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Strategically located at the foot of Mount Apo, the Philippines' tallest
peak at 10,311 feet above sea level, Kidapawan City bustles with renewed
energy as it opens its doors to the world. Mount Apo and its other scenic
attractions make the province of Cotabato a potential world-class tourist
destination.
Geography
Kidapawan City is located at the southeastern portion of Cotabato
province, located almost midway between the cities of Davao and Cotabato
at a distance of 110 and 120 km., respectively.
Political Subdivision
The city belongs to the second district of Cotabato province, with 40
barangays. It is the capital town of Cotabato.
Population
The population as of 2000 is 958,643, including Cotabato province.
Language/Dialect
Hiligaynon/Ilonggo, Cebuano, Tagalog, Ilocano, Boholano, and Manobo are
spoken.
Climate
Located outside the typhoon belt, the city is blessed with a favorable
climate characterized by wet and dry seasons. The coldest time of the year
is between December and January, and the hottest months are during the
months of April and May.
Industries
Cutflower has become a good source of livelihood among Cotabateņos,
especially those residing in Kidapawan City, who have organized a
cooperative on cutflower marketing and production. Roses, anthuriums, and
orchids which are conveniently grown locally are highly promising and
profitable businesses and sources of livelihood. Even at large scale
production, ornamentals and forest tree seedlings have become a
high-selling business.
Ramie plantation in Kidapawan can be a future boom to the local textile
industry.
Cotabato is primarily an agricultural area (50% of total land area devoted
to agri-production) with major crops that include rubber, grains,
sugarcane, and exotic fruits like durian, rambutan, mango, banana,
lanzones and mangosteen. |