Koronadal, officially the City of Koronadal (Hiligaynon: Syudad sang Koronadal; Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Koronadal; Ilocano: Siudad ti Koronadal; Maguindanaon: Kuta nu Kurunadal, Filipino: Lungsod ng Koronadal) and also known as Marbel, is a component city and capital of the province of South Cotabato, Philippines. According to the 2024 census, it has a population of 201,844 people.[5]
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.[6]
Koronadal is one of the two cities in Mindanao with a predominantly Hiligaynon-speaking population, comprising approximately 95% of its residents.[7] 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.[8]
Etymology
The word Koronadal is popularly thought to have come from the B'laan words kolon “cogon grass” (Imperata cylindrica), and datal “plain”, which aptly described the place to natives.[9] On the other hand, Marbel, which refers to the población, is from the Blaan term marb el "murky waters", in reference to the referring to the Marbel River.
The area was first settled by the Blaan and Maguindanao.[9] Koronadal once comprised the area from the banks of Buluan Lake in the north to Barangay Polonoling in the municipality of Tupi, South Cotabato to the south, and from the Quezon mountain range to the northeast to the municipality of T'boli, South Cotabato to the southeast.
It was on August 18, 1947, when PresidentManuel Roxas signed Executive Order No. 82, creating the municipalities in the entire province of Cotabato, one of which was Marbel. 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 ₱30,000.00(equivalent to ₱3,711,923 in 2021). 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. It became the provincial capital of South Cotabato, which was created under Republic Act No. 4849 on July 18, 1966.
Municipal Council Resolution No. 32, Series of 1948 mandated and proclaimed January 10 as the annual town fiesta commemorating the foundation of Marbel Settlement District of the National Land Settlement.
Koronadal was converted into a component city of South Cotabato by virtue of Republic Act No. 8803 on October 8, 2000.
At present, Koronadal is a fast-developing growth center composed of twenty-seven barangays including the four zones in the población. 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 President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Koronadal was named the new regional political and socio-economic center of Soccsksargen on March 30, 2004, with regional departments, bureaus and offices ordered to move from Cotabato City.[10]
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.[11]
Barangays
Koronadal City is politically subdivided into 27 Barangays, and each barangays consists of Puroks while some have Sitios.
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, and Pangasinans (who both inhabit Barrio IV, 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, 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.[citation needed]
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.[19]
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.[20] Koronadal hosts several Catholic parishes, including the Christ the King Cathedral.
Islam
Islam is the second-largest religious group in the city.[21] It is practiced primarily by Muslim communities with roots among the Maguindanaon, Iranun, and other ethnolinguistic groups from nearby provinces, including converts to Islam known as Balik Islam. 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.[22]
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.[36][37]
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)
List of Mayors and Vice Mayors
Year
Mayor
Vice Mayor
Notes
1940 1941
Jesus Larrabaster
-
The Marbel Settlement District was created under the Commonwealth Act #441 dated on June 3, 1939. Larrabaster was appointed as the overseer.[38]
1941 - 1943
Bai Luma Panat
-
Panat was the first Municipal District Mayor appointed by Colonel Dionisio Gutierrez.
The Municipal District of Marbel was recognized as the seat of government for the Municipality of Koronadal which was established on August 18, 1947 through Executive Order #82. Kamsa was appoined by President Manuel Roxas.[39]
1951 - 1955
Hilario de Pedro Sr.
Venancio Magbanua
The first local election in Koronadal was held. De Pedro was the first elected Municipal Mayor.
1955 - 1959
1959 - 1963
Arturo Rojas Sr.
1963 - 1967
Frederico Dizon
Koronadal was designated as the provincial capital of the newly created South Cotabato Province through the Republic Act #4949 section 3 on July 18, 1966.[40]
The first local election since the declaration of Martial Law.
1986-1988
Hilario de Pedro III
1988 - 1992
Fernando Miguel
Nenita Milan - Tan
First local election under the new Constitution.
1992 - 1995
Mercelita Lucido
1995 - 1998
Rose Dideles
1998 - 2001
Vicente de Jesus
Jose Ledda Jr.
The Municipality of Koronadal was converted into a City by the Republic Act #8803 dated on August 16, 2000. De Jesus was the first City Mayor.
2001 - 2004
Fernando Miguel
Koronadal was awarded as the Most Competitive Small City in the Philippines in 2003. Executive Order#304 designates Koronadal City as the Regional Center and Seat of the Soccsksargen by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued on March 30, 2004.[41]
2004 - 2007
Koronadal was awarded as one of the Most Competitive Small Cities in the Philippines in 2005, and also the Most Business Friendly City in Mindanao in 2005 and 2006.
2007 - 2010
Vicente de Jesus
2010 - 2013
Peter Miguel
Eliordo Ogena
2013 - 2016
2016 - 2019
2019 - 2022
Eliordo Ogena
Peter Miguel
2022 - 2025
Erlinda Araquil
The City of Koronadal was reclassified as a First Class Component City from its previous status as a Third Class Component City on March 2024 under the Republic Act #11964.[42]
2025 - 2028
Culture
Koronadal City is a melting pot of diverse traditions where indigenous B'laan and T’boli heritage, Islamic culture, and Catholic faith thrive together in harmony. The T’boli people, known for their sacred T’nalak weaving and rich ancestral practices, share the land with the Maguindanaon Muslims, who brought Islamic faith and customs, and the Christian settlers, who introduced Catholic beliefs and celebrations during the resettlement era.
Today, these three cultures live side by side, respecting each other’s traditions and contributing to the vibrant identity of Koronadal. This unity is showcased every T’nalak Festival, a grand celebration honoring cultural diversity, peace, and the shared heritage of the people of South Cotabato.
Blaan and Tboli 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 B'laan is Animist. Presently, only 5% of the 8,000 B'laan tribal people are considered to be evangelical.[43]
The T’boli people are one of the indigenous tribes of South Cotabato, traditionally inhabiting the highlands surrounding Lake Sebu. They are known for their rich traditions, colorful attire, and deep spiritual connection with nature. Historically, the T’boli were animists who practiced rituals to honor nature spirits and ancestors. Their culture is best expressed through T’nalak weaving, a sacred art using abaca fibers. T’nalak is considered a spiritual fabric, created by women weavers (called dreamweavers) who receive the designs through dreams believed to come from Fu Dalu, the goddess of abaca.[44]
Koronadal, now the capital of South Cotabato, was once a part of the B'laan and T’boli ancestral domain before Christian settlers migrated during the 1930s–1950s resettlement programs. Despite modernization, the B'laan and T’boli tribes have preserved their identity through festivals, music (such as hegalong and kulintang), and crafts. Today, their culture continues to thrive and is celebrated in events like the T’nalak Festival, symbolizing unity among indigenous and settler communities in Koronadal and the whole province.
Maguindanaon culture
Before the arrival of Christian settlers in the 1930s, Koronadal and much of South Cotabato were part of the ancestral homeland of the Maguindanaon and other Muslim ethnolinguistic groups. Islam reached Mindanao in the 14th century through Arab traders and missionaries, leading to the establishment of the Maguindanao Sultanate in the 16th century. This sultanate governed large parts of Mindanao, including the Koronadal Valley.
When the Philippine government initiated the National Land Settlement Administration in the 1930s, Christian settlers from Luzon and Visayas migrated to Koronadal, gradually reducing the Muslim population in the area. Despite this demographic change, Islamic culture remains vibrant in Koronadal today through mosques, madrasah schools, halal businesses, and community celebrations of Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha.
Catholic 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.
Catholicism in Koronadal traces its roots to the 1930s–1950s National Land Settlement Administration program, which brought Christian settlers from Luzon and Visayas to the fertile Koronadal Valley. These migrants introduced Catholic traditions, values, and practices, blending them with local customs.
The first Catholic missionaries, primarily from the Oblates of Mary Immaculate and other religious congregations, established parishes and schools to serve the growing Christian population. The construction of the Christ the King Cathedral became a significant milestone, symbolizing the central role of Catholic faith in the city’s development.
Catholic culture shaped Koronadal’s community life through fiestas, processions, and devotions to Santo Niño and Saint Anthony of Padua. Today, major celebrations like Feast of Christ the King and Holy Week traditions remain integral to the city’s identity, reflecting the enduring influence of Catholicism in its social and cultural fabric.[45]
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 T'boli 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 B'laan, T'boli 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.[48]
Tourism
Historical marker for the burial site of the Seventeen Martyrs of KoronadalThe "𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐧," a particularly captivating piece, symbolizes Koronadal's commitment to environmental protection and its innovative approach to urban beautification.
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
Damweng Dmatal
General Paulino Santos Roundball
Rizal Park
Resorts
Paraiso Verde Water Park
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.[49][50]
Major Tertiary Hospitals in the City of Koronadal:
HOSPITAL
LOCATION
BARANGAY
Allah Valley Medical Specialists' Center
General Paulino Santos Drive
Barangay Zone III Poblacion
City of Koronadal - Manuel C. Callejo Memorial Hospital
Santo Niño - San Jose Road
Barangay Rotonda
Dr. Arturo P. Pingoy Medical Center
General Paulino Santos Drive
Barangay Zone IV Poblacion
Socomedics Medical Center
Judge Alba Street
Barangay Zone III Poblacion
South Cotabato Provincial Hospital
Emilio Aguinaldo Street
Barangay Zone III Poblacion
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.
The City Schools Division Office is based in Barangay Zone III and continues to work closely with the local government to support school infrastructure, teacher development, and learner welfare across Koronadal.
Elementary and high schools
The list below shows some prominent secondary and elementary schools present in the city:
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).
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:
Route
Destination
Notes
Route 1
San Jose - Downtown via Public Market Terminal
Future route
Route 2
Saravia - Downtown via Public Market Terminal
Active route
Route 3
Topland - Downtown via Public Market Terminal
Future route
Route 4
San Roque - Downtown via Public Market Terminal
Future route
Route 5
Paraiso - Downtown via Public Market Terminal
Future route
Route 6
San Isidro - Downtown loop via the Integrated Public Transport Terminal
CW & CCW
Active route
Route 7
Morales - Downtown via the Integrated Public Transport Terminal
Future route
Route 8
Downtown loop 1 via the Integrated Public Transport Terminal
CW & CCW
Future route
Route 9
Downtown loop 2 via the Integrated Public Transport Terminal
CW & CCW
Future route
Tampakan - Downtown
Active route
Railway
Koronadal will house the Koronadal terminus station of the Mindanao Railway Phase Two which will involve a 150km (93mi) segment south of Phase 1 between the cities of Digos and Koronadal, passing through General Santos.[51]
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.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
