Koronadal City

Koronadal, officially the City of Koronadal (; ; ; Maguindanaon: ''Kuta nu Kurunadal'', ) and also known as Marbel, is a component city and capital of the province of South Cotabato, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 195,398 people.

Koronadal is the capital city of the province of South Cotabato and serves as the regional administrative center of Soccsksargen (Region XII). It is also the second most populous city in both South Cotabato and the entire Soccsksargen region, following General Santos.

Koronadal is one of the two cities in Mindanao with a predominantly Hiligaynon-speaking population, comprising approximately 95% of its residents. In 2003 and 2005 the city was recognized as "Most Competitive City" in the small-city category, and in 2005 and 2006 as the most business friendly city in Mindanao.

Etymology

The word "Koronadal" is popularly believed to have been derived from two Blaan words—''kolon'' meaning cogon grass, and ''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 Blaan term ''marb el'' which means "murky waters" referring to a river, now called the Marbel River.

History

The creation of Koronadal as a municipality by virtue of Executive Order No. 82, dated August 18, 1947, was marked by the rapid initial development of the Marbel settlement. As a result, 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 area was inhabited by the Blaan people and Maguindanaons.

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

It was on August 18, 1947, when President Manuel Roxas signed the Executive Order creating the municipalities in the entire province of Cotabato, one of which was Marbel (now 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 . At that time, the land area of the municipality encompassed the present-day municipalities of Banga, Lake Sebu, Norala, Santo Niño, Surallah, T'Boli, Tampakan, and Tupi in South Cotabato, as well as Isulan in Sultan Kudarat.

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.

Cityhood

Koronadal was converted into a component city of South Cotabato by virtue of Republic Act No. 8803 on October 8, 2000. At present, City of Koronadal is a fast-developing growth center composed of twenty-seven barangays including the four zones in the poblacion. Being the capital city of South Cotabato, it is the center of the province in terms of political, cultural and socio-economic activities.By virtue of Executive Order No. 304 signed by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the City of Koronadal was named as the Regional political and socio-economic center of Soccsksargen on March 30, 2004. Regional departments, bureaus and offices were ordered to move from Cotabato City, the former Regional Center of the Region.

Modern Koronadal

Koronadal, has now is a first-class city, that exemplifies modern progress and urban development, serving as a thriving metropolitan hub in the province and in the region. The city is characterized by a vibrant culture that remains active both during the day and into the night, supported by a variety of malls, retail establishments, dining options, and entertainment venues. Its economic landscape is bolstered by the presence of major corporations investing in various sectors, alongside a flourishing real estate market, thriving local enterprises, and an expanding network of educational institutions.

Significant advancements have been made in public infrastructure, including modernized traffic systems, improved road networks, and enhanced urban lighting, contributing to greater efficiency and safety. These developments have been achieved under the leadership of Mayor Eliordo Ogena, whose governance has fostered economic growth and infrastructural improvement. Koronadal's dynamic evolution positions it as a key center of commerce, education, and community life in the region.

Geography

Koronadal is located in the northeastern part of South Cotabato province, positioned between approximately 6°24' to 6°34' north latitude and 124°47' to 124°58' east longitude. The city is bordered to the north by the Municipality of Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat; to the northwest by the Municipality of Tantangan; to the northeast by the Municipality of Columbio, Sultan Kudarat; to the south by the Municipality of Tupi, to the southwest by the Municipality of Banga; and to the southeast by the Municipalitiy of Tampakan.

The city's landscape features a combination of flatlands and gently sloping terrain, with approximately 50.18% of its total land area classified as predominantly flat. It is flanked by the Roxas and Quezon mountain ranges, whose elevations reach between 700 to 800 meters above sea level and gradually slope downward toward the city center.

Barangays

Koronadal City is politically subdivided into 27 Barangays, and each barangays consists of Puroks while some have Sitios.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, there are 17 Barangays classified as Urban (highlighted in bold) and the rest are classified as Rural.

* Assumption (Bulol)
* Avanceña (Barrio III)
* Cacub
* Caloocan
* Carpenter Hill
* Concepcion (Barrio VI)
* Esperanza
* General Paulino Santos (Barrio I)
* Mabini
* Magsaysay
* Mambucal
* Morales
* Namnama
* New Pangasinan (Barrio IV)
* Paraiso
* Rotonda
* San Isidro
* San Roque
* San Jose (Barrio V)
* Santa Cruz
* Santo Niño (Barrio II)
* Saravia (Barrio VIII)
* Topland (Barrio VII / Zulueta)
* Zone I (Poblacion)
* Zone II (Poblacion)
* Zone III (Poblacion)
* Zone IV (Poblacion)

Climate

The climate of Koronadal is mild and sub-tropical, belonging to climate Type IV. The place is typhoon free. Rainy months are from June to October.

Demographics

Ethnicity

The vast majority of the Koronadal's inhabitants descended from ethnic Hiligaynon migrants from Panay (mainly Iloilo) and Negros Occidental. However, there are other non-native ethnolinguistic groups reside in the city, such as Cebuanos, Ilocanos, Pangasinans (who both inhabit Barrio 4, also called New Pangasinan, named after their migrant ancestors' province of origin), Bicolanos, Kapampangans, Tagalogs and Warays, making Koronadal a melting pot of cultures, languages and traditions. The first inhabitants of the city were the indigenous B'laans and T'bolis and Muslim Maguindanaons, who became minorities but significant pluralities in the city today since the early 20th century due to migrations from Luzon and Visayas seeking better opportunities in Mindanao, mainly from agriculture.

Language

The main language of Koronadal is Hiligaynon, earning the city its nickname "the Ilonggo Capital of Mindanao". Tagalog, Ilocano and Cebuano are also widely spoken, with the former being the city's secondary lingua franca, while Maguindanaon, Maranao, English, and Arabic are also heard in the city Blaan and T'boli are also spoken by the ethnic groups of the same names who also reside in Koronadal.

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Roman Catholicism is the largest religious affiliation in Koronadal. The city is under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Marbel, which covers the provinces of South Cotabato and Sarangani. According to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, the Diocese of Marbel served around 1.67 million Catholics as of 2021. Koronadal hosts several Catholic parishes, including the Christ the King Cathedral.

Islam

Islam is the second-largest religious group in the city. It is practiced primarily by Muslim communities with roots among the Maguindanaon, Iranun, and other ethnolinguistic groups from nearby provinces. The city has several mosques, including the Koronadal Grand Mosque, and is part of the broader religious and cultural corridor that links Muslim communities in Mindanao.

Other Christian Denominations

Koronadal has a significant population belonging to various Protestant and non-Catholic Christian denominations. These include:

* Iglesia ni Cristo
* Seventh-day Adventist Church
* Southern Baptist Convention (SBC)
* Evangelical Christian fellowships
* The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS)
* Members Church of God International (Ang Dating Daan)

These groups operate multiple churches and congregations throughout the city.

Indigenous and Traditional Religions

Koronadal is part of the ancestral domain of indigenous peoples such as the B'laan and T'boli. While many indigenous residents have adopted Christianity or Islam, some continue to practice elements of traditional animist beliefs, often in parallel with mainstream religions.

Economy

Retail and commercial

Koronadal is home to several major shopping malls, which includes Mall of Ace Centerpoint, Gaisano Grand Koronadal by the Gaisano Grand Group of Companies, CityMall Koronadal by DoubleDragon Corporation, and the homegrown Mindanao wide mall chain, KCC Mall of Marbel by KCC Malls. These establishments serve as key retail destinations, contributing significantly to the city's tourism and economic activities. In addition to these large malls, Koronadal also hosts a variety of locally owned, smaller shopping establishments, further solidifying its role as the primary shopping hub for South Cotabato and surrounding municipalities and provinces. The city is further poised for retail growth, as Robinsons Group, SM Prime, and Puregold Price Club, Inc. have acquired land for future development, which will enhance its status as the primary shopping hub for South Cotabato and the surrounding municipalities and provinces.

Government

Koronadal officially became a component city on October 8, 2000, following the ratification of Republic Act No. 8803 through a plebiscite. Since its conversion into a city, the City Government of Koronadal has taken full responsibility for overseeing its political governance, as well as driving socio-cultural and economic development initiatives. The local government has since implemented various programs and policies aimed at improving public services, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and investment promotion, positioning Koronadal as a key urban center in the Soccsksargen region.

Incumbent Officials:
*Mayor: Eliordo Ogena (Since 2019–present)
*Vice Mayor: Erlinda P. Araquil (Since 2022–present)

Culture

B’laan culture

The B'laan people are one of the indigenous peoples of the Southern Philippine island of Mindanao. Another tribe called the Maguindanao 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 arrived in Southern Mindanao so that 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, the B'laans have been producing rice, vegetables, livestock, and rainforest products. The original religion of the Blaan is Animist. Presently, only 5% of the 8,000 B'laan tribal people are considered to be evangelical.

Maguindanaon culture

The cultural diversity of the region is the result of a large influx of migrants from the north during American colonial period which continued later. 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 Maguindanaons who were early converts to Islam and who regard the region as their traditional homeland in the historical Sultanate of Maguindanao, and the Catholic Filipinos who founded settlements and communities in the course of their migrations from other parts of the country.

Catholic Christian culture

The Catholic Filipinos make up the great majority (over 70%) of the Southern Philippine population. They are relatively 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, chiefly among them the Hiligaynons, Cebuanos, Ilocanos, and Kapampangans. These people did much to clear the virgin areas of Mindanao and open them to extensive agriculture and industry.

Events

Koronadal also hosted an international activity called Pyesta Kalon Datal: Koronadal International Folkloric Festival in coordination with Conseil international des organisations de festivals de folklore et d'arts traditionnels or the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Art (CIOFF) last August 10 to 18, 2015 and August 11 to 18, 2018 and several national activities such as the Palarong Pambansa in 1996 with General Santos and solo in 2007, Mindanao Business Forum, and National Schools Press Conference. On June 12, 2009, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo together with Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro celebrated the 111th Independence Day in the city, which marks a significant and historic event in the history of Koronadal.

Festivals

*Hinugyaw Festival (January 8–10) – is the festival that marks the foundation anniversary of Koronadal as a municipality. It shows the festive spirit of the people of Koronadal with street dancing and night beer parties in the streets of Koronadal among other worthwhile activities.
*T'nalak Festival (July 16–18) – a festival that celebrates South Cotabato's Tboli tribe with colorful abaca cloth created and woven by the women from their tribe. It symbolizes the blending of culture, strength and unity of the various ethnic groups living in the province. They have Dayana Civic Parade which highlighted by a float and cheer dance competition. They perform on the streets of the city showcasing native costumes of Blaan, Tboli and other tribal groups in Mindanao.
*Cityhood Charter Anniversary (October 8) – celebrates the cityhood of Koronadal highlighted by "Negosyo Festival" showcasing the vibrancy of business and other economic enterprises in the City of Koronadal; consumers enjoy month-long citywide grand sale as participating business establishments give discounts of up to 70% off their regular prices on goods or services. Through ''Presidential Proclamation 689'', October 8, 2024 was declared a special non-working day for the celebration of the city's 24th Charter anniversary.

Tourism

Museums

*Historical Marker of the Seventeen Martyrs
*Notre Dame of Marbel University Library and Museum
*South Cotabato Community Museum
*Tantoco Memorial Showcase

Parks

*B'lok Creek Esplanade
*Bong Gumne de Muhon
*CIOFF Park
*Damweng Dmatal
*Freedom Park
*General Paulino Santos Roundball
*Paraiso Verde Water Park
*Rizal Park

Resorts

*El Gawel Zoo
*Mambucal Hot Spring

Shrines

*Albert Morrow and Santiago Odi Memorial Shrine
*Filipino – Japanese Memorial Shrine

Waterfalls

*Saravia Falls
*Siok Falls
*Supon Falls

Healthcare

Koronadal serves as a central hub for healthcare in the region, offering a diverse array of facilities to ensure accessible services for all residents. The City Health Office, located on Alunan Avenue, provides a wide variety of essential health services tailored to the needs of the community. In addition to hospitals and clinics, the city features numerous laboratories that deliver critical diagnostic support. Koronadal is also home to the Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development Soccsksargen located in Barangay Paraiso, further solidifying its status as a regional center for healthcare services and administration.

Major Tertiary Hospitals in the City of Koronadal:

*

Education

Education in Koronadal is widely accessible to its residents through a well-established network of institutions. The city hosts numerous primary, elementary, and secondary schools, encompassing both public and private establishments, ensuring comprehensive educational opportunities for its community.

Elementary and high schools

The list below shows some prominent secondary and elementary schools present in the city:

*Dolores Peneza Montessori Academy Inc. (''formerly Casa Dolores Montessori School, Inc'')
*King's College of Marbel, Inc.
*Koronadal National Comprehensive High School
*Koronadal Southern Elementary School (Chinese School)
*Maryland School
*Marymount School
* Notre Dame - Siena School of Marbel
* Notre Dame of Marbel University - Integrated Basic Education Department
*Notre Dame of San Jose
* Philippine Science High School – SOCCSKSARGEN Region Campus
*St Alexius College - Integrated School Department

Higher educational institutions

There are two universities in the city:
*Notre Dame of Marbel University
* University of the Philippines Manila - School of Health Sciences – Koronadal City Campus

Other colleges are also vibrant in the education business. The list below shows the tertiary level schools present in the city:

* ACLC College of Marbel
*Goldenstate College – Marbel
*Green Valley College Foundation Incorporated
*King's College of Marbel, Inc.
*Korbel College
*Marbel Institute of Technology College
*Marvelous College of Technology, Inc.
* Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges – Marbel
*Regency Polytechnic College
*St. Alexius College
*SITE Dizon
* STI College – Koronadal
*SouthPhil Institute of Technology, Inc.

Seminaries

Koronadal is also home to two seminaries, the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Seminary or locally known as OLPHS and the Saint Gabriel College Seminary run by the Passionist Fathers which is located at Purok San Gabriel, Barangay Zone III (Poblacion).

Transportation

Land

Public Utility Vehicle

Popular mode of public transportation in the city are the tricycles which was divided in 2021 into 4 cluster routes:
*Red cluster – Northern Barangays
**Avanceña (Barrio III)
**Caloocan
**part of General Paulino Santos (Barrio I)
**part of Morales
**Zone I (Poblacion)
**San Jose (Barrio V)
*Yellow cluster – Eastern Barangays
**Cacub
**Concepcion (Barrio VII)
**Esperanza
**General Paulino Santos (Barrio I)
**Mabini
**Magsaysay
**New Pangasinan (Barrio IV)
**Zone II (Poblacion)
**Rotonda
**San Roque
**Santo Niño (Barrio II)
**Topland (Barrio VII / Zulueta)
*Green cluster – Southern Barangays
**Assumption (Bulol)
**Carpenter Hill
**Mambucal
**Zone III (Poblacion)
**Santa Cruz
**San Isidro
**Saravia (Barrio VIII)
*Blue cluster – Western Barangays
**Morales
**Paraiso
**Zone IV (Poblacion)

In accordance with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program of the Philippine government, the government of Koronadal launched on 2022 the 10 routes that will serve the city:

*

Railway

Koronadal will house the terminus station of the Mindanao Railway Phase Two which will involve a segment south of Phase 1 between the cities of Digos and Koronadal, passing through General Santos.

Air

The nearest airport that serve Koronadal City is the General Santos International Airport in General Santos. Alternative airports like Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City and the Cotabato Airport in Cotabato City are also accessible.

Sea

The nearest seaport that serve Koronadal is the Makar Wharf in General Santos. Alternative seaports like the Sasa Port in Davao City is also accessible.

Notable personalities

* Christian Perez - darts player
* Jason Sabio - footballer who plays for Kaya
*Kenneth Duremdes - PBA basketball player
* Ernestine Tiamzon - DLSU Lady Spiker
* Lovely Abella - GMA artist
* Orlando Quevedo - cardinal of a Roman Catholic church who served as an Archbishop Emeritus of Cotabato from 1998 to 2018. He was born and spent his very early years in Laoag, Ilocos Norte but was raised in Koronadal, a town at the time of his arrival in Mindanao, where he finished his remaining grade school and entire high school years.

Sister cities

Luzon

* Mandaluyong
* Valenzuela

Visayas
* Iloilo City
Mindanao
* Cotabato City
* Ozamiz
* Pagadian

References

External links

*

Koronadal Profile at the DTI Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index

KoronadalSite "Taga Koronadal Ako Ya"

City Travel Guide
* Philippine Standard Geographic Code

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Cities in South Cotabato
Provincial capitals of the Philippines
Planned communities in the Philippines
Populated places established in 1947
1947 establishments in the Philippines
Component cities in the Philippines
Political divisions established by Philippine executive order