Cotabato was once the biggest province in the Philippines, carved out from the vast American-era Moro province in Mindanao.
Embracing the lush seas of the Moro Gulf and Sarangani Bay, Cotabato consisted of fertile farmlands, majestic mountains and thick tropical rainforests. It was the domain of the legendary 18th-century Islamic leader Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat
Founded on Sept. 1, 1914, as an empire province, it spanned the whole South Central Mindanao region, but was subdivided later into South Cotabato, Sarangani, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, and the cities of Cotabato and Gen. Santos.
Despite the partitions over the years, Cotabato has remained the mother province and cradle of culture of the region.
Rich heritage
The empire’s rich tri-people culture, adventure and nature are relived as Cotabato celebrates Kalivungan festival Aug. 26-Sept. 1 as part of its 99th founding day.
Coined from the indigenous Manobo word which means “gathering,” the festivity showcases ethnic music and dance, rituals and rich culture.
A highlight of the festivity is the Kavurunan Festival set on Aug. 28-30 at the Provincial Capitol in Amas, Kidapawan City which brings together the 13 indigenous peoples (IP) tribes to showcase Cotabato’s rich heritage.
Kavurunan recognizes the contributions of the Teduray, Manobo, Tagabawa, Igorot, B’laan, Matigsalog, Ilianen, Kirintiken, Tinananon and Aromanen tribes in Cotabato’s economic development and peace efforts.
Exotic tribal music echoes at the Kulentangan Extravaganza on Aug. 29 at the Pikit Municipal Plaza which will display the musical artistry of Muslims and lumad through the kulintang brass percussion ensemble.
Merrymaking reaches fever-pitch at the Street Dancing Showdown on Sept. 1 at the Provincial Capitol grounds where municipal contingents will render contemporary interpretations of traditional lumad and Muslim dances.
Native games such as the Sepa sa Mangis and the exciting Lumba sa Pulangi boat race at the scenic Pulangi River in Carmen are slated, along with other sporting and socio-civic activities.
Cotabato Gov. Emily Taliño-Mendoza said that the festivity will bring to the fore the political and economic strides made by Cotabato through the decades, and relive its glory years as an Empire Province, especially as it prepares for its centennial anniversary next year.
Food basket
She added Kalivungan will be an opportunity to showcase natural adventure spots, and the bountiful harvest of the province, which is regarded as a food basket in Region 12.
Among these is Asik-Asik Falls in Alamada, which has become a favorite destination because of its rejuvenating and mesmerizing curtain-like cool waters which pours out from the rocks on a cliff.
A vital tourist enclave is the KMM Eco-tourism triangle, composed of Kidapawan City, and Magpet and Makilala towns, the gateway to the 10,311-foot Mt. Apo, the country’s tallest peak.
The sanctuary to the Philippine Eagle, the mountain’s national park abounds with exotic flora and fauna and is a mountaineer’s ultimate climb, with the magical Lake Venado and the mystic community of the Moncadista cult at the New Israel Eco-Park. The latter has a newly opened 2.2-km zipline, which is the longest in Asia.
Another refreshing cascade is the Bongolanon Falls in Magpet, located at the foot of Mt. Apo.
Moreover, Bangilan and Pisan caves in Kabacan town are emerging spelunking getaways.
Undergoing restoration is Fort Pikit, a Spanish-era military fortification built in 1893 of stone masonry, which was also used by the American colonial government until 1945.
Mendoza said that Kalivungan will also be an opportunity to put the spotlight on the natural wonders and the bountiful harvest of Cotabato, which is regarded as a food basket in the region.
She noted that the province is an emerging agri-tourism haven because of its sprawling animal farms, eco-parks and vast plantations of exotic fruits such as durian, marang and mangosteen.
A best-kept secret is the Liguasan Marsh, a biodiversity-rich wetland in the heart of Central Mindanao where numerous waterfalls, caves and hot springs await discovery.
Visit www.cotabatoprov.gov.ph.