“The City of Fruit and Highland Springs”

History

The original name of Kidapawan City was Pikit. In 1942, the Japanese Imperial forces Kidapawan. Three years passed, local Filipino soldiers and guerrillas fought for the liberation of the town. After that, Kidapawan was declared as a separate municipality , dated August 18, 1947.

Kidapawan City was legally created by virtue of Republic Act. No. 8500, signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos on February 12, 1998, making it the first component city of Cotabato Province. The people overwhelmingly ratified the said Act on March 21, 1998 during a plebiscite conducted for the purpose.

Population/ Language/ Area

Kidapawan City has a total land area of 340.07 km² (131.30 sq mi). Its population reached up to 125,447 as of 2010. Local ethnic groups that reside the city are Cebuanos, Ilocanos and the Ilonggos. There are also some Maguindanaons and Manobos. Cebuano language is the local language of the city. English is widely used in the schools, business and government offices and other private institutions.

Products and Services

Kidapawan city also prides itself as the Second Fruit Basket of the Philippines, after Davao City. Exotic fruits like Durian, Mangosteen, Lanzones, Marang, Singkamas, Rambutan, Banana, and the like are grown and harvested in abundance from the rolling highlands of Mt. Apo, passing through the wide plains of the rural communities of Kidapawan City, and down into the backyard of every household.

Crops abundantly grown in the area include abaca, rubber, corn, rice, coconut, and vegetables.

Business Opportunity

The flower-cutting industry is a good source of livelihood among Cotabateños, especially those residing in Kidapawan City. In addition to ornamental and forest tree seedlings, flowers such as roses, anthuriums and orchids are abundantly grown locally providing a very promising and highly profitable source of livelihood and business in the area.

Tourist Spots

• Mt. Apo – the tallest mountain in the Philippines with a total height of 10,311 feet above sea level. This mountain serves is where the Philippine eagle can be found. There are also moss-covered century-old-trees, captivating flora and fauna, sulfur craters, and massive boulders in the mountain.
• Lake Venado – this falls stands at an elevation of 7,200 feet above sea level. It has a crystal clear water where the Mt. Apo can be seen.
• Lake Agko – it has a hot and cold springs. It stands at an elevation of 4,200 feet above sea level.
• The Marbel Falls – is a hidden twin falls of about 60 to 70 feet in height, is surrounded by hot springs.
• Mawig Falls –  is located in Barangay Balabag, is the source of the crystal-clear waters of Matingao River.