kids encyclopedia robot

Koronadal facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Koronadal

Marbel
Component city
City of Koronadal
Other transcription(s)
 • Jawi كوروندل
Koronadal Poblacion, Gensan Drive-Marbel Roundball northbound (Koronadal, South Kotabato; 08-14-2023).jpg
City Hall, City of Koronadal, Philippines.JPG
Koronadal Poblacion Roundabout (top), City Hall (bottom)
Flag of Koronadal
Flag
Official seal of Koronadal
Seal
Nickname(s): 
  • Ilonggo City of Mindanao
  • Crown City of the South
  • Sports Mecca of the South
Motto(s): 
Bagong Koronadal... Ngayon at Bukas!
Map of South Cotabato with Koronadal highlighted
Map of South Cotabato with Koronadal highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Koronadal is located in Philippines
Koronadal
Koronadal
Location in Philippines
Country Philippines
Region Soccsksargen
Province South Cotabato
District [[{{#property:P7938}} | — Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1804: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).]]
Founded January 10, 1939
(as Marbel Settlement District)
Chartered August 18, 1947
Cityhood October 8, 2000
Barangays 27 (see Barangays)
Government
 • Type Sangguniang Panlungsod
Area
 • Total 277.00 km2 (106.95 sq mi)
Elevation
333 m (1,093 ft)
Highest elevation
2,271 m (7,451 ft)
Lowest elevation
7 m (23 ft)
Population
 (2020 census)
 • Total 195,398
 • Density 705.408/km2 (1,827.00/sq mi)
 • Households
50,814
Demonym(s) Koronadaleños; Marbeleños
Economy
 • Income class 3rd city income class
 • Poverty incidence
11.77
% (2021)
 • Revenue ₱ 1,139 million (2020)
 • Assets ₱ 2,816 million (2020)
 • Expenditure ₱ 1,052 million (2020)
 • Liabilities ₱ 433 million (2020)
Service provider
 • Electricity South Cotabato 1 Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO 1)
Time zone UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
9506
PSGC
[https://psa.gov.ph/classification/psgc/?q=psgc/barangays/{{#pro000&regcode={{&provcode=
  1. p {{#property:P988}} ]
IDD:area code  +63 (0)83
Native languages Hiligaynon
Cebuano
Maguindanao
Blaan
Tagalog
Website koronadal.gov.ph

Koronadal, also known as Marbel, is a busy city in the Philippines. It is the capital of South Cotabato province. It is also the main administrative center for the Soccsksargen region (Region XII).

Koronadal is one of the cities in the Philippines that was planned and developed. It became a city on October 8, 2000. It is special because most of its people (about 95%) are Hiligaynons. This is why it's called the "Ilonggo Capital of Mindanao." Koronadal has been recognized as a "Most Competitive City" and a "most business friendly city" in Mindanao.

What's in a Name? The Meaning of Koronadal

The name Koronadal comes from two words in the Blaan tribe's language. Kalon means "cogon grass," and nadal or datal means "plain." So, Koronadal means "plain of cogon grass."

The city's other name, Marbel, also comes from the Blaan language. Marb el means "murky waters." This refers to the Marbel River, which flows through the area.

A Brief Look at Koronadal's History

Cotabato province 1918 map
A map of Cotabato province from 1918. Koronadal was once part of this larger area.

Koronadal started as a settlement and became a municipality on August 18, 1947. This was thanks to Executive Order No. 82. It grew quickly and became the capital of South Cotabato province when it was created in 1966.

Long ago, the area was home to the Blaan people and Maguindanaons. On January 1, 1948, the local government officially began its work. The municipality of Koronadal was very large back then. It included areas that are now other towns like Banga and Tupi.

The city celebrates its founding every year on January 10. This day remembers when the Marbel Settlement District was first established.

Becoming a City: Koronadal's Cityhood

Koronadal officially became a city on October 8, 2000, through Republic Act No. 8803. Today, Koronadal City is a fast-growing hub. It has 27 different areas called barangays. As the capital of South Cotabato, it's the main place for politics, culture, and business in the province.

In 2004, Koronadal City was chosen as the main political and economic center for the Soccsksargen region. This meant many government offices moved here from Cotabato City.

Where is Koronadal? Geography and Location

Koronadal is located in the middle part of southern Mindanao. It sits on a gently sloping plain, surrounded by low mountains.

City Districts: Understanding Barangays

McDonald's Koronadal - panoramio
Juan Posadas Street, Poblacion Zone 2, Koronadal City

Koronadal City is divided into 27 smaller areas called barangays. Each barangay has even smaller parts called puroks and some have sitios.

Eight of these barangays are considered urban (city areas):

  • General Paulino Santos (Barrio Uno)
  • Morales
  • Poblacion Zone I
  • Poblacion Zone II
  • Poblacion Zone III
  • Poblacion Zone IV
  • Santa Cruz
  • Santo Niño (Barrio Dos)

Weather in Koronadal: Climate Information

The weather in Koronadal is generally mild and sub-tropical. It belongs to climate Type IV, which means it doesn't experience typhoons. The rainy season usually runs from June to October.

Who Lives in Koronadal? Demographics

Languages Spoken in Koronadal

The main language in Koronadal is Hiligaynon. This is why the city is known as the "Ilonggo Capital of Mindanao." Other languages commonly spoken include Tagalog, Maguindanaon, Ilocano, and Cebuano. You might also hear Maranao, English, and Arabic.

Faith and Beliefs: Religions in Koronadal

Koronadal is home to people of different faiths. You can find many churches and mosques in the city.

  • Churches
    • Christ the King Cathedral (San Antonio de Padua Parish Church), Downtown Koronadal
    • San Guillermo Parish Church, Brgy. Morales
    • Sagrada Familia Parish Church, Brgy. San Jose
    • Sacred Heart Parish Church, Brgy. General Paulino Santos
    • Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish Church, Santa Cruz
    • Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Downtown Koronadal
    • Marbel Baptist Church (SBC), Downtown Koronadal
    • Iglesia ni Cristo, Downtown Koronadal
    • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Downtown Koronadal
  • Mosques
    • Koronadal Grand Mosque, Downtown Koronadal
    • Balik-Islam Mosque, Brgy. Morales
    • Engineer Buisan Mosque, Downtown Koronadal
    • Masjid Al-Fuqarah, Prk Kings compound
    • Marbel Masjid, F.Antipolo Street

How Koronadal Makes Money: Economy


Shopping and Business: Retail and Commercial Centers

KCC Mall of Marbel - panoramio
KCC Mall of Marbel in 2015

Koronadal has many shopping malls and serves as a major shopping destination for nearby towns and provinces. It is considered a main shopping hub in the region.

The Heart of Koronadal: Culture and Traditions

B'laan Culture

The B'laan people are one of the native groups from Mindanao. They consider themselves like brothers and sisters with the Maguindanao people. Long ago, an Arab man married a B'laan woman. This led to the arrival of Islam in Southern Mindanao. The B'laan people traditionally live in the mountains. They grow rice, vegetables, and raise animals. Their original religion was Animist, which means they believed in spirits in nature.

Maguindanaon Culture

The Maguindanao people were among the first to adopt Islam in the region. They see this area as their traditional home. The culture of the region is also shaped by many people who moved here from other parts of the Philippines.

Catholic Culture

Most people in Southern Philippines (over 70%) are Catholic Filipinos. Many of them moved to Mindanao over time. The Spanish government first encouraged people from Luzon and Visayas to settle here in the 1600s. Later, in the 1900s, the American government also helped people move to Mindanao. These migrants helped clear land and develop farming and industries.

Fun Times in Koronadal: Events and Festivals

Koronadal hosts many exciting events. It has even hosted international events like the Pyesta Kalon Datal: Koronadal International Folkloric Festival. This festival celebrates folk arts and traditions. The city also hosted national sports events like the Palarong Pambansa in 1996 and 2007.

Annual Festivals

T'nalak Festival T'boli
A colorful display at the T'nalak Festival.
  • Hinugyaw Festival (January 8–10) – This festival celebrates the founding anniversary of Koronadal as a municipality. It features lively street dancing and parties.
  • T'nalak Festival (July 16–18) – This festival honors the Tboli tribe of South Cotabato. It showcases their beautiful abaca cloth, which is woven by women from the tribe. The festival symbolizes the unity of different ethnic groups in the province. There's a parade with floats and cheer dance competitions. People wear native costumes of the Blaan, Tboli, and other tribal groups.
  • Cityhood Charter Anniversary (October 8) – This event celebrates the day Koronadal became a city. It includes the "Negosyo Festival," which highlights the city's lively businesses. Shoppers can enjoy big discounts during a month-long sale.

Places to Visit: Tourism in Koronadal

Seventeen Martyrs of Koronadal historical marker
Historical marker for the burial site of the Seventeen Martyrs of Koronadal.

Koronadal has several interesting places to visit.

Museums and Historical Sites

  • Historical Marker of the Seventeen Martyrs
  • Notre Dame of Marbel University Library and Museum
  • South Cotabato Community Museum

Parks and Recreation

  • CIOFF Park
  • Freedom Park
  • Rizal Park
  • Paraiso Verde Water Park

Waterfalls

  • Saravia Falls
  • Siok Falls
  • Supon Falls

Staying Healthy: Healthcare in Koronadal

Koronadal has several hospitals and health facilities to serve its residents.

  • South Cotabato Provincial Hospital, Aguinaldo Street
  • Allah Valley Medical Specialists' Center, General Santos Drive
  • Dr. Arturo P. Pingoy Medical Center, General Santos Drive

Learning and Growing: Education in Koronadal

Koronadal offers many schools for students of all ages. In the 2009–2010 school year, there were 95 primary and elementary schools. There were also 17 secondary schools, both public and private.

Schools for Elementary and High School Students

Here are some well-known schools in the city:

  • King's College of Marbel, Inc.
  • Koronadal National Comprehensive High School
  • Koronadal Southern Elementary School (Chinese School)
  • Notre Dame - Siena School of Marbel
  • Notre Dame of Marbel University - Integrated Basic Education Department
  • Philippine Science High School SOCCSKSARGEN Region Campus

Colleges and Universities

Saint Marcellin Champagnat Statue, NDMU
Notre Dame of Marbel University

Koronadal has two universities:

  • Notre Dame of Marbel University
  • University of the Philippines Manila – Koronadal School of Health Sciences

There are also many other colleges in the city, offering various courses:

  • ACLC College of Marbel
  • Goldenstate College Marbel
  • Green Valley College Foundation Incorporated
  • King's College of Marbel, Inc.
  • Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges - Marbel
  • STI College Koronadal

Seminaries

Koronadal is also home to two seminaries, which are schools for religious studies:

  • Our Lady of Perpetual Help Seminary (OLPHS)
  • St. Gabriel College Seminary

Getting Around: Transportation in Koronadal

Land Travel

Public Transportation

The most common way to get around the city is by tricycle. In 2021, tricycle routes were divided into four main clusters:

  • Red cluster (Northern Barangays)
  • Yellow cluster (Eastern Barangays)
  • Green cluster (Southern Barangays)
  • Blue cluster (Western Barangays)

The city government is also working on a new public transport system with 10 routes, as part of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

Future Railway Plans

Koronadal will be an important stop for the Mindanao Railway. It will be the end station for Phase Two of the railway, connecting cities like Digos and General Santos.

Air Travel

The closest airport to Koronadal City is the General Santos International Airport in General Santos. Other airports like Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City and Cotabato Airport in Cotabato City are also accessible.

Sea Travel

The nearest seaport to Koronadal is the Makar Wharf in General Santos. The Sasa Port in Davao City is another option for sea travel.

Famous People from Koronadal

  • Christian Perez - a darts player
  • Jason Sabio - a footballer who plays for Kaya
  • Kenneth Duremdes - a PBA basketball player
  • Ernestine Tiamzon - a DLSU Lady Spiker
  • Lovely Abella - a GMA artist
  • Orlando Quevedo - a cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as an Archbishop of Cotabato. He grew up in Koronadal and finished his schooling there.

Friendship Cities: Sister Cities

Koronadal has special relationships with other cities, called sister cities:

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Koronadal para niños

kids search engine
Koronadal Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.