and eight private hospitals. Below is the list of current operating hospitals in the city.

  • Cotabato Regional and Medical Center – Sinsuat Avenue.
  • Notre Dame Hospital – Sinsuat Avenue
  • Cotabato Medical Specialist Hospital – Quezon Avenue
  • United Doctors Hospital of Cotabato City – Notre Dame Avenue
  • Dr. P. Ocampo Hospital – De Mazenod Avenue
  • Cotabato Doctors Clinic and Hospital – Sinsuat Avenue
  • Cotabato Puericulture Center and General Hospital Foundation, Inc. – Jose Lim Sr. St.
  • Cotabato Polymedic and Diagnostic Center - Governor Gutierez Avenue
  • Eros Medical Clinic and Hospital - Bubong Road, Barangay Tamontaka

Education
Cariño Building, Notre Dame University

Cotabato State University formerly Cotabato City State Polytechnic College is the only government tertiary institution in the city. Aside from the existing government basic education institution the Laboratory Science High school of CSU and Cotabato City Science and Technology High school are specialized government established secondary schools. While listed below are the partial private educational institutions in the city, having a total of 14,228 enrollees for Higher Education (Colleges and Universities) in School Year 2017–2018.

Private Basic Education
  • Notre Dame of Cotabato
  • Albert Einstein School
  • Lord of Peace Learning Center
  • Sacred Heart Learning Center
  • Agape School
  • Notre Dame School of Cathedral
  • St. Peter and St. Paul Episcopal School
  • San Vicente Academy
  • New Life Institute
  • Sultan Kudarat Islamic Academy Elementary Annex
  • Nahdah Central Academy
  • Kutawato Institute Technology Foundation Inc.
  • Cotabato Rasheeda Highschool Inc.
  • Cotabato City Institute (Only Chinese School)

Private Higher Education
  • Headstart College of Cotabato
  • Notre Dame Hospital and School of Midwifery
  • Computer Aided Design and Information Technology Institute, Inc.
  • Aviation Technical School of Cotabato
  • Academia De Technologia in Mindanao
  • JCourse Design Technology Institute Inc.

Private Basic and Higher Education
  • Notre Dame University
  • STI Cotabato
  • St. Benedict College of Cotabato
  • Notre Dame – RVM College of Cotabato
  • AMA Computer College
  • Coland Systems Technology College Inc.
  • Antonio R. Pacheco College
  • Doctor P. Ocampo College
  • Dela Vida College
  • Jamiat Cotabato - Cotabato City University
  • Mindanao Capitols Colleges
  • Shariff Kabunsuan College, Inc.
  • Kutawato Darusallam College

Defunct Schools in Cotabato City
  • University of Mindanao - Located at Bishop Mongeau Ave., Cotabato City, Cotabato
  • Philippine Harvardian Colleges - Located at Quezon Avenue, Cotabato City now El Manuel Hotel and Citi Hardware
  • Mindanao Institute of Technology(Cotabato Campus)
  • Cotabato City Central Colleges - Located at Sinsuat avenue, now transferred in Koronadal City and renamed as Regency Polytechnic College

Media

Radio
AM Stations
Frequency Name Company Format Call Sign Power Covered Location
567 AM DZRH 567 Cotabato Manila Broadcasting Company News, Talk radio DXCH-AM 10 KW Cotabato City (Primary)
729 AM Radyo Mo Nationwide Radio Mindanao Network News, Talk radio DXMY-AM 10 KW Cotabato City (Primary)
882 AM DXMS-AM Radyo Bida 882 AM Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation News, Music, Entertainment DXMS-AM 10 KW Cotabato City (Primary)
945 AM DXRO Sonshine Radio 945 Cotabato Sonshine Media Network International News, Music, Christian radio DXRO-AM 10 KW Cotabato City (Primary)
1089 AM DXCM 1089 Radyo Ukay UM Broadcasting Network News, Music, Entertainment DXCM-AM 10 KW Cotabato City (Primary)
FM Stations
Frequency Name Company Format Call Sign Power Covered Location
89.3 FM 89.3 Brigada News FM Brigada Mass Media Corporation News, Talk radio DXYC 10 KW Cotabato City (Primary)
90.9 FM 90.9 iFM Cotabato Radio Mindanao Network News, Talk radio, Music DXWD 10 KW Cotabato City (Primary)
92.7 FM 92.7 Happy FM Cotabato Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation News, Talk radio, Pop, OPM, Entertainment, Catholic Radio DXOL 10 KW Cotabato City (Primary)
93.7 FM 93.7 Star FM Bombo Radyo Philippines; Consolidated Broadcasting System News, Talk radio, Pop, OPM, Entertainment DXFD 10 KW Cotabato City (Primary)
95.1 FM MOR 95.1 For Life! ABS-CBN Corporation News, Talk radio, Pop, OPM, Entertainment DXPS 10 KW Cotabato City (Primary)
95.9 FM 95.9 Radyo Natin Cotabato Manila Broadcasting Company/Radyo Natin Network News, Talk radio, Pop, OPM, Community Radio DXTC 5 KW Cotabato City (Primary)
99.0 FM 99.0 Voice FM Cotabato Al-Balagh Foundation/Prime Broadcasting Network News, Talk radio, Community Radio, Islamic Radio DXJC 5 KW Cotabato City (Primary)
105.3 FM 105.3 Radyo Bandera News FM Cotabato Bandera News Philippines News, Talk radio, Music DXJN 5 KW Cotabato City (Primary)

TV Stations

Free TV:

Local TV Stations (Cable):

  • Bandera News TV - Maguindanao Skycable Channel 4
  • Brigada News TV - Maguindanao Sky Cable Channel 44

Notable people
  • Dr. Abdullah B. Dumama, Jr. - Undersecretary of Health, Department of Health [DOH] [40]
  • Orlando Quevedo – Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, Archbishop of Cotabato
  • Resham Ramirez Saeed - Half Pakistani and half filipina, who won the title Binibining Pilipinas Supranational 2019.
  • Sheriff Abas - COMELEC Chairman, he is the first COMELEC chairman from Mindanao and the youngest too.[41]
  • Gemeli Tocao - Miss Teen Princess International 2018

Sister cities
See also: List of sister cities in the Philippines

Cotabato City is twinned with:

Local

International
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  40. url=https://www.doh.gov.ph/AsecDumama
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