North Cotabato is a landlocked province of the Philippines located at the interior of Mindanao Island in Soccsksargen Region. The 9th largest in terms of land area (see comparison of provinces), it is bounded on the north by Lanao Del Sur and Bukidnon, on the east by Davao Del Sur, on the south by Sultan Kudarat, and on the west by Maguindanao. Topography is dominated by mountains in the northern and eastern part of the province while the southern portion is a part of the vast plain of Central Mindanao. Climate is characterized by not very pronounced seasons: relatively dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year.

North Cotabato Provincial Capitol

The province celebrates the Hinugyaw sa Cotabato to coincide with the Annual foundation day of the province every September first.

With its rich soil, the province is one of the major agricultural provinces of the country. Farm and fishery output in 2007 are as follows (figure in thousand metric tons, rank among 79 provinces)

Animal inventory of North Cotabato in 2007 are as follows (figure in thousand, rank among 79 provinces)

North Cotabato is also a major producer of natural raw rubber.

Manufactured products from North Cotabato are ceramics (terracotta), washed sugar, furniture, panel doors and windows, rubber products, betel oil, mangosteen tea and capsules, virgin coconut oil, bags and slippers from corn husk, fresh milk, yoghurt, vinegar, soaps, and green muscovado mill.

In 2007, there were 59 banks operating in the province with total deposits of 12.7 billion pesos. Poverty incidence in 2006 stood at 34.6%, slightly higher than the national average of 32.9%.

Its fertile agricultural lands coupled with good typhoon-free climate is ideal for high value commercial crops such as rubber, cacao, coffee, sweet corn, other fruits and vegetables. Goat and cattle raising and processing of halal foods have great potential not only for domestic consumption but also for export.

1. Florian Hot Spring - located at the foot of Mt. Apo
2. Fort Pikit - a Spanish fortress located in a hilltop
3. Pidlanan Falls - in Magpet
4. New Israel Eco-Park - in Makilala
5. Sai Dun Waterfalls - in Arakan
6. Makilala town - famous for its durian and marang plantations

Capitol photo credit to marcopolo.i.ph

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