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| blank_info_sec2 = {{PH wikidata|electorate}} voters as of {{PH wikidata|electorate_point_in_time}}
| blank_info_sec2 = {{PH wikidata|electorate}} voters as of {{PH wikidata|electorate_point_in_time}}
| website = {{Official URL}}
| website = http://www.cotabatocity.net.ph
| coordinates_region = PH
| timezone = ]
| utc_offset = +8
|Tourist arrivals = 346,063 (70% increase) 2016
}}
}}
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Cotabato City is distinct from and should not be confused with the province of ].
Cotabato City is distinct from and should not be confused with the province of ].
==History==
==History==
]
]
The name Cotabato was derived from the ] word ''kuta wato'' and the Malay Bruneian word of ], or City of Stone; ''kota'' mean city or fortress, and ''batu'' mean rock or stone.
The name Cotabato was derived from the ] word ''kuta wato'' and the Malay Bruneian word of ], or City of Stone; ''kota'' mean city or fortress, and ''batu'' mean rock or stone.
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The city used to be part of the ] and was its capital from 1920 until 1967, a year after the separation of ]; since then the city was the administrative center of the ARMM when ] was carved out in 1973. However, the city broke off administratively from Maguindanao as it rejoined ] in the 1990s. Now many sources consider the city as part of the present ], although geographically it is still considered part of Maguindanao.
The city used to be part of the ] and was its capital from 1920 until 1967, a year after the separation of ]; since then the city was the administrative center of the ARMM when ] was carved out in 1973. However, the city broke off administratively from Maguindanao as it rejoined ] in the 1990s. Now many sources consider the city as part of the present ], although geographically it is still considered part of Maguindanao.
==Geography==
==Geography==
Cotabato is approximately {{convert|698.9|nmi|km|abbr=off}} from ], the country's capital, and is bounded by the ] of ] to the north—with ] separating the two—] to the east, and ] to the south. The city faces ], part of the ], to the west.
Cotabato is approximately {{convert|698.9|nmi|km|abbr=off}} from ], the country's capital, and is bounded by the ] of ] to the north—with ] separating the two—] to the east, and ] to the south. The city faces ], part of the ], to the west.
Cotabato City has a total land area of 176.0 square kilometers, located at the mouth of the ] and ].<ref>Disaster Preparedness of Schools by Abdul Raffi A. Abas</ref>
Cotabato City has a total land area of 176.0 square kilometers, located at the mouth of the ] and ].<ref>Disaster Preparedness of Schools by Abdul Raffi A. Abas</ref>
===Barangays===
===Barangays===
Cotabato City is politically subdivided into 37 ]s.
Cotabato City is politically subdivided into 37 ]s.
{{columns-list|3|
{{columns-list|3|
*Bagua Proper
*Bagua Proper
*Bagua I
*Bagua I
*Bagua II
*Bagua II
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*Poblacion VI ( Shariff Kabunsuan )
*Poblacion VI ( Shariff Kabunsuan )
*Poblacion VII ( Shariff Abdullaziz )
*Poblacion VII ( Shariff Abdullaziz )
*Poblacion VIII ( Shariff Kansay )
*Poblacion VIII ( Shariff Kansay )
*Poblacion IX ( Shariff Al Nayan )
*Poblacion IX ( Shariff Al Nayan )
*Rosary Heights Proper
*Rosary Heights Proper
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}}
}}
===Climate===
===Climate===
Under the ] system, Cotabato City features a ] (''Af''), falling just short of a ] (''Am'').
Under the ] system, Cotabato City features a ] (''Af''), falling just short of a ] (''Am'').
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}}</center>
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==Demographics==
==Demographics==
{{multiple image
{{multiple image
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{{Philippine Census
{{Philippine Census
| align= none
| align= none
| title= Population census of Cotabato City
| title= Population census of Cotabato City
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| 2025 =
| 2025 =
| 2030 =
| 2030 =
| footnote= Source: ]{{PH census|2015}}{{PH census|2010}}{{PH census|2007}}{{LWUA population data}}
| footnote= Source: ]{{PH census|2015}}{{PH census|2010}}{{PH census|2007}}{{LWUA population data}}
}}
}}
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The main language is ]. Other languages spoken in Cotabato City are ], ] and ], spoken by both Christians and Muslims as well as ], ], ] and ]. The dialect evolved from ] native to Cotabato City is called Cotabateño.
The main language is ]. Other languages spoken in Cotabato City are ], ] and ], spoken by both Christians and Muslims as well as ], ], ] and ]. The dialect evolved from ] native to Cotabato City is called Cotabateño.
===Religion===
===Religion===
Today, the majority of the city's population is Muslim, comprising about 80% of the population. The majority of Muslims in Cotabato City are ]. The majority of Christians in Cotabato City are Roman Catholics, most of whom are Cebuanos, Ilonggos and Chavacanos. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cotabato is headed by ].
Today, the majority of the city's population is Muslim, comprising about 80% of the population. The majority of Muslims in Cotabato City are ]. The majority of Christians in Cotabato City are Roman Catholics, most of whom are Cebuanos, Ilonggos and Chavacanos. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cotabato is headed by ].<gallery>
File:Masjid Al-Salaahmah.jpg|Masjid Al- Salahmah
File:Blue Mosque in Cotabato City.jpg|Blue Mosque located in ORG Compund Cotabato City
File:Immaculate Conception of Tamontaka Facade.JPG|Tamontaka Church
File:Cotabato City Cathedral.jpg|Cotabato City Cathedral
</gallery>
==Economy==
]
== Economy ==
Cotabato City, historically, during its heyday as the capital of the Maguindanao Sultanate, has been the most economically prosperous city in the island of Mindanao. Its prosperity has been taken away by civil internal strife beginning in the 1970s. However, once it became part of Soccsksargen region in the 1990s, its economy began a radical economic recovery.
Cotabato City, historically, during its heyday as the capital of the Maguindanao Sultanate, has been the most economically prosperous city in the island of Mindanao. Its prosperity has been taken away by civil internal strife beginning in the 1970s. However, once it became part of Soccsksargen region in the 1990s, its economy began a radical economic recovery.
As of now, This historic city had been named one of the country’s ten “most competitive cities” in a search by the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/07/15/1603148/cotabato-city-top-10-list-most-competitive-cities|title=Cotabato City in top 10 list of most competitive cities|last=Unson|first=John|work=philstar.com|access-date=2017-05-13}}</ref>
As of now, the city currently serves as the center for economic support activities, trade and finance, education and other support services such as social, physical, cultural and other basic services of Central Mindanao. It is now struggling to gain its lost glory.
Third quarter of 2016, The city has already posted a Total Current Operating Income of P632,637,099.51 for 2016<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cotabatocity.net.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=644:2016-state-of-the-city-address&catid=52:speeches&Itemid=107|title=2016 State of the City Address|last=Administrator|website=www.cotabatocity.net.ph|language=en-gb|access-date=2017-05-13}}</ref>
Recently the City open its 3rd Mall the CityMall of Cotabato and under construction of 5 hectare KCC VERANZA with Php 6 Billion investment along the Quezon Avenue<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ndbcnews.com.ph/news/cotabato-city-welcomes-p6-b-investments-in-2016|title=Cotabato City welcomes P6 B investments in 2016|work=NDBCNews|access-date=2017-05-13}}</ref>.
the city currently serves as the center for economic support activities, trade and finance, education and other support services such as social, physical, cultural and other basic services of Central Mindanao.
'''<big>Shopping Center</big>'''
]
Cotabato City is the center of trade and commerce of Central Mindanao, people from neighboring provinces of ], ], ] and Province of ] will come to Cotabato City for their shopping needs.
* '''Southseas Mall''' Cotabato City first Mall<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://southseasmall.com|title=South Seas Mall - Cotabato City's First Mall|last=Codetreker|website=southseasmall.com|language=en|access-date=2017-05-13}}</ref>
* '''Mall of Alnor with Robinsons Department Store and Groceries''' the first mall to have a Cinema in the City<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mallofalnor.com|title=Mall Of Alnor|website=mallofalnor.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-05-13}}</ref>
* '''CityMall of Cotabato''' The biggest CityMall at its opening in terms of GFA (with regards to Grand CityMalls) and the first national retail mall in Cotabato City. And with regards to Grand CityMalls, CityMall Cotabato will be the first CityMall to have its own cinemas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cotabatocity.net.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=635:city-mall-opens-in-cotabato-city&catid=42:newsflash&Itemid=106|title=City Mall opens in Cotabato City|last=Administrator|website=www.cotabatocity.net.ph|language=en-gb|access-date=2017-05-13}}</ref>
* '''Centro and Puregold''' <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://cotabatocity.net.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=568:puregold-cotabato-opens-its-doors-to-the-public&catid=42:newsflash&Itemid=106|title=PureGold Cotabato opens its doors to the public|last=Administrator|website=cotabatocity.net.ph|language=en-gb|access-date=2017-05-13}}</ref>
* '''Cotabato Barter Trade''' the city’s go-to pasalubong hub, the Barter Trade Center locally known as “barter”<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://distinctcotabato.blogspot.com/2017/04/city-barter-trade-center-reopens-in-new.html|title=Distinct Cotabato: CITY BARTER TRADE CENTER REOPENS IN NEW SITE|last=Kabalu|first=Hajar|date=2017-04-18|website=Distinct Cotabato|access-date=2017-05-13}}</ref>
* '''KCC Veranza''' 5 hectare lot area U/C<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1611456715292/over-php6-billion-investment-expected-in-cotabato-in-2016-|title=PIA {{!}} Over PhP6 Billion investment expected in Cotabato in 2016|website=news.pia.gov.ph|language=en|access-date=2017-05-13}}</ref>
'''<big>Tourism Industry</big>'''
Cotabato City tourism is booming it was placed second to the most visited City in the Region 12, A total of 346,063 tourists visited Cotabato City in 2016 posting an increase of 70% compared in 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.southcotabato.gov.ph/region-12-registers-3-7-m-tourist-arrivals-in-2016/|title=Region 12 registers 3.7 M tourist arrivals in 2016|work=Land of the Dreamweavers|access-date=2017-05-13|language=en-US}}</ref><gallery>
File:Sultan-hassanal-bolkia-masjid-kalatangan-cotabato-city2.jpg|Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid
File:Cotabato City Plaza at night.jpg|Cotabato City at Night
File:Cotabato City Crabs.jpg|Cotabato City Mud Crabs with Distinct Taste
File:Sultan Dipadatuan Kudarat - Tantawan Park.jpg|Tantawan Park - Statue of Sultan Dipadatuan Kudarat
File:Timako Hill.jpg|Timako Hill
File:ARMM Regional Center.jpg|ARMM Regional Center in ORG Compound Cotabato City
</gallery>
'''WHERE TO STAY'''
]
There's a lot of hotels, pension houses and lodges in the City below is just few list of well known to stay in the City<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cotabatocity.net.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=71&Itemid=78|title=Where to Stay|last=Administrator|website=www.cotabatocity.net.ph|language=en-gb|access-date=2017-05-14}}</ref>.
{| class="wikitable"
!
!Hotel
!Location
|-
|1
|Alnor Suites Hotel
|Beside Mall of Alnor, Sinsuat Avenue
|-
|2
|Em Manor Hotel
|Sinsuat Avenue
|-
|3
|Novo Hotel
|Don Rufino Alonzo St
|-
|4
|Grand Rio Hotel
|Don Rufino Alonzo Ave.
|-
|5
|Estosan Garden Hotel
|Gov. Gutierrez Boulevard
|-
|6
|Hotel Filipino
|Sinsuat Avenue
|-
|7
|Diamond Hotel
|Cor.Makakua and Jose Lim St.
|-
|8
|Pacific Heights Hotel and
The Marqueza
|#66 Don. T.V. Juliano Avenue
|-
|9
|Citi Plaza Hotel
|Makakua Street
|-
|10
|El Manuel Hotel
|Quezon Avenue, El Manuel Drive
|-
|11
|Hotel Cirilo
|Sultan Makakua Street
|}
<big>'''Banking Institutions'''</big>
]
Cotabato City ranked 8th in the Mindanao for Highest Bank Deposits with total of 17,188,934,000.00 deposits as of June 30, 2016<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/vismincities/photos/a.307173062810656.1073741828.307163122811650/526296767564950/?type=3&theater|title=Mindanao Economic Boom|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2017-05-14}}</ref>.
{| class="wikitable"
!
!
!No. of Branches
!Location
|-
|1
|Dev’t. Bank of the Phils.(DBP)
|1
|A. Alonzo St. Fronting City Plaza
|-
|2
|Allied Banking Corp.
|2
|Cor. A. Dorotheo & Jose Lim Sts.&
SK Pendatun Ave., Cot. City
|-
|3
|Bank of the Phil. Islands (BPI)
|2
|Cor. A. Alonzo/ Macacua Sts. &
South Seas Complex
|-
|4
|Banco de Oro (BDO)
|2
|Macacua St. & CityMall Cotabato
|-
|5
|Prudential Bank
|1
|A. Alonzo St.
|-
|6
|Rizal Comm. Banking Corp. (RCBC)
|1
|A. Alonzo St., Elena V. Co. Bldg.
|-
|7
|United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB)
|1
|A. Alonzo St.
|-
|8
|Metro Bank
|2
|Macacua St & SK Pendatun
|-
|9
|China Bank
|1
|SK Pendatun Ave.
|-
|10
|East West Bank
|1
|Roman Vilo St.
|-
|11
|Amanah Bank
|1
|Sinsuat Ave.
|-
|12
|Land Bank of the Phils.
|2
|A. Alonzo St. &
ESTOSAN Hotel, ORC
|-
|13
|Phil. National Bank
|1
|Macacua St.
|-
|14
|Rural Bank of Cotabato
|1
|Roman Vilo St.
|-
|''-''
|''Central Bank of the Phils.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cotabatocity.net.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59&Itemid=73|title=Financial Institutions|last=Administrator|website=www.cotabatocity.net.ph|language=en-gb|access-date=2017-05-14}}</ref>
|1
|Cor. Sinsuat Ave./ Quezon Ave.
|}
'''<big>Aquaculture Industry</big>'''
The crab industry is one of the investment opportunities eyed to have a great potentials for growth and devleopment. The barangay Kalanganan is Cotabato City, with a spread of more or less one thousand seven hundred (1,700) hectares, is the site where crabs are being produced. For sometime now, the "mud crab" in this area is known for its distinct taste and quality.
Sales: P21 Million (crabs); P22.5M (prawns); P13.6M (bangus)
Markets: Davao City; Gen. Santos City; Koronadal City; Kidapawan City; Butuan City; Metro Manila
Production volume (annual): 85,000 kgs of crabs; 75,000 kgs of prawns; 170,000 kgs of bangus<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cotabatocity.net.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=138&Itemid=100&limitstart=1|title=One-Town-One-Product - ABOUT THE PRODUCT|last=Administrator|website=www.cotabatocity.net.ph|language=en-gb|access-date=2017-05-13}}</ref>
==Landmarks==
]
* ] - this is the largest river in the Philippines and the longest in the whole Mindanao region. With the estimated long of 182 kilometers and 96 meters wide, this river is crisscrossing the whole area of the city. This river is good for water sports and boat racing.
*]] - this is the largest mosque in the Philippines.
* Kutang Bato Caves – this is the only cave in the country that is right in the heart of the city. It has various entrances are all within the roads<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://philippinescities.com/cotabato-city-maguindanao/|title=Cotabato City History {{!}} Tourist Spots and Festivals {{!}} Philippines Cities|website=philippinescities.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-05-13}}</ref>.
==Events and Festival==
]
* '''Shariff Kabunsuan Festival''' – this festival is celebrated every December 15-19, which is celebrated in honor of Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan, an Arab missionary from Johore who planted the seed of Islam in Central Mindanao. On this event, certain presentations are performed such as dances. There are also many recreational activities and sports. Highlights in this festival are Dance Parade, Banca Race and the re-enactment of Shariff’s arrival.
* '''Araw ng Kutabato (Cotabato Day)''' – celebrated every June 12-25, this is the biggest celebration in all of the city’s festivals. This festival is held to commemorate the city;s charter day.
== Gallery ==
Cotabato City had witnessed more history than any other place in Mindanao, the gallery below will prove that, together with the Cotabato City Products and Delicacies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNeHr0C1m3hbeYc_nSoTb8EMxLWb2dyGKOjWvU8_Wg5HpR7QQP4aPbziA1QAHjz9Q?key=cmVoeC1MYjZPUVR2VTVxTWZYSGw2UmRMVWRBMHVR|title=2015-04 {{!}} Cotabato City: Not Your Usual Headline|website=photos.google.com|language=en|access-date=2017-05-14}}</ref><gallery>
File:Cotabato City Santos Building.jpg|Santos Building
File:Cotabato city 3.jpg|Buildings Along Alejandro Dorotheo St.
File:Cotabato City Old Building.jpg|Old Building along Don Rufino Alonzo St.
File:Emilio Ong Building Cotabato City.jpg|Emilio Ong Building
File:Cotabato City Eusebio Building Filidian.jpg|Eusebio Building
File:Old Cotabato Provincial Capitol.jpg|Old Provincial Capitol of Cotabato Empire
File:Old Structures Along Sinsuat Avenue Cotabato City.jpg|Old Structures along Sinsuat Avenue
File:Cotabato City Old City Hall.jpg|Old City Hall
File:Shariff Kabunsuan Festival 2016 Guinakit Fluvial Parade 6.jpg|Maguindanaon Women of Cotabato City wearing the traditional dress and a fabric of Inaul
File:2017-04 Cotabato001.jpg|Inaul Fabric
File:Cotabato City Brassware.jpg|Cotabato City Brassware
File:Maguindanao Delicacies (Maguindeli) Cotabato City.jpg|Maguindanaon Delicacies placed in the "Dulang"
File:Maguindanaon Delicacies (Maguindeli) Cotabato City 2nd.jpg|Cotabato City Maguindeli
File:Shariff Kabunsuan Festival 2016 Guinakit Fluvial Parade 7.jpg|Guinakit Fluvial Parade at the Rio Grande De Mindanao
</gallery>
==Transportation==
;]
;'''By Air'''
Cotabato City can be reached via ] in neighboring ]. ] and ] maintains connecting the city to ] and ].
Soon to connect in ], ] and ] via ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=its%20more%20fun%20in%20cotabato%20city|title=Search|website=www.facebook.com|language=en|access-date=2017-05-16}}</ref>
'''By Land'''
Daily Van and Bus route
South Bound to ], ] ], ], ], ] and ].
East Bound to ] ] ], ] and ].
North Bound to ] ], ] and ]
'''By Water'''
via Cotabato City Wharf
Cotabato City to Pagadian (vice versa) ''under suspension''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cotabatocity.net.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=70&Itemid=77|title=Cotabato City Transportation|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=}}</ref>
]
Ongoing construction to be built near the scenic Timako Hill<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ndbcnews.com.ph/news/merchants-see-city-seaport-project-as-economy-booster|title=Merchants see city seaport project as economy booster|work=NDBCNews|access-date=2017-05-16}}</ref>.
'''Local transportation'''
The major mode of transportation in the city is thru Jeepneys and Multicabs, followed by the "Habal-Habal", Tricycles and Taxi.
== Landmark and parks ==
]
* ]
* ]
== Transportation ==
== Utilities ==
] - Cotabato Light and Power Company is a wholly owned electric distribution utility of the Aboitiz Company. Incorporated on April 23, 1938, Cotabato Light's service area covers Cotabato City and parts of Datu Odin Sinsuat and Sultan Kudarat municipalities under Maguindanao Province. Originally granted a 50-year distribution franchise, it was extended by the then Energy Regulatory Board, now Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), in 1990 for another 25 years from June 17, 1989, or until 2014. The electric utility's main source of power comes from the National Power Corporation (NPC) delivered through the transmission operator, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). It maintains a diesel-fed power plant. Always on hot standby, it operates during times of severe power shortages. As of December 2013, Cotabato Light is serving 37,000 customers through its three distribution substations. These lines can be remotely controlled using the Supervisory Control Data Acquisition (SCADA). To sustain a below cap system loss, Cotabato Light is continuously innovating on its systems and processes. The company also benchmarks its customer services with the world-class standards. One of these is the ability to connect a new customer's meter the same day he signs his service contract. The electric distribution company utilizes the most up-to-date systems such as the Customer Care and Billing (CC&B), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and soon the Work and Asset Management (WAM). The distribution firm constantly looks for ways in order to provide its customers with safe and reliable power and operate as a low cost service provider.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cotabatolight.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=193&Itemid=127|title=Company Profile|last=ingenuity|website=www.cotabatolight.com|language=en-gb|access-date=2017-05-14}}</ref>
;Air
Cotabato City can be reached via ] in neighboring ]. ] and ] maintains connecting the city to ] and ].
==Sister cities==
==Sister cities==
*{{flagicon|PHI}} ], Philippines
*{{flagicon|PHI}} ], Philippines
*{{flagicon|PHI}} ], Philippines
*{{flagicon|PHI}} ], Philippines
*{{flagicon|PHI}} ], Philippines
*{{flagicon|PHI}} ]] Philippines <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cotabatocity.net.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=625:cotabato-city-in-sisterhood-with-sultan-kudarat-municipality&catid=42:newsflash&Itemid=106 |title=Cotabato City in Sisterhood with Sultan Kudarat Municipality |website=Cotabatocity.net.ph |date= |accessdate=2016-12-09}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|PHI}} ], Philippines
*{{flagicon|MAS}} ], Malaysia
*{{flagicon|MAS}} ], Malaysia <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cotabatocity.net.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=576:malaysian-investors-in-cotabato-city&catid=42:newsflash&Itemid=106 |title=Malaysian investors in Cotabato City |website=Cotabatocity.net.ph |date= |accessdate=2016-12-09}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|MAS}} ], Malaysia <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cotabatocity.net.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=576:malaysian-investors-in-cotabato-city&catid=42:newsflash&Itemid=106 |title=Malaysian investors in Cotabato City |website=Cotabatocity.net.ph |date= |accessdate=2016-12-09}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|INA}} ], Indonesia <ref>{{cite web|url=http://manilastandardtoday.com/news/-provinces/213311/mindanao-lgus-emulate-best-indonesian-city.html |title=Mindanao LGUs emulate best Indonesian city – The Standard |website=Manilastandardtoday.com |date=2016-08-15 |accessdate=2016-12-09}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|INA}} ], Indonesia <ref>{{cite web|url=http://manilastandardtoday.com/news/-provinces/213311/mindanao-lgus-emulate-best-indonesian-city.html |title=Mindanao LGUs emulate best Indonesian city – The Standard |website=Manilastandardtoday.com |date=2016-08-15 |accessdate=2016-12-09}}</ref>
Although Cotabato City is the regional center of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) but the city is administratively part of the Soccsksargen region, which is composed of the provinces of South Cotabato, (North) Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, as well as the highly urbanized city of General Santos. Cotabato City is an independent component city, not subject to regulation from the Provincial Government of Maguindanao where it is geographically located. The Philippine Statistics Authority also list Cotabato City as statistically independent. For geographical and legislative purposes, it is grouped with the province of Maguindanao but still does not belong to the ARMM.
Cotabato City is distinct from and should not be confused with the province of Cotabato.
History
The Spanish fortress in Cotabato, El Fuerte Reina Regente, 1896
The name Cotabato was derived from the Maguindanao word kuta wato and the Malay Bruneian word of Kota Batu, or City of Stone; kota mean city or fortress, and batu mean rock or stone.
Following the Spanish evacuation in Jan. 1899, Datu Piang led the Moro's in a massacre of the remaining Christian community, enslaving those they did not kill. Americans arrived in Mindanao in 1900 after the Spanish–American War ended in 1898. Cotabato town was part of Moro Province and of Department of Mindanao and Sulu from 1903 to 1920, when the Empire Province of Cotabato, referred to as "Moroland" by the Americans, was founded with the town as the capital, with Datu Piang, known as the Grand Old Man of Cotabato, as its first governor.
Several towns were carved off from Cotabato town beginning in the year 1936, with Dulawan (now Datu Piang, Maguindanao) and Midsayap being the first ones which were incorporated as regular municipalities.
In 1942, at the beginning of the Pacific Front of World War II, the Japanese Imperial forces entered what is now Maguindanao province. In 1945, Maguindanao was liberated by allied Philippine Commonwealth troops and Muslim Maguindanaoan guerrilla units after defeating the Japanese Imperial forces in the Battle of Maguindanao during the Second World War.
Several towns were carved off from Cotabato town since the year 1913, with Pikit being the first one founded by Cebuano Christian colonists. Dulawan (now Datu Piang, Maguindanao) and Midsayap were incorporated as towns in 1936. In August 18, 1947, just two years after the Second World War and a year after the official inauguration of Philippine independence, the number of towns in the gigantic Cotabato province were multiplied by Executive Order No. 82 signed by President Manuel Roxas, namely: Kidapawan, Pagalungan, Buayan, Marbel, Parang, Nuling, Dinaig, Salaman, Buluan, Kiamba, and Cabacan, a total of eleven (11) towns added to the previous four towns; the newly founded towns of Kabuntalan, Pikit (conversion as regular municipality), and Glan added up in September 30, 1949. More and more newly created towns added up in the province's number of towns as the province entered the second half of the 20th century.
On July 1, 1950, the then Municipality of Cotabato was made first class municipality under Executive Order No. 466. Nine years later, it became a city on July 10, 1959, and on June 20, 1959 it was officially created into a chartered city by virtue of Republic Act No. 2364.
During the beginning of the 1950s up to the mid-1970s, Cotabato City was by far the second largest and most progressive city in Mindanao, after Davao City, with its population of more than 200,000 people residing in the city that time. However, mass insurgencies and much disorder between Christians and local Muslims in the region, began in the mid-1960 during the Marcos administration, capitulated into the city's economic decline, so the provincial government moved its provisional capital to Pagalungan in 1967 to avoid internal strife in the city. This made the city mostly isolated to other important economic centers in Mindanao.
The city used to be part of the original Province of Cotabato and was its capital from 1920 until 1967, a year after the separation of South Cotabato; since then the city was the administrative center of the ARMM when Maguindanao was carved out in 1973. However, the city broke off administratively from Maguindanao as it rejoined SOCCSKSARGEN in the 1990s. Now many sources consider the city as part of the present Cotabato province, although geographically it is still considered part of Maguindanao.
The majority of the inhabitants of Cotabato City are Maguindanaoan, comprising about 66% of the city's population. There are sizable ethnic populations of Maranaos (8%), Tagalog (9%), Cebuano (8%) and Ilonggo (6%). The remainder of the population belongs to other ethnicities (e.g. Iranon, Binisaya, Tausug, Chavacano).
Today, the majority of the city's population is Muslim, comprising about 80% of the population. The majority of Muslims in Cotabato City are Sunnites. The majority of Christians in Cotabato City are Roman Catholics, most of whom are Cebuanos, Ilonggos and Chavacanos. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cotabato is headed by Orlando Cardinal Quivedo.
Cotabato City, historically, during its heyday as the capital of the Maguindanao Sultanate, has been the most economically prosperous city in the island of Mindanao. Its prosperity has been taken away by civil internal strife beginning in the 1970s. However, once it became part of Soccsksargen region in the 1990s, its economy began a radical economic recovery.
As of now, This historic city had been named one of the country’s ten “most competitive cities” in a search by the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Third quarter of 2016, The city has already posted a Total Current Operating Income of P632,637,099.51 for 2016
Recently the City open its 3rd Mall the CityMall of Cotabato and under construction of 5 hectare KCC VERANZA with Php 6 Billion investment along the Quezon Avenue.
the city currently serves as the center for economic support activities, trade and finance, education and other support services such as social, physical, cultural and other basic services of Central Mindanao.
Cotabato City is the center of trade and commerce of Central Mindanao, people from neighboring provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat and Province of Cotabato will come to Cotabato City for their shopping needs.
Southseas Mall Cotabato City first Mall
Mall of Alnor with Robinsons Department Store and Groceries the first mall to have a Cinema in the City
CityMall of Cotabato The biggest CityMall at its opening in terms of GFA (with regards to Grand CityMalls) and the first national retail mall in Cotabato City. And with regards to Grand CityMalls, CityMall Cotabato will be the first CityMall to have its own cinemas.
Centro and Puregold
Cotabato Barter Trade the city’s go-to pasalubong hub, the Barter Trade Center locally known as “barter”
KCC Veranza 5 hectare lot area U/C
Tourism Industry
Cotabato City tourism is booming it was placed second to the most visited City in the Region 12, A total of 346,063 tourists visited Cotabato City in 2016 posting an increase of 70% compared in 2015.
Cotabato City ranked 8th in the Mindanao for Highest Bank Deposits with total of 17,188,934,000.00 deposits as of June 30, 2016.
No. of Branches
Location
1
Dev’t. Bank of the Phils.(DBP)
1
A. Alonzo St. Fronting City Plaza
2
Allied Banking Corp.
2
Cor. A. Dorotheo & Jose Lim Sts.&
SK Pendatun Ave., Cot. City
3
Bank of the Phil. Islands (BPI)
2
Cor. A. Alonzo/ Macacua Sts. &
South Seas Complex
4
Banco de Oro (BDO)
2
Macacua St. & CityMall Cotabato
5
Prudential Bank
1
A. Alonzo St.
6
Rizal Comm. Banking Corp. (RCBC)
1
A. Alonzo St., Elena V. Co. Bldg.
7
United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB)
1
A. Alonzo St.
8
Metro Bank
2
Macacua St & SK Pendatun
9
China Bank
1
SK Pendatun Ave.
10
East West Bank
1
Roman Vilo St.
11
Amanah Bank
1
Sinsuat Ave.
12
Land Bank of the Phils.
2
A. Alonzo St. &
ESTOSAN Hotel, ORC
13
Phil. National Bank
1
Macacua St.
14
Rural Bank of Cotabato
1
Roman Vilo St.
-
Central Bank of the Phils.
1
Cor. Sinsuat Ave./ Quezon Ave.
Aquaculture Industry
The crab industry is one of the investment opportunities eyed to have a great potentials for growth and devleopment. The barangay Kalanganan is Cotabato City, with a spread of more or less one thousand seven hundred (1,700) hectares, is the site where crabs are being produced. For sometime now, the "mud crab" in this area is known for its distinct taste and quality.
Sales: P21 Million (crabs); P22.5M (prawns); P13.6M (bangus)
Markets: Davao City; Gen. Santos City; Koronadal City; Kidapawan City; Butuan City; Metro Manila
Production volume (annual): 85,000 kgs of crabs; 75,000 kgs of prawns; 170,000 kgs of bangus
Rio Grande de Mindanao - this is the largest river in the Philippines and the longest in the whole Mindanao region. With the estimated long of 182 kilometers and 96 meters wide, this river is crisscrossing the whole area of the city. This river is good for water sports and boat racing.
Shariff Kabunsuan Festival – this festival is celebrated every December 15-19, which is celebrated in honor of Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan, an Arab missionary from Johore who planted the seed of Islam in Central Mindanao. On this event, certain presentations are performed such as dances. There are also many recreational activities and sports. Highlights in this festival are Dance Parade, Banca Race and the re-enactment of Shariff’s arrival.
Araw ng Kutabato (Cotabato Day) – celebrated every June 12-25, this is the biggest celebration in all of the city’s festivals. This festival is held to commemorate the city;s charter day.
Gallery
Cotabato City had witnessed more history than any other place in Mindanao, the gallery below will prove that, together with the Cotabato City Products and Delicacies.
Ongoing construction to be built near the scenic Timako Hill.
Local transportation
The major mode of transportation in the city is thru Jeepneys and Multicabs, followed by the "Habal-Habal", Tricycles and Taxi.
Utilities
Cotabato Light and Power Company - Cotabato Light and Power Company is a wholly owned electric distribution utility of the Aboitiz Company. Incorporated on April 23, 1938, Cotabato Light's service area covers Cotabato City and parts of Datu Odin Sinsuat and Sultan Kudarat municipalities under Maguindanao Province. Originally granted a 50-year distribution franchise, it was extended by the then Energy Regulatory Board, now Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), in 1990 for another 25 years from June 17, 1989, or until 2014. The electric utility's main source of power comes from the National Power Corporation (NPC) delivered through the transmission operator, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). It maintains a diesel-fed power plant. Always on hot standby, it operates during times of severe power shortages. As of December 2013, Cotabato Light is serving 37,000 customers through its three distribution substations. These lines can be remotely controlled using the Supervisory Control Data Acquisition (SCADA). To sustain a below cap system loss, Cotabato Light is continuously innovating on its systems and processes. The company also benchmarks its customer services with the world-class standards. One of these is the ability to connect a new customer's meter the same day he signs his service contract. The electric distribution company utilizes the most up-to-date systems such as the Customer Care and Billing (CC&B), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and soon the Work and Asset Management (WAM). The distribution firm constantly looks for ways in order to provide its customers with safe and reliable power and operate as a low cost service provider.
Foreman, J., 1906, The Philippine Islands: A Political, Geographical, Ethnographical, Social and Commercial History of the Philippine Archipelago, New York: Charles Scribner's Sons
Disaster Preparedness of Schools by Abdul Raffi A. Abas
Map of Maguindanao highlighting Cotabato City
Downtown Cotabato City
Tamontaka Church
Buildings Along Alejandro Dorotheo St.
Maguindanaon Women of Cotabato City wearing the traditional dress and a fabric of Inaul
Guinakit Fluvial Parade at the Rio Grande De Mindanao
Davao City, Philippines
Sandakan, Malaysia
Bandung, Indonesia 
Cotabato City
Province of 
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