Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Philippines

Koronadal City, South Cotabato is within Region XII – (Soccsksargen), in the Republic of the Philippines.

People of Koronadal City

• As of the 2020 Census, Koronadal City had a population of 195,398.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 173,894, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 12.3% over five years.
• Koronadal is historically home to the Blaan and Tboli peoples, indigenous communities known for their intricate weaving, oral traditions, and forest-based livelihoods. These groups have ancestral domains in the highlands surrounding the city and neighboring municipalities.
• The major dialect spoken is Hiligaynon, due to the influx of Ilonggo settlers during the mid-20th century. Cebuano and Tagalog are also widely understood. Indigenous languages such as Blaan and Tboli are still spoken in tribal barangays. English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and national integration.

Location of Koronadal City

• Koronadal City is located in the southern-central part of Mindanao, within the province of South Cotabato and Region XII (Soccsksargen). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 6.37°N latitude and 124.85°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 277.00 square kilometers, comprising 27 barangays. Its terrain includes flatlands, rolling hills, and river systems. The climate is tropical, with a wet season from June to November and a dry season from December to May.
• Koronadal serves as both the capital of South Cotabato and the regional administrative center of Soccsksargen. The City Hall is located in Barangay Zone III, while the Provincial Capitol is also situated within the same barangay.
• Most people reach Koronadal via land transport. It is accessible by bus from General Santos City (approximately 1.5 hours) and Davao City (around 4–5 hours). The nearest airport is General Santos International Airport, and the Port of General Santos serves as the nearest major seaport.

Tourist Attractions of Koronadal City

• Rizal Park: A landscaped plaza in the city center featuring monuments, fountains, and open-air spaces for civic events.
• South Cotabato Gym and Cultural Center: A venue for concerts, festivals, and government functions.
• Koronadal City Hall Complex: Known for its architectural design and landscaped surroundings.
• Hinugyaw Festival: Celebrated every January, this festival honors Ilonggo heritage through street dancing, cultural exhibits, and civic parades. “Hinugyaw” means “merrymaking” in Hiligaynon.

Economy of Koronadal City

• Koronadal’s economy is anchored in:
  • Trade and commerce: As the regional center, the city hosts malls, markets, and financial institutions serving South Cotabato and neighboring provinces.
  • Retail and services: Hospitality, education, and healthcare sectors contribute significantly to local employment.
  • Agro-industrial support: The city serves as a logistics and processing hub for agricultural products from surrounding municipalities.
  • Government and administration: Regional offices and provincial agencies are headquartered in the city.
• Koronadal is classified as a 3rd-class component city. While city-specific GDP data is limited, its role as a regional capital positions it as a key contributor to the Soccsksargen economy.

Educational Institutions of Koronadal City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Notre Dame of Marbel University: A Catholic institution offering programs in liberal arts, education, engineering, and health sciences.
  • South Cotabato State College: Offers programs in agriculture, technology, and teacher education.
  • Holy Child College of Information Technology: Specializes in IT, business, and engineering programs.
  • TESDA-accredited centers: Provide vocational training in electronics, welding, culinary arts, and other trades.
  • Public and private secondary schools: Each barangay has access to DepEd-supported high schools and senior high programs.

History of Koronadal City

• Koronadal was originally inhabited by the Blaan people, who named the area “Koronadal” from “kalon” (cogon grass) and “nadal” (plain), describing the vast grasslands of the valley. The area was later settled by Ilonggo migrants from Panay and Negros during the 1930s and 1940s.
• The municipality of Koronadal was officially created on August 18, 1947 through Executive Order No. 82 signed by President Manuel Roxas. It became the capital of South Cotabato when the province was created in 1966.
• Koronadal was converted into a component city on October 8, 2000 through Republic Act No. 8803. Its cityhood marked a new phase of development, with investments in infrastructure, education, and public services.
• Today, Koronadal is known as the “Marbel City” and the “Ilonggo Capital of Mindanao,” balancing cultural heritage, administrative leadership, and regional connectivity. It continues to grow through sustainable urban planning and inter-provincial cooperation.

Elected Officials of Koronadal City

• As of the 2025 elections, Koronadal City is led by:
  • Mayor: Eliordo U. Ogena (PFP)
  • Vice Mayor: Erlinda Pabi-Araquil (Independent)
  • Representative – 2nd District of South Cotabato: Dinand Hernandez (PFP)
  • City Councilors: Esther Marin Catorce, Annabelle Pingoy, Junette Hurtado, Inday Diel, and others as listed in the official Halalan 2025 results.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Koronadal City Election Results.

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