Koronadal City

Infobox Philippine city
infoboxtitle = City of Koronadal
sealfile = koronadal logo.jpg
locatormapfile = Ph locator south cotabato koronadal.png caption = Map of South Cotabato showing the location of Koronadal City.
region = SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII)
province = South Cotabato
districts = 2nd District of South Cotabato
barangays = 27
class = 3rd class city
mayor = Fernando Q. Miguel (Lakas-CMD/Kampi)
founded = 1947
cityhood = 2000
areakm2 = 277.00
pop2000 = 133,786
popden2000 = 471
coordinates =
website = http://www.koronadal.gov.ph
The City of Koronadal, also known as Marbel, is the capital city of South Cotabato province in the Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it had a population of 133,786 people in 27,623 households.

Overview

Koronadal became a component city in 2000. By virtue of Executive Order No. 304, dated March 30, 2004, Koronadal City became the regional center of the SOCCSKSARGEN region. In 2007, it was recognized "Most Competitive City" in the small-city category.

The word Koronadal is believed to have been derived from two B'laan words- koron or kolon meaning cogon grass and nadal or datal meaning plain which aptly described the place to the natives. On the other hand, Marbel, which is another name for the poblacion, is a B'laan term "Marb-El" which means "murky waters" referring to a river, now called Marbel River.

Koronadal used to comprise the area extending from the banks of Buluan Lake to the north to Barangay Polonoling in the municipality of Tupi to the south from Quezon mountain range to the northeast to the municipality of T'Boli to the southeast.

On August 18, 1947, President Manuel Roxas signed the Executive Order creating the municipalities in the entire province of South Cotabato, one of which was Koronadal. The same executive order likewise mandated the official function of the municipal government which began after the qualification and election of the first set of municipal officials.

The municipal government of Koronadal began its official function on January 1, 1948 with an approved Annual Estimated Budget of P30,000.00. The land area of the municipality by then was comparable with the Province of Bata-an embracing the present municipalities of Tampakan, Tupi, Banga, Lake Sebu, Surallah, T'Boli, Sto. Niño, Norala, and Isulan.

Municipal Council Resolution No. 32, Series of 1948 mandated and proclaimed January 10 of each year as the Municipal Town Fiesta commemorating the foundation of Marbel Settlement District of the National Land Settlement.

Koronadal was converted into a component city of South Cotabato now known as the City of Koronadal by virtue of Republic Act 8803 on October 8, 2000.

Brief History

The settlement of Koronadal and its creation as a municipality by virtue of Executive Order No. 82 dated August 18, 1947 was marked by a rapid initial development, so that when the province of South Cotabato was created under Republic Act No. 4849 on July 18, 1966, it easily became the capital town. In the past, the place was populated by B'laans and Maguindanaos. The word Koronadal is believed to have been derived from two B'laan words- koron or kolon meaning cogon grass and nadal or datal meaning plain which optly described the place to the natives. On the other hand, Marbel, which is another name for the poblacion, is a B'laan term "Marb-El" which means "murky waters" (it is possible that name was first used to) referring to a river, now called Marbel River.

Koronadal used to comprise the area extending from the banks of Buluan Lake to the north to Barangay Polonoling in the municipality of Tupi to the south from Quezon mountain range to the northeast to the municipality of T'Boli to the southeast. It was in August 18, 1947 when President Manuel Roxas signed the Executive Order creating the municipalities in the entire province of South Cotabato, one of which was Koronadal. The same executive order likewise mandated the official function of the municipal government which began after the qualification and election of the first set of municipal officials. Elected were Datu Kudanding Kamsa, Municipal Mayor, Perfecto Sueno Sr., Vice Mayor; Councilors: Porferio Cuenca, Felix Suscano, Alejandro Poticar, Gregorio Hechanova, Zacarias Cadule, and Dencio Sarate. The first Municipal Judge was Braulio Hurtado and the first Health Officer was Dr. Felimon de Jesus, Cornelio Mariveles became the Chief of Police and Godofredo Gazo, the Municipal Secretary.

The municipal government of Koronadal began its official function on January 1, 1948 with an approved Annual Estimated Budget of P30,000.00. The land area of the municipality by then was comparable with the Province of Bata-an embracing the present municipalities of Tampakan, Tupi, Banga, Lake Sebu, Surallah, T'Boli, Sto. Niño, Norala, and Isulan. Municipal Council Resolution No. 32, Series of 1948 mandated and proclaimed January 10 of each year as the Municipal Town Fiesta commemorating the foundation of Marbel Settlement District of the National Land Settlement. Koronadal was converted into a component city of South Cotabato now known as the City of Koronadal by virtue of Republic Act 8803 on October 8, 2000.

At present, Koronadal is a fast developing growth center composed of twenty seven (27) barangays including the four (4) zones in the poblacion. Being the capital town of South Cotabato, it is the center of the province in terms of political, cultural and socio-economic activities. Business firms and other establishments sprout in Koronadal. Identified also as the Provincial Agri-industrial Center of South Cotabato. Koronadal boasts of its favorable geographical location, rich human and natural resources, and potentials conducive for trade business and industry.

Barangays

Koronadal City is politically subdivided into twenty-seven barangays.

* Assumption (Bulol) * Avanceña (Bo. 3) * Cacub * Caloocan * Carpenter Hill * Concepcion (Bo. 6) * Esperanza * General Paulino Santos (Bo. 1 * Mabini * Morales * Magsaysay * (Bo. 4)

* Paraiso * Zone I (Pob.) * Zone II (Pob.) * Zone III (Pob.) * Zone IV (Pob.) * Rotonda * San Isidro * San Jose (Bo. 5) * San Roque * Santa Cruz * Santo Niño (Bo. 2) * Sarabia (Bo. 8) * Zulueta (Bo. 7)

Awards

"'2005/2006 Most Business Friendly City in Mindanao
2005 Top 10 Most Competitive City in the Philippines
2005 Hall of Famer in Nutrition Program
2005 Most Outstanding PNP in Region XII
2005 Most Outstanding Bureau of Fire Protection in Region XII
2003 Most Competitive Small-sized City in the Philippines"'

Tourism

[http://www.koronadal.gov.ph/images/tourist.gif|thumb|Cadidang Cave] UNDERGROUND LIVING - experience ancient way of living in one of the many caves hidden in the vast mountains surrounding the city. The cadidang Caves tell an age-old legend of the indigenous people's settlement in Koronadal. Great stone pendants hang like icicles while columns and cones of stalagmites rise from the floor of Cadidang Caves. Slender, dark tunnels lead to its three connected chambers.

FALLS FOR YOU - Fall in love with the majesty of casdading waters from the highlands of Ciy of Koronadal that surely binds you with the pristine colors of nature.

CANOPY WALK - Enjoy the green ambience of thick canopy while walking under giant shades of El Gawel which is part of the 1,300+ hectares watershed are in the City.

Huge Rock formations reveal the beauty and splendor of Millenium Falls in Barangay Cacub, City of Koronadal.

Festivals and Events

CHARTER ANNIVERSARYOctober 8A memorial celebration of the cityhood of Koronadal, a celebration of nightly fests, beer and food festivals concerts, trade fair and business conference and the most celebrated mardi gras.

HINUGYAW SA PASCUADecember 16-23Nightly celebration of Carols, Dances and Christmas Bazaar. see photos

INDEPENDENCE DAYJune 12The city joins the whole nation in celebrating the Philippine Independence

HINUGYAW FESTIVALJanuary 3-10A weeklong celebration of merry-making, drum beats, beer and food festivals, celebrity concerts, seidewalk bargain shop, funfare and trade exhibits and the most celebrated Hinugyaw Street Dancing Competition

TINALAK FESTIVALJuly 18City of Koronadal celebrates with the provincial government the foundation anniversary of South Cotabato dubbed as T'nalak Festival Visit South Cotabato

RIZAL DAYDecember 30A day of salute in commemoration of the heroism of the national hero Dr. Jose Rizal

PATRON FIESTAJune 13A celebration of the feast of St. Anthony de Padua, patron saint of the diocese of Marbel

Where to Shop?

Your shopping capital in Region 12Shop for souvenirs, Export-quality products like furniture, hand-woven fabrics, native products, gift items, shell crafts, home accessories and jewelry are displayed at all stores and malls in the city.

Pick your choices from among local and international lines of apparels and accessories like GUESS, LEVI'S, PENSHOPPE, KAMISETA and many others which are displayed at all malls in the city

hopping Centers

*KCC Mall of Marbel(Pioneer Mall)
*Ace Centerpoint (Osmeña Street)
*Fit Mart Mall(Gensan Drive)
*Marbel Fit Mart(Osmeña St.)
*TLG Shopper's Mart
*Unite General Merchandise
*Little SM(Alunan Ave.)
*Gaisano CitiMall (Brgy. Morales)(proposed)
*Robinson's Big R Mall(proposed)

Coffee Shops and Restaurants

*Tiana's Cafe
*Mac Gregor Coffee House
*U3 Cafe
*Sa Balay Bistro
*Mang Gorio Bahay Kainan
*Terraza Español
*Lelitas Lodge and Resto
*Lambat
*OSY
*Goto Taps
*EMR Center
*Dunkin Donuts(24 Hrs.)
*Jollibee
*Pritong Manok(alunan ave., Fitmart Mall)
*Greenwich
*Chowking
*Shakeys
*Mang Inasal
*Ondet

Secondary Schools

*Notre Dame - Siena School of Marbel
*Notre Dame of Marbel University Integrated Basic Education Department
*Mary Mount High School
*Green Valley College Foundation
*Koronadal National Comprehensive Highschool
*King's College of Marbel, Inc.

Elementary Schools

*Notre Dame - Siena School of Marbel
*NDMU ETD
*Mary Land Learning Center
*Mary Mount High School(Elem. Dept.)
*Green Valley College Foundation
*King's College of Marbel

College and Universities

NDMU

City of Koronadal is home to the premier institution identified by the Commission on Higher Education as one of national center of excellence. Notre Dame of Marbel University houses the largest library in Central Mindanao with an on-line library automation system for circulation, cataloging and inventory. It also houses a museum with a collection of Muslim and Indigenous peoples artifacts, wares and costumes.

Other Institutions

*Notre Dame of Marbel University (only University in South Cotabato)
*Holy Child College of Information Technology
*The Doctor's Clinic and Hospital School Foundation
*Regency Polytechnic College
*SPTI
*Marbel Institute of Technology
*Green Valley College Foundation
*STI Marbel
*ACLC(Gensan Drive)
*ACLC College of Marbel(Soon to Open)
*Qpex Global School
*University of the Philippines in South Cotabato(proposed)

Tourist Destinations

*Rizal Park
*Del Rio Splash Resort
*The Farm at Carpenter Hill
*KCC Mall
*FitMart Mall
*Figueroa Highlands
*Lantaw Marbel
*View Front
*Mac Grille
*Notre Dame of Marbel University
*South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Centre
*SMRAA Sports Complex
*South Cotabato ProTech Center

Flooding Hazard

Flooding HazardKoronadal has two mountain Ranges with the highest elevation of 874 meters above sea level. Evidently, these two mountain ranges have no occurrence of flood during rainy season. However, the land area with slope ranging from 0-3% has the occurrence of slight flooding during rainy season. Moderate to severe flooding usually occurs at Barangay Carpenter Hill, Magsaysay, and San Roque. Furthermore, erosion that affects Barangays Carpenter Hill is brought about by flash flood with common situation during heavy rainfall.

The rivers and creeks that flow across the locality have the noted occurrence of moderate to severe flooding. Parcel of land along the bank of Bulok Creek, a waterway the crosses the poblacion, is one of the flood prone areas during rainy season. Another is the section of the national road at Barangays Carpenter Hill on the south side of the locality.

Resorts

*Del Rio Splash Resort
*Bedrock Resort
*Rem Ching Resort
*Jasmine Farms
*El Gawel Resort

Hotel

* Ramona Plaza Hotel
* The Farm at Carpenter Hill
* Jasmine Farm
* Del Rio Splash Resort
* Samahang Nayon Hotel
*Marvella Plaza Hotel(closed)

How to get to Koronadal City

* How to Get HereIt takes about an hour to reach General Santos City which boasts of seaports and airport having international capabilities. Koronadal is approximately 59 kilometers away from General Santos City and the travel time is approximately one hour (1.0) by bus or by public utility vehicle. Travel time from the other two entry points, Kidapawan and Cotabato City, varies from 1.5 to 2.5 hours either by bus or public utility vehicle.

* General Santos City 58 km.
* Alabel, Sarangani Province 71 km.
* Davao City via GenSan City 220 km.
* Davao City via Tacurong City 201 km.
* Tacurong City 30 km.
* Cotabato City 136 km.
* Kidapawan City 95 km.

Koronadal can be reached through major points of entry by land, air and sea.

LAND: TO KORONADAL
*TRAVEL TIMEGeneral Santos City 1 Hour
Cotabato City 2 Hours
Davao (via Gensan) 4 Hours
Davao (via Tacurong) 3 Hours
Alabel, Sarangani Province 1.25 Hours
Kidapawan City 1.5 Hours
Tacurong City 45 Mins.

*AIR: MANILA TO FREQUENCYGeneral Santos (Direct Flight) Daily
General Santos (via Cebu) Daily
Davao City Daily

*SEA: MANILA TO GENSAN FREQUENCYSuperferry ( via Iloilo-Davao) Twice Weekly
Negros Navigation (via Ilo-ilo-Zamboanga) Once Weekly
Suplicio Lines Twice Weekly

Solid Waste Management

The City Government of Koronadal strongly discharges the mandate of the Philippine National Government under Republic Act 9003 otherwise known as Solid Waste Managememt Act with the implementation of its Solid Waste management Program. It aims to realize development without compromising the sanitation of the locality, to keep a clean and healthy environment with bountiful activities in the city.

labor and Employment

For year 2001, the total number of population groups that belong to 15-64 years of age is 79,535 which constitutes 58% of the total projected population. These ages are considered as the source of potential labor force of the city the economically active group. However we can not establish the numbers of employed and of unemployed population.

Religion

Based on 2000 Census of Population and Housing by the National Statistics Office, there are various religious groups and denominational groups in Koronadal that cater to the spiriyual needs of the people. Roman Catholic is the dominant religion in the city, follow by the Protestants and Iglesia ni Cristo. (Source: SEP 2002, City of Koronadal)

Literacy Rate

Based on the data provided by the Department of Education (DepEd) of the City of Koronadal for 2006, the literacy rate of Koronadal is 95.44%.

Culture

Discovering City of Koronadal (and/or Marbel to many) is a very simple thing. Here, vivid tyraces of history are still alive, dating from the accupation of Islamic traders and indigenous peoples up to the settlement of Ilonggo, Ilocano and Tagalog people. Yet modern as it is today, old legeds still continue to influence and inspire the existence of this young city. it is the diversity of this culture in the city that spawns a colorful extravaganza of cultural dances.

B'laan Culture

The B'laan tribe is one of the indigenous peoples of the Southern Philippine island of Mindanao. Another tribe called the Magunidanao also inhabits the same area. The two tribes consider themselves to be brothers and sisters. Long ago, an Arab male (ancestral brother) married a B'laan female (ancestral sister) and through this marriage union, Islam infiltrated Southern Mindanao so when the Spaniards arrived, their attempts to establish Catholicism were unsuccessful in the south. Eventually the B'laan and the Maguindanao became trade partners with the B'laan settling in the mountains and the Maguindanao settling along the coastal areas. From that time until now, B'laan have been producing rice, vegetables, livestock, and rainforest products. The original religion of the B'laan is Animist. Presently, only 5% of the 448,000 B'laan tribal people are considered to be evangelical.

Christian Culture

The Christian Filipinos make up the great majority (over 70%) of the Southern Philippine population. They are relative newcomers to the area; the first wave of Christian migrants came in the seventeenth century when the Spaniards sought to populate Zamboanga, Jolo, Dapitan and other areas by encouraging people from Luzon and the Visayas to settle there. In the nineteenth century Spanish policy found considerable success in encouraging migrations to Iligan and Cotabato. The Americans continued this pattern during their colonial administration. In 1913 the American colonial government provided resources for the establishment of agricultural colonies in Mindanao. By the time the Philippine Commonwealth was established, Mindanao had become a veritable frontier. Wave upon wave of migrants poured into the region, chief among them the Cebuanos, Hiligaynons, Ilokanos, Tagalogs, Warays (Leyte-Samar), Pampangos, Aklanons, and Bicolanos. These people did much to clear the virgin areas of Mindanao and open them to extensive agriculture and industry. In time, the economy of the region began to produce part of its promised.

Muslim Culture

The cultural diversity of the region is the result of a large influx of migrants from the north over a long period of the region's history. Found here are three main cultural groups: the early Filipinos who belong to various indigenous tribes living in the highlands and remote areas of Mindanao, the Muslim Filipinos who were early converts to Islam and who regard the region as their traditional homeland, and the Christian Filipinos who founded settlements and communities in the course of their migrations from other parts of the country.

Urban-Rural Population Distribution

The total population of the City of Koronadal is 143,564 in 2005 and 154,368 in 2006. It shows that the 2005 population increased by 10,804 or 7.53% in 2006. This is based on the actual survey conducted by the City Health Office in 2005 and 2006.