Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, Philippines

Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat is within Region XII – (Soccsksargen), in the Republic of the Philippines.

People of Tacurong City

• As of the 2020 Census, Tacurong City had a population of 109,319.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 98,316, reflecting a growth rate of over 11% in five years.
• Tacurong is historically home to the Maguindanaon and Blaan peoples. The Maguindanaon are known for their Islamic traditions and oral epics, while the Blaan are upland dwellers with rich weaving and musical heritage.
• The major dialect spoken is Hiligaynon, due to the influx of Ilonggo settlers during the mid-20th century. Cebuano, Maguindanaon, and Tagalog are also widely spoken. Indigenous languages such as Blaan are still used in tribal barangays. English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and national integration.

Location of Tacurong City

• Tacurong City is located in the central part of Mindanao, within the province of Sultan Kudarat and Region XII (Soccsksargen). Its geographic coordinates are approximately 6.6884°N latitude and 124.6787°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 153.40 square kilometers, comprising 20 barangays. Its terrain includes flatlands, river systems, and gently rolling hills. The climate is tropical, with a wet season from June to November and a dry season from December to May.
• Tacurong is a component city and serves as a key urban center in Sultan Kudarat. The City Hall is located in Barangay Poblacion, which also houses major government offices.
• Most people reach Tacurong via land transport. It is accessible by bus from General Santos City (approximately 2 hours) and Cotabato City (around 3 hours). The nearest airport is General Santos International Airport, and the Port of General Santos serves as the nearest major seaport.

Tourist Attractions of Tacurong City

• Baras Bird Sanctuary: A protected area home to thousands of egrets and herons, ideal for birdwatching and ecological tours.
• New Isabela Park: A landscaped public space with gardens, fountains, and recreational facilities.
• Talakudong Festival: Celebrated every September, this festival honors the city’s cultural roots. “Talakudong” refers to the traditional head covering worn by early settlers. The event features street dancing, cultural exhibits, and civic parades.

Economy of Tacurong City

• Tacurong’s economy is anchored in:
  • Agriculture: Major crops include rice, corn, banana, and coconut. The city also supports poultry and livestock farming.
  • Trade and commerce: Tacurong serves as a commercial hub for eastern Sultan Kudarat, with markets, malls, and financial institutions.
  • Education and services: Schools, hospitals, and government offices contribute to employment and development.
  • Small-scale manufacturing: Food processing, handicrafts, and construction materials support local enterprises.
• While city-specific GDP data is limited, Tacurong is classified as a 4th-class component city and plays a vital role in Sultan Kudarat’s regional economy.

Educational Institutions of Tacurong City

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Sultan Kudarat State University – Tacurong Campus: Offers programs in agriculture, education, business, and technology.
  • Notre Dame of Tacurong College: A Catholic institution offering liberal arts, accountancy, and teacher education.
  • Southern Mindanao Institute of Technology: Offers programs in engineering, IT, and business administration.
  • Sultan Kudarat Educational Institution: Offers programs in nursing, hotel management, and midwifery.
  • TESDA-accredited centers: Provide vocational training in welding, electronics, culinary arts, and other trades.

History of Tacurong City

• Tacurong was originally a barangay of the municipality of Buluan in the then-undivided Cotabato Province. The area was known as “Pamansang,” named after a creek that flowed through the region. In the 1940s, it became a way station for survey teams and missionaries due to its strategic location.
• The name “Pamansang” was later changed to “Talakudong,” a Maguindanaon term for head covering, which was commonly worn by early settlers. Eventually, the name evolved into “Tacurong.”
• The municipality of Tacurong was officially created on August 3, 1951 through Executive Order No. 462 signed by President Elpidio Quirino. It became a city on August 16, 2000 through Republic Act No. 8805, ratified by a plebiscite held on September 18, 2000.
• Today, Tacurong is known as the “City of Goodwill,” balancing cultural heritage, urban development, and regional connectivity. It continues to grow through infrastructure, education, and civic engagement.

Elected Officials of Tacurong City

• As of the 2025 elections, Tacurong City is led by:
  • Mayor: Lina O. Montilla (NP)
  • Vice Mayor: Ralen C. Tabusares Bernardo (Lakas)
  • Representative – 1st District of Sultan Kudarat: Ruth M. Sakaluran (Lakas)
  • City Councilors: Lalaine J. Montilla, Jose A. Lim V, Harvey P. Legas, Carlos Borromeo P. Segura Jr., Geronimo P. Arzagon, Bernardino L. Umadhay Jr., Geraldine L. Collado, Nestor D. Calvo
• For full election results and updates, visit: Tacurong City Election Results.

Featured News of the Philippines