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Cotabato

Kidapawan City Charter Day

Kidapawan City Charter Day celebrates the passage of the law that converted Kidapawan, Cotabato, Philippines from municipality to a component city in February 12 every year. It was on this date in 1998 that Republic Act No. 8500 was passed, and it is often declared a special non-working holiday in the city through presidential proclamations.

History of Kidapawan City Charter Day

Kidapawan has resisted foreign rule for much of the Spanish conquest. The Spaniards were never able to truly conquer its lands and people, a circumstance that is credited to the fierce opposition and struggle put up by its inhabitants. It was during the American period that saw the gradual organization of areas in Mindanao under the colonial government.

Before the war, Kidapawan was under the jurisdiction of the municipality in Pikit. Its successive leaders were Datu Siawan Ingkal, Felimon Blanco, Ceferino Villanueva, Jacinto Paclibar, and Alfonso Angeles Sr.

In 1947, President Manuel A. Roxas signed Executive Order No. 82 that caused its establishment as an independent town on August 18, 1947. This date is what Timpupo Festival commemorates every year. The order also created the towns of Buayan, Buluan, Dinaig, Parang, Kabakan, Kiamba, Koronadal, Nuling, and Pagalungan.

Kidapawan became a city through Republic Act No. 8500 which was signed into law by President Fidel V. Ramos on February 12, 1998, which is also known as An Act Converting the Municipality of Kidapawan in the Province of Cotabato into a Component City to be Known as the City of Kidapawan. Its first mayor was Luis PaƱa Malaluan when the law was ratified through a plebiscite on March 21, 1998.

And on November 22, 1973, the city was declared the seat of the province of Cotabato.

Kidapawan City Charter Day Activities

The calendar of activities of Kidapawan City Charter Day lasts for twelve days it begins from the beginning of February and culminates on the 12th. There are online events such as social media competitions and challenges, art shows and presentations and exhibits, talent contests, and Charter Day programs and celebrations.

How to reach Kidapawan City

Kidapawan City can be reached either from Davao City and Cotabato City, both of which would require around two to three hours travel by bus or van.

References

Kidapawan City Charter Day Summary

NameKidapawan City Charter Day
Celebration
Contact(064) 577-4829
CountryPhilippines
DateFebruary 12
Duration12 days
Emailinfokidapawancity@gmail.com
Established1998
Facebookwww.facebook.com
Historical eventConversion of the municipality of Kidapawan to a component city of Cotabato
LocationKidapawan City, Cotabato
OrganizerCity Government of Kidapawan
Websitewww.kidapawancity.gov.ph/