Koronadal City in South Cotabato will celebrate its 23rd Charter Anniversary this October, with month-long festivities to cater to the municipality’s diverse communities.
The city gets its name from two B’laan words, “koron” or “kolon,” which means cogon grass, and “nadal” or “datal,” meaning plain. B’lann is one of the indigenous peoples of Southern Mindanao in the Philippines.
In the past, the place was called Marbel, which comes from the B’laan word that means murky waters. The names described the city when natives inhabited the area.
Koronadal used to comprise the area extending from the bank of Buluan Lake to the north to Barangay Polonoling, Tupi to the south, and from the Quezon mountain range in the northeast to the municipality of T’boli in the southeast.
It became a city in 2000 under Republic Act No. 8803, converting the Municipality of Koronadal into a component city of South Cotabato. Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada signed it into law.
Meanwhile, through Executive Order No. 304, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo designated the City of Koronadal as the regional center and administrative seat of the SOCCSKSARGEN Region.
The month-long festivities in celebration of the 23rd Charter Anniversary will be held around the city, with most events occurring at Rizal Park. Some highlights include the Octobeer Fest, Mega Jobs Fair, forums, competitions, and other activities.