Maguindanao is the only predominantly Muslim province of the four that were created out of the former province of Cotabato. Today it holds the seat of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), specifically in Cotabato City. As the seat of ARMM, Cotabato City and the rest of Maguindanao has become the center of trade and culture of the region.
More than a regional capital, Cotabato City has its own array of wonderful sights for the nature loving visitor. As for the municipalities of Maguindanao, its treasures await discoverers who will pronounce to the world the wonderful gems of the province.
Demographics
1. Population – 1,532,868 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 7,318.0 sq. km
3. Capital – Shariff Aguak
4. Language/Dialect – Maguindanaoan, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (1)
- Cotabato City (independent city)
Municipalities (36)
- Ampatuan
- Barira
- Buldon
- Buluan
- Datu Abdullah Sangki
- Datu Anggal Midtimbang
- Datu Blah T. Sinsuat
- Datu Hoffer Ampatuan
- Datu Odin Sinsuat (Dinaig)
- Datu Paglas
- Datu Piang
- Datu Salibo
- Datu Saudi-Ampatuan
- Datu Unsay
- Gen. S. K. Pendatun
- Guindulungan
- Kabuntalan (Tumbao)
- Mamasapano
- Mangudadatu
- Matanog
- Northern Kabuntalan
- Pagagawan
- Pagalungan
- Paglat
- Pandag
- Parang
- Rajah Buayan
- Shariff Aguak (Maganoy)
- Shariff Saydona Mustapha
- South Upi
- Sultan Kudarat (Nuling)
- Sultan Mastura
- Sultan sa Barongis (Lambayong)
- Talayan
- Talitay
- Upi
Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)
Compound
It is a showcase of a unique blend of modern and Muslim architecture.
Rio de Grande de Mindanao
It is the second largest river in the Philippines and the longest
in Mindanao, crisscrossing with its tributaries the city's vast area.
P.C. Hill
This historic hill served as a watchtower for the natives in
their defensive drive to detect and repel assaults by enemies.
Kutawato Caves
It is the only cave in the country that is right in the heart
of the city.
Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto
It is a replica of France's Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto and
believed to be miraculous.
Historical
Takumi Butai Memorial Shrine
Location: San Sebastian Compound, Cotabato City
The monument is in honor of Takumi Butai and the Japanese soldiers
who died here during the second World War. Takumi was the Provincial
Commander of the Japanese forces assigned in Cotabato City. Before
he died, he requested that some of his ashes be buried in Cotabato
City.
Kutawato Caves
Location: Tantawan Hill, Cotabato City
It got its name from the words “kuta” means fort and “wato”
means stone hence the name fort of stone. Kutawato caves with its
walls of white, beige and brownish shade, glitters in the dark and
echoes a colorful past dating back to the days when no foreign foot
yet trampled upon this island. These caves had given sanctuary to
the natives when the Spaniards tried to convert them into the faith.
It also served as garrison and armory for Filipino guerillas who fought
the invading force of the Japanese Imperial Army during the Second
World War.
Man-made
Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)
Compound
Location: Gov. Gutierrez Avenue, Cotabato City
Considered as the symbol of the Bangsamoro’s struggle for self-determination,
the ARMM conducts governance in a 4-hectare compound housing the Office
of the Regional Governor, Regional Legislative Assembly, Shariff Kabunsuan
Cultural Center, Regional Museum and Regional Offices, including those
of Region XII of which Cotabato City is a part of. The buildings in
the compound showcase unique blend of modern and Muslim architecture.
Cotabato City Hall
Location: Cotabato City
It is a century-old structure that houses almost all the city government
offices. It showcases a unique antique architectural design depicting
Muslim art.
Caverna Espanola
Location: Cotabato City
Twenty one flights of stairs and three unconnected winding tunnels
lead to cave bowels bearing a colonial-era Spanish Dungeon turned
World War II Japanese jail.
Natural
P.C. Hill / Tantawan Hill
Location: Cotabato City
This is a stone fort towering over the city with a height of 90 feet.
It houses the Cotabato City Internal Defense Command. This historic
hill served as a watch tower for the natives. It commands a panoramic
view of the city and Rio Grande de Mindanao.
Rio Grande de Mindanao
Location: Cotabato City
It is the second largest river in the Philippines and the longest
in Mindanao, crisscrossing with its tributaries the city's vast area.
It is estimated to be 182 kilometers long and 96 meters wide. Water
sports and boat racing are the popular attractions of the river, usually
held to coincide with the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival and the Feast
of Hariraya Puasa.
Timako Hill
Location: Cotabato City
The hill overlooks the Illana Bay. It is graced by the beach resorts
of Linik, Kushiong, and Tapian Point, characterized by blue waters
and a sandy white beach. Timako is an ideal site for camping, boating,
swimming, and fishing.
Bagua Cave
Location: San Vicente St., Cotabato City
The caverns filled with rock and mineral formations has been transformed
into stages for theatrical and musical performances. Spring water
flows into various pools that augment the ambiance during art and
photo exhibits, while the many hidden chambers support myths of treasures
hidden by the Japanese during World War II.
Kweba ni Satur
Location: Tantawan Hill, Cotabato City
It is a former snake pit once thought to be the mouth of hell. One
has to descends via vine or rope or marches down a flight of stairs
to go inside the feared cave.
Religious
Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto
Location: Brgy. Awang, Cotabato City
It is a replica of France's Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. The site has
attracted many visitors, mostly devotees, believing that the statue
has been a source of miracles. The compound boasts an ideal retreat
house for recollections and seminars, a mini zoo, and a children's
park.
Tamontaka Church
Location: Brgy. Tamontaka, Cotabato City
It was built in 1872 following Spanish architecture and design. The
oldest church in the city, it is a relic of the living past.
Shariff Kabunsuan Festival
Place: Cotabato City
Date: December 19
It is a colorful festival commemorating the arrival of Sharif Muhammed
Kabungsuwan via Rio Grande de Mindanao more than 500 years ago to
introduce Islam to the natives. The festival is highlighted by a fluvial
parade along Rio Grande de Mindanao followed by the re-enactment of
his arrival. Water sports, boat racing, ethnic sports competition,
cultural dances, and a week-long trade fair, add color to the festival.
Araw ng Cotabato
Place: Cotabato City
Date: June 20
It commemorates the creation of Cotabato as a charter city. The celebration
is marked by cultural presentations, trade exhibits, athletic competitions,
and other events such as the drum and bugle corps competition and
"saranggolahan" (Kite Festival). The highlight of the affair
is the "Mutya ng Kotabato" pageant on the eve of the foundation
day.
