Local Climate Change Action Plan

LOCAL CLIMATE
CHANGE ACTION PLAN
2017-2019
III-1
Local Climate Change Action Plan 2017-2019
CHAPTER 1
PROVINCIAL PROFILE
Historical Background:
1.1 Brief Historical Background of the Province
Before the coming of the Christian migrants from Luzon and Visayas
which had accelerated the growth of settlements and subsequently gave rise to
bustling municipalities, this area named Cotabato was inhabited by various ethnic
groups namely: the Manobos, the Bagobos and the Muslims sometime in 1500
A.D. These various tribes were believed to be descendants of Indonesian
immigrants owing to their similarity in physical structures and languages.
According to a Manobo creation myth, the fertile flood plain between the
Kulaman and the Pulangi Rivers was the birthplace of life on earth. Soil stolen
from another world was deposited in this place, which they referred to as
pinamua or “land of the beginning.”
When the Maguindanao Sultan acceded to Spanish sovereignty in 1861,

the colonial government organized several districts to cover the vast plain of
Pulangi. Those who resisted the Spaniards fled towards the interior to
Pagalungan and continued resisting Spanish intrusion into the region. The
district of Cotabato was formed in 1860. In 1871, the district covered the military
areas of Polloc, Malabang, Reina Regente, Taceran, Babia, Illana, Baras and
Lebac. What is presently considered, Cotabato remained outside the area of
Spanish activities.
The area covered by the empire Province of Cotabato is the territory

presently occupied by the provinces of Cotabato (the mother province), South
Cotabato, Maguindanao, Saranggani and Sultan Kudarat, including the area now
covered by General Santos City and Cotabato City. “Cotabato” comes from the
Maguindanao “KutaWato”, or “Stone Fort”, and bespeaks of the long tradition of
courage and resistance that marks the history of the Pulangi River basin. Its
capital was then Cotabato (now a city, a town along the Rio Grande some five
kilometers from where the said river empties into the sea on the west.
The total land area of the original Cotabato Empire before its division was
2,296,791 hectares or about one thirteenth of the whole country which has an
area of about 30 million hectares. So big was the original province that its area
was about the size of the central plain of Luzon and bigger than six states of the
United States, including the states of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode
Island. The total land area of the Hawaiian Islands (now a U.S. state) is only
about three-fourths that of Cotabato.
The effectivity of the operation of the original province of Cotabato was on

September 1, 1914. The date when the creation of the Department of Mindanao
and Sulu took effect pursuant to the Philippine Commission Act No. 2408 dated
July 23, 1914, an Act providing for a temporary form of government for the
territory known as the Department of Mindanao and Sulu, making applicable
thereto, with certain exceptions the provisions of general laws now in force in the
Philippine Island, and for other purposes.
Before the passage of the above-mentioned Act by the Philippine

Commission, Cotabato was never called a province. It was just categorized
as a mere District of the Moro Province. The Moro Province was composed
of all the political subdivisions of Mindanao and Sulu, excluding the two
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Misamis Provinces and Surigao. The huge province (Moro province) was
created by the Philippine Commission on July 15, 1903 in Act No. 787.
Probably because no Filipino had any knowledge of surveying at that time,
the territorial jurisdiction of the Cotabato District was roughly described,
wanting in definiteness and usually giving rise to boundary conflicts with
neighboring provinces.
i) The Moro province was governed by military governors, the last being
General John J. Pershing, who was succeeded in December 1913 by
the first civilian governor, Frank W. Carpenter. The early Filipinos were
pagans - worshippers of the sun, the moon and some animals like
Kalupindo (Parrot). Mohammedanism or Islam was the first "imported"
religion in Cotabato. It was first introduced in the later part of the 15 th
century by ShariffKabunsuan, a legendary Muslim missionary who later
ruled Cotabato with his descendants and established the Sultanate of
Mindanao.
ShariffKabunsuan and his descendants ruled Cotabato until the coming of

the Americans in the early part of the twentieth century. One important feature
established by the reign of ShariffKabunsuan was the introduction of a system of
government called Datuism. This system of government is still being practiced
until today by some Mohammedans who revere the datu as the dispenser or
lawgiver of death. This system developed Muslim culture and kept Muslims
united in their struggles against foreigners.
The northern part of Cotabato particularly along the boundaries of Davao

and Bukidnon was relatively unaffected during the emergence of
Mohammedanism in the province. The reason was that, some of the datus had
settled at the foot of Mt. Apo and inland transportation was still difficult during
those days so that the only convenient way was through the river. Even then, the
tribes who occupied the highlands along the Pulangiriver were not converted to
Mohammedanism. When the Muslim converts and missionaries migrated further
north through the river, the Malayan highlanders just went upward to the foot of
Mt. Apo in different groups, which then developed into different ethnic groups.
The influx of Spanish "conquistadores" also did not affect the northern part
of the province. The Spaniards came to subdue the "Moros" or Muslim pirates
who attacked several islands of the Visayas and Luzon at the turn of the 17 th
century. To prevent the further penetration of Muslim pirates, a fort was
established at Tamontaka.
The Spaniards arrived in Cotabato way back in 1596 when Captain

Rodriguez de Figueroa obtained from the Spanish government the exclusive right
to colonize Mindanao. On February 1, 1596, he left Iloilo and landed at the
mouth of Rio Grande de Mindanao, in what is known today as Cotabato City.
With Cotabato as the base, the Spanish "conquistadores" attempted to enter the
interior region following the Rio Grande and reached as far as Pikit to protect the
Spaniards from continuous harassment from the Mohammedans. Today, the
Spanish Fort in Pikit still stands as the only relic of Spanish colonial power in the
province.
The American forces arrived in the early part of the twentieth century. The
Mohammedans under DatuAlamada and Datu Ali put up a very strong resistance
in Midsayap, which hastened the coming of General Leonard Wood, then Military
Governor, to personally lead the assault on the stronghold. With the capture of
the fortress in Midsayap, the Mohammedans engaged the military forces in
guerilla warfare.
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One important thing that the Americans did which caused a great impact
in the province was their policy of attraction. This policy was aimed at convincing
the Muslims of the sincerity of the American rule in the country. It was also
aimed at restoring peace and order and implanting political advancement and
training in the art of self-government.
ThoughIslam was the first religion, Christianity was also introduced later in
1596.
The first Christian settlers in Cotabato from outside of Mindanao-mostly

came from the Province of Cebu and arrived in Pikit on June 17, 1913 at the
behest and as a result of the efforts of the late Pres. Sergio Osmeña who was
then Speaker of the Philippine Commission. Expenses of their transfer to the
"land of promise" were subsidized by the government. The Administrator of the
"Colono" (name given to the settlers at that time) was a Superintendent by the
name Maximo Abad, a government-appointed official, who took care of the
settlers' needs like food, farm implements, etc. There were six more batches of
"colonos" who arrived after June 17, 1913. From Pikit, children and kin of
settlers later moved westwards to Midsayap and eastward to Kidapawan.
Other settlements were organized later in General Santos, Marbel,
Kiamba, Tupi, Banga and neighboring places. Most of the settlers came from
Luzon and were better attended to by the National Land Settlement
Administration (NLSA) and the Land Settlement Development Corporation
(LASEDECO). Succeeding entry of enterprising Visayans and Luzonians came
later at their own volition and expenses.
The years between 1941 and 1945 were difficult years for Cotabateños.
Cotabato was not spared from the ravages of war. Atrocities and destruction
inflected by the Japanese Imperial Forces was experienced by almost all
Filipinos. The second World War was a black chapter in our history but
development albeit slow-paced, and the normal functions of government
resumed after the country was liberated by the American Forces led by General
Douglas McArthur.
The biggest province in the country (Cotabato) had only one municipality
when it was created a province on September 1, 1914: Cotabato Municipality, its
capital, which became a city in 1959. Before the outbreak of World War II on
December 7, 1941, Cotabato province had only three (3) municipalities:
Cotabato, Dulawan (later named DatuPiang, in honor of AmaiMingka, the father
of Governor UgalinganPiang and Congressman GumbayPiang) and Midsayap.
The latter two were simultaneously created on November 25, 1936.
While the original Cotabato had an area of some 2,299,791 hectares, the
present Cotabato territory covers only 656,590 hectares or a bit more than one-
fourth of the size of the Original Cotabato.
The original Cotabato experienced its first "slicing" or reduction of size in

1966 when South Cotabato was separated from the empire province. The first
"slice" (South Cotabato) before belongs to Region XI. After the reduction, the
reduced empire province still had 34 municipalities left, one of which was
Carmen which was bigger than the Province of Tarlac.
Our remaining province, after the separation of South Cotabato was

effected in 1966, which was again subdivided into three (3) district provinces,
namely: North Cotabato, Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, pursuant to
Presidential Decree No. 341, dated November 22, 1973. The Batas
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Pambansa thereafter renamed North Cotabato to just Cotabato in BP No. 660 on

December 19, 1983, striking off the word "North."
The province became part of an autonomous government for Region XII

following the Tripoli Agreement of 1976. In 1989, following a plebiscite to
determine the extent of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM),
the province declined inclusion.
Our province, therefore, by virtue of the foregoing, is the mother province

of the provinces originally belonging to the original Cotabato including South
Cotabato, which was the first to be "sliced".
The province is bounded on the North by the Province of Lanao del Sur
and Bukidnon, on the East by Davao del Sur, on the Southwest by Sultan
Kudarat and on the West by Maguindanao province.
The opening of the National Highway from Cotabato to Davao and

Cotabato to Bukidnon brought government attention to the need of immediately
utilizing unopened lands for organized settlement. This was the time when
settlers coming from Luzon and Visayas streamed into the province opening new
vistas for agricultural lands including mountains. And as elsewhere the formed
communities patterned after those in the old home. Thus, barangays today
predominantly occupied by Ilongos, Cebuanos, Ilocanos and Tagalogs are
named after those names that were prevailing in the old homes.
When the 2nd World War came, in other places, especially in Luzon and
Visayas, it meant evacuation and stoppage of all activities, especially farming
which was the main economic activity of the population. This was not true in
some municipalities that comprised the province. For instance, due to the
occupation of Japanese forces in Davao City, more people moved to Kidapawan
as evacuees and settle thereat.
Thus, the pioneering settlers in the hinterlands of Cotabato were far

luckier than their brothers in Luzon and Visayas since farming activities were not
totally hampered by the outbreak of hostilities. Instead, some crops like abaca
were introduced by evacuees coming from Davao because the volcanic soil of
Kidapawan was suited to this plant.
During the liberation period, more people poured in and new communities
were opened serving as the nuclei of the present 17 municipalities and 1 city
comprising the province.
In some parts of the province, 1950 was a year of depression due to

rodent infestation that plagued the province. Destitute settlers, especially in the
towns of Pigcawayan, Midsayap, Libungan, Mlang and Kabacan who saw their
crops ravaged by rats in one night and the fruit of their labor gone to waste, gave
up and returned to their old homes in Luzon and Visayas.
Most of the settlers however preserved some of their crops and timely
government assistance minimized the danger posed by the infestation. In spite
of those bleak years, the people of Kidapawan, mostly small landowners,
enjoyed a bonanza from the high price of abaca fibers. So great was the
prosperity of Kidapawan that in due time many professionals, mostly lawyers,
doctors, nurses and agents of all sorts arrived in the place and settled
permanently.
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This period also ushered in big investments for the province by wealthy
entrepreneurs from elsewhere in the country. Seeing the progress and potentials
of the area, especially in rich volcanic soil of Kidapawan and Makilala, they
began to acquire large tracts of land and developed them through mechanized
farming. Thus, the Pamintuan Development Corporation Rubber Plantation, the
Overseas Agricultural Development Corporation and other several big industries
were established. Some investors tapped other potentials that the province
possessed. Its economic development was lagging far behind the provinces in
Luzon and Visayas. There were hardly any significant infrastructure projects and
utilities until 1966 when then President Ferdinand E. Marcos undertook a
massive infrastructure program in the areas of Mindanao.
The concreting of Digos-Cotabato Road was completed. Several farm-to-

market roads, barangay roads and bridges were constructed and several
municipal buildings were completed. Artesian wells were installed in the different
barangays of the province. In addition, the Kabacan River Irrigation Project, the
Mlang Irrigation Project and numerous communal irrigation projects capable of
irrigating 50,000 hectares were constructed.
The steady pace of development was interrupted when the province

became a battleground of Muslim secessionists. The Muslim Independence
Movement agitated for the independence of Mindanao. As a result, several
homes were razed, millions of pesos worth of properties were destroyed, towns
and barrios were deserted and hundreds of innocent civilian lives were lost.
It was this time that President Ferdinand E. Marcos declared Martial Law
on September 21, 1972 and the arrival of government reinforcements reversed
the turn of events. Military forces under the Central Mindanao Command
(CEMCOM) led by General Fortunato U. Abat gradually recovered the places
captured by the rebel groups and restored peace as these lawless elements
were one by one convinced to return to the folds of the law.
Location, Land Area, and Political Subdivisions
Administrative Region where the Province is Located
By virtue of Executive Order No. 36, dated September 19, 2001, issued by
Her Excellency Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the composition of Region XII
was realigned. Cotabato Province is one of the provinces that composed Region
XII also known as SOCCSKSARGEN. The provinces of South Cotabato,
Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of Koronadal, Kidapawan,
Tacurong, General Santos and Cotabato compose the SOCCSKSARGEN
Region.
Location and Boundaries of the Province
Cotabato Province lies on the eastern part of Region XII and is

strategically located in the central part of Mindanao. It is bounded on the North
by the Province of Bukidnon, on the northwest by Lanaodel Sur, on the
Southeast by Davao del Sur, on the West by Maguindanao Province and on the
southwest by Sultan Kudarat Province. The province is bounded on the east by
Davao City and Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines. In the west, the
Piapungan Range separates it from Lanaodel Sur. The fertile Pulangi River
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basin runs in the middle of these two highlands and spreads towards the
southwest to the flood plains of Maguindanao.
The rich vast land resources of the Province stretched over an area of
656,590 hectares representing 36 percent of the regional land area (1,815,500
hectares). It ranks first in terms of land area among the four provinces of Region
XII.
Political Subdivision
Cotabato Province is divided into three congressional districts consisting

of 17 municipalities and 1 city. The municipalities comprising District 1 are:
Alamada, Aleosan, Libungan, Midsayap, Pigcawayan and Pikit; District 2:
Antipas, Arakan, Magpet, Makilala, Pres. Roxas, and Kidapawan City; and
District 3:Banisilan, Carmen, KabacanMatalam, M’lang,andTulunan. The seat of
the Provincial Government is located at Amas, Kidapawan City. The 17
municipalities and 1 city are further subdivided into 543 barangays. Of these, the
municipality of Midsayap has the most number with 57 barangays followed by
Pikit with 42 while Antipas has the least number with only 13.
Location of the Capital City and Other Landmarks Within the Province
Kidapawan became the capital of Cotabato Province pursuant to

Presidential Decree No.341 dated 22 November 1973, with the provincial seat of
government located in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan.
February 12, 1998, then President Fidel V. Ramos signed Republic Act
8500, declaring Kidapawan a component city of the Province of Cotabato. It
was finally ratified on March 25, 1998.
Among the most prominent landmarks of the province are as follows: Mt.
Apo, University of Southern Mindanao (USM), Fort Pikit, Ligawasan Marsh,
Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC-EDC) now Energy Development
Corporation Geothermal Plant (EDC-GP) and the Provincial Capitol.
 Rising at 10,311 feet above sea level with its bubbling sulphur lake
and steam vents, clear lakes and waterfalls, Mt. Apo is truly the most
prominent landmark. Located at the eastern part of the province, its
majestic beauty is surrounded with moss-covered century trees, bonsai
plants, wild grapes, sulphur, walingwaling and exotic orchids. It is also
a habitat of the monkey-eating eagle. It is one of the summer holiday
destinations of local and foreign tourists.
 The University of Southern Mindanao, formerly known as Mindanao

Institute of Technology is located at Kabacan, Cotabato. It is
considered as one of the leading state universities in the country that
achieved excellence in agricultural education. The University upholds
the value of academic excellence and hardwork among its students
complemented at the same time with necessary facilities such as
research and training centers, open amphitheaters, sports facilities and
pilot agricultural projects. It caters quality and relevant education not
only in the region but also nationwide.
 The Fort Pikit is a stonewall Spanish Fortress built in 17 th century by

the Spanish conquestadores for purposes of protection from
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marauding attackers. Located adjacent to Fort Pikit is the municipal

government compound of Pikit.
 Ligawasan Marsh is a 40 kilometer long and 30 kilometer wide

extensive swamp region, along the Pulangi River in South Central
Mindanao. There are fertile rice-growing areas and mangrove forests
in the marsh. A 440 sq. km. game refuge and bird sanctuary was
established in 1941.
 Energy Development Corporation Geothermal Plant (EDC-GP) at

Ilomavis, Kidapawan City had an energy generation of at least 52-
megawatt to the Mindanao Grid through TRANSCO to ensure a stable
supply of power in Mindanao.
 The Provincial Capitol is the most important landmark being the

origin of power and authority that govern the people of Cotabato. The
capitol compound has an area of 114.4932 hectares and is located at
Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City.
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Provincial Map
Table 2. Land Area of City/Municipalities in the Province

By District
Land Land % Land
% Distri- % Distri-
District 1 Area District 2 Area Distri- District 3 Area
bution bution
(Ha) (Ha) bution (Ha)
1. Alamad 78,750 12.00 6. Antipas 20,000 3.05 12. Banis 22,190 3.38
a 19,330 2.94 7. Arakan 56,950 8.67 ilan 71,300 10.86
1. Aleosan 17,250 2.63 8. Kid City 31,250 4.76 13. Carm 23,680 3.61
2. Libunga 23,340 3.55 9. Magpet 63,260 9.63 en 47,600 7.25
n 16,860 2.57 10. Makilala 30,750 4.68 14. Kaba 36,750 5.60
3. Midsaya 27,670 4.21 11. Pres. Roxas 41,860 6.38 can 27,800 4.23
p 15. Matala
4. Pigcawa m
yan 16. Mlang
5. Pikit 17. Tuluna
n
TOTAL LAND AREA 656,590 100.00
SOURCE OF DATA: NAMRIA
Physical Resources
General Land and Water Characteristics and Resources
Topography and Slope
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The province's terrain varies from flat, fertile plains to irregular landscape
of wide valleys, scattered hills and extensive mountain ranges such as the
Kitubod Range, Mt. Apo which forms the natural boundary between Cotabato
Province and Davao City and Davao del Sur Province and the Tuael Range,
which joins the municipalities of Pres. Roxas, Magpet and Matalam.
Based on the Bureau of Soil and Water Management (BSWM), a big

portion of the land of Cotabato province is classified as upland with a topography
ranging from level to nearly level (0-3%), nearly level to gently sloping (3-8%),
gently sloping to undulating (8-18%); undulating to rolling (18-25%); rolling to
moderately steep (25-50%); steep to very steep (50%-above). Areas with level
to nearly level are found in Kabacan, Matalam, Libungan, Carmen, Pikit and
parts of Tulunan, M'lang and Midsayap.
Those areas with 0-3% slope range constitute 124,727 hectares and are
best suited for lowland rice, corn, and sugarcane production. It is also a good
potential for built-up land uses.
Areas within the slope of 3-8% comprise 48,100 hectares. These areas
are best for agricultural plantations and other high value crops such as oil palm,
rubber, coconut and banana. Coffee and Fruit trees are also suited in these
areas.
Gently sloping to undulating areas (8-18%) covers 227,145 hectares and

has the same crop suitability as that of those areas within 3-8% slope range.
While those areas above 18% slope comprising 156,618 hectares are
considered in the steep and protection-oriented slope range. These areas are
considered highly critical and protected.
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Slope Map
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Land and Water Resources
The Cotabato River Basin is located in the central part of Mindanao. It

has an area of 2,039,811 hectares, 68% of which covers certain areas in the
provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Cotabato Province, South Cotabato
and Saranggani; 25% of Bukidnon and the remaining areas are almost evenly
distributed among Lanaodel Sur, Agusan del Sur and Davao Provinces. It has
an average length of 300 kilometers extending north and south and an average
width of approximately 75 kilometers from west to east. It is being tapped for
irrigation and has potentials for hydro-power generation.
The provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and Cotabato within

Cotabato River Basin are dotted with mountain ranges, plains and large tracts of
marshlands. Mountain ranges are mostly located in the northern and eastern
borders of these provinces. The most important are the Mt. Apo Range
straddling the Cotabato-Davao boundary and the Piapayungan Mountain Range
located at the Cotabato-Lanao boundary where Mt. Dayang, an active volcano is
found. The lower ranges are situated on the southwestern portion of the Riparian
Area.
Rio Grande de Mindanao, the longest river in the country and its
numerous tributaries traverses through the Cotabato River Basin, depositing
fertile silt from the mountains of Bukidnon and Cotabato, making the valleys
of Cotabato one of the most fertile regions in the Philippines.
Main Geological Features of the Province
The predominant geological complex is the Cotabato Basin which empties

into Illana Bay via Rio Grande de Mindanao into which flows most of its principal
tributaries, namely: the Malasila, Malitubog-Maridagao, Libungan and the
Kabacan Rivers. The tributaries have carried silt for centuries from the mountain
ranges of Bukidnon and the province.
Mineral Resources of the Province
Mineral products found in the province consist of non-metallic products

defined as limestone, sand and gravel, soil and red and white clay. The first
three items are considered as construction materials while the white clay is a
good raw material for porcelain production and considered as one of the best
white clay resources in the country. It is abundant in the Municipality of Magpet
particularly in the barangays of Dolis, Inac and Nowa while the red clay can be
found in the Municipalities of Makilala, Libungan and Magpet. Sand and gravel
are abundant within river systems of the province.
Climate of the Province
Based on the Modified Corona’s classification of climates (updated using 1961 –

1995 data), the province belongs to Type III and IV characterized by no pronounced
maximum rain with short dry season and rainfall that is more or less evenly distributed
throughout the year. Typhoons do not pass through Cotabato Province.
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Geologic Map
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Land Use Potentials and Constraints
Land Classification
Of the province's total land area of 656,590 hectares, 361,876.19 hectares

or 55.11% are classified as alienable and disposable while the remaining
294,713.81 hectares or 44.89% are forest lands.
Of the total forest lands, 3,827 hectares or 1.30% are unclassified public
forests while 290,886.81 hectares or 98.70% are classified public forest.
Forestlands are preserved for timber production, grazing and marshes,

national parks and bird sanctuaries. Of the total classified forestlands, forest
reserves and timberlands consist the largest area.
LAND CLASSIFICATION AREA (HAS.) % TO TOTAL
A. Alienable and Disposable 361,876.19 55.11
B. Forest Land 294,713.81 44.89
b.1. UNCLASSIFIED PUBLIC FOREST 3,827.00 1.30

b.2. TOTAL CLASSIFIED PUBLIC FOREST 290,886.81 98.70
b.2.1 Forest Reservation 53,466.00 18.38
b.2.2 Forest Timberland 151,085.81 51.94
b.2.3 National Parks 51,183.00 17.60
b.2.4 Military/Civil Reservation 35,152.00 12.08
TOTAL LAND AREA 656,590.00 100.00
SOURCE: DENR Cotabato Province
LAND CLASSIFICATION, COTABATO PROVINCE
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Land Classification
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Land Suitability
The province has 656,590 hectares suitable for various uses, viz:
21,650 hectares for irrigated rice; 17,400.52 hectares for fresh water fishery
production; 275,722.28 hectares for cultivated annual crops; 22,784.22
hectares for perennial tree and vine crops; forestry plantations is 36,756.67
hectares; production forest with 26,084.62 hectares; 219,606.44 hectares for
pastures; protection forest 19,957.47 hectares and tree-line/mossy forest
16,627.78 hectares.
Land Suitability
AREA % of
Suitability Category
Total
Sq. Meters Sq. Kms. Hectares
Area
Cultivated Annual Crops 2,757,222,776.23 2,757.22 275,722.28 41.99%
Irrigated Rice 216,500,017.45 216.50 21,650.00 3.30%
Freshwater Fishponds 174,005,207.98 174.01 17,400.52 2.65%
Pastures 2,196,064,390.08 2,196.06 219,606.44 33.45%
Perrenial Tree and Vine 227,842,158.24 227.84 22,784.22 3.47%
Crops
Plantations 367,566,735.89 367.57 36,756.67 5.60%
Production Forest 260,846,208.47 260.85 26,084.62 3.97%
Protection Forest 199,574,700.97 199.57 19,957.47 3.04%
Tree-line/Mossy Forest 166,277,804.68 166.28 16,627.78 2.53%
6,565,899,999.99 6,565.90 656,590.00 100.00%
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Source: RPFP 2004-2030
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Suitability Map
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Protection Areas
The province has implemented programs and projects in collaboration with

different agencies and organizations concerning the conservation, management
and development of our environment and natural resources. As a result, the
Provincial Environment Code was passed on June 2004.
On forest protection, the 602nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army was
deputized as a Forest Protection Body. They were provided with the basic
knowledge and skills in the implementation of Forestry Laws, Rules and
Regulations. The members of the Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committees
(MFPCs) were also trained.
Upland communities were transformed into self-reliant units through the

sustainable development and management of the forests. Under the
Community-Based Forest Management Program (CBFM), 3 sites covering 1,407
hectares were awarded throughout the province benefiting 547 families.
As a support to the program, the Energy Dev’t. Corporation (EDC) has

implemented reforestation project and already maintained 756 hectares since
1992 with a total cost of P46 M. An estimated total of 1.5 M seedlings were
already planted within the Natural Park.
In order to protect and conserve the remaining forest cover in the Province
of Cotabato, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has
implemented several programs and projects for the purpose. The watershed and
reservation areas were being protected from further denudation and exploitation.
NIPAS (National Integrated Protected Area System) Areas
The NIPAS Act or RA 7586 which was passed on June 1, 1992 provides
for the establishment and management of protected areas including remarkable
areas and biologically important public lands that are habitats of rare and
endangered species of plants and animals. It also identifies 8 categories to
classify the different areas which are considered as the system of protected
areas which include natural reserve, natural park, natural monument, wildlife
sanctuary, protected landscapes and seascapes, resource reserve, natural biotic
areas and other categories established by law, conventions or international
agreements of which the Philippines is a signatory. In Cotabato Province, the
following categories are classified as its NIPAS.
Natural Park
The Province of Cotabato has one Natural Park, Mt. Apo, covering an
approximate area of 51,183hectares. It spread within the municipalities of
Makilala, Magpet and Kidapawan City. Host to many different and endangered
species of flora and fauna, it is also the home of the famous Philippine Eagle.
The area has a number of water falls, hot springs and lakes which become the
center of attraction for both local and foreign visitors. The area is also being
tapped for geothermal project by Energy Development Corporation (EDC).
Approximately 400 hectares of private and public lands are being utilized
for tourism purposes excluding the area of Mt. Apo Natural Park.
Critical Watershed
The area classified as critical watershed is located in the municipalities of

Libungan and Alamada otherwise known as Libungan-Alamada Natural Biotic
19
Area covering an area of 52,820 hectares based on Presidential Proclamation

No. 653 dated May 3, 1990. It supplies the water requirements of about 8,000
hectares of lowland ricefields and potable water supplies system of Libungan,
Midsayap, Pigcawayan and Alamada. The rampant illegal cutting of trees and
the rapid population pressure contribute to the fast depletion of the natural
resources and the inevitable degradation of the area.
The Mt. Apo Watershed covering the municipalities of Magpet, Makilala

and Kidapawan City with an area of 20,552 has. based on Proc.No. 882 dated
September 24, 1996 also supplies the water requirement of downstream
municipalities of Mlang, Tulunan, Kabacan and Matalam.
Other important watershed in the province include the Kulaman

Watershed found in Pisan, Kabacan with an area of 11,320 hectares; Saguing
River Watershed (17,480 has.) atKidapawan and Makilala, Cotabato and Mt.
Sinaka Watershed (10,230 has) in Arakan, Cotabato.
The Malitubog-Maridagao River Watershed is equally important traversing

the Municipalities of Carmen and Banisilan.
Wildlife Sanctuary
Wildlife Sanctuary within the jurisdiction of Cotabato province covers a

total area of 43,930 hectares based on Proclamation No. 41 in the year 1940. It
is found in Ligawasan Marsh, boundary of Maguindanao province and
Cotabato. It includes the municipalities of Kabacan, M’lang, Pikit and Midsayap.
Rampant illegal cutting of trees are being conducted by intruders in the area.
Except for educational purposes, collection of wildlife species is prohibited. Bird
sanctuaries are also found in the Municipalities of Pres. Roxas, Magpet and
Arakan.
Another proposed wildlife sanctuary is the Mt. Sinaka Wildlife Sanctuary

found in Arakan, Cotabato with an area of 4,065 hectares.
Non-NIPAS Areas
Non-NIPAS areas are those that have outstanding physical and aesthetic
features, anthropological significance and biological diversity but have not yet
been included under the NIPAS. These areas include coastal and freshwater
wetlands, second growth forest reserved for protection purposes, easements
along waterways and shorelines, important bird areas and ecotourism sites.
Second Growth Forest
The remaining area for Second Growth Forest is about 39,360 hectares
situated in areas of 1,000 meters above sea level (ASL) based on the updated
digitized map. To minimize the threat of degradation, the government launched a
rehabilitation programs, i.e. Contract Reforestation, Dipterocarp Plantation
Establishment, Community Forestry Program and Industrial Forest Management
Agreement.
Network of Protected Agricultural Areas

The network of Protected Agricultural Areas has an aggregate area of
128,070 hectares which covers the municipalities of Tulunan, M’lang, Kabacan,
20
Matalam, Carmen, Libungan, Pigcawayan, Midsayap, Pikit, Magpet and

Antipas.
Buffer Strips
Bufferzone in the province has a total approximate area of 96,104

hectares. These areas are riparian zones which are beyond the commerce of
man.
Freshwater, Swamps and Marshes
Freshwater, swamps and marshes are distributed throughout the province.

These areas are habitat to freshwater fish, aquatic plants and wildlife.
21
(Protection Areas Map) NIPAS Map
22
CHAPTER II
RISK AND VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT
HAZARD AND CLIMATE CHANGE PROFILE
Hazards Profile
The province of Cotabato is confronted with several environmental

concerns that needs to be addressed accordingly. These environmental
problem /issues are flooding, soil erosion, water and air pollution, forest
denudation. Human-induced and other natural calamities also affect the province.
In the past recurrence of flashfloods in most of the low lying areas were
commonly observed.
Flooding causes heavy damages on crops, such as rice and corn, vital
transport infrastructure facilities and housing and shelter made of light materials
were commonly reported to have been affected specially along mountainous
communities. Among others, in the upland areas werethe erosion of mountain
soils and other soils nutrients so important to sustain agricultural production.
The erosion problem in the province has reached frightening levels, over
the past 10 to 15 years, 23 percent of the land area, or 149,072.40 hectares,
affecting some 340 barangays has been severely eroded and only 11.4% or
75,260.34 hectares remains stable from erosion. Eighteen percent or 73,796.77
hectares (319 brgys.) are moderately eroded while an area of 273,705 hectares
or 42%. has been estimated to have been affected with slight erosion more or
less covering 261 barangays province wide.
This environmental problem is very alarming for it destroys soil fertility and
affects so much the yield of important crops planted in the province such as
plantations of high value crops of rubber, coconut, banana and other fruit trees,
including the most important food crops such as rice and corn which are the
major crops of our farmers. This trends calls for the appropriate and immediate
attention on the part of concerned authorities / agencies.
Similarly, denudation of remaining forest cover in the province mostly

found in the municipalities of Arakan ,Libungan, president Roxas, Makilala,
Magpet and the municipality of Alamada has become a major environmental
concern in the P-PALMA and Arakan Valley Complex.
The unabated “kaingin”(Charcoal production) practices and the illegal and

unregulated logging threaten the environment of the place affecting
approximately 60 % of the total land area of the province which has a great
impact and poses a greater threat to the efficient production activities in the low
lying areas of Cotabato.
23
Hydrometeorological Hazards
Cotabato has several areas identified as prone to natural hazards which

are meteorological/hydrological and geological in nature. Natural hazards act as
triggers to disasters and place the development of an area at risk. These include
drought, flood, landslide due to earthquake or rain, tectonic earthquake, erosion
and volcanic eruption.
Hydrometeorologic hazards are natural processes or phenomena of

atmospheric, hydrologic or oceanographic nature, which may cause loss of life,
injury, property damage, social and economic disruption or environmental
degradation.
Hydrometeorologic hazards include: floods, debris and mud floods;

tropical cyclones, storm surges, thunder/hailstorms, rain and wind storms,
blizzards and other severe storms; drought, desertification, wildland fires,
temperature extremes, sand or dust storms; permafrost and snow or ice
avalanches.
The types of hydrometeorologic hazard which the Province of Cotabato is

exposed to are drought, floods, flashfloods and rain-induced landslides (RIL).
Floods/Flashfloods
Floods result when land is covered with water due to the overflowing of a
source such as rivers and other bodies of water. It may also result from the
accumulation of rainwater by drainage due to prolonged and heavy rains. Floods
also lead to soil erosion and landslide of agricultural areas and denuded
mountain slopes. River banks, streams or creeks are also susceptible to flooding
and scouring.
Low-lying areas of Kabacan, Tulunan, Pigcawayan, Libungan, Pikit,

Midsayap, Carmen, Mlang, Pres. Roxas and Alamada are highly susceptible to
flooding. These areas are classified as key rice production areas. With the
occurrence of flood, the staple food production is greatly affected. While the
upland portions of Alamada, Makilala and Kidapawan City which are areas
planted with high value crops have also experienced occasional flashfloods both
induced by heavy rains and depleted forest cover.
Based on the Hazard Map generated by MGB XII, 341 barangays in the
province are highly susceptible to flood. Of the total land area of the province
(656,590 hectares 149,345.37 or 22 % is considered highly susceptible to
flooding. Most of these barangays are situated in the low lying areas of the
municipalities of Carmen, Kabacan, Libungan, Magpet, Kidapawan City, M’lang,
Makilala, Matalam, Midsayap, Pikit, Pigcawayan, Pres. Roxas and Tulunan. This
is aggravated by the clogging of the Ligawasan Marsh by water hyacinth causing
backflow thus flooding areas along the marsh. Most affected are rice farmers and
fisherfolks.
Flooding hazard in the province usually is present in the low-lying

barangays but is more damaging in those that are along the periphery of
Ligawasan Marsh.
Those that are rated as moderately susceptible are some barangays in the
municipalities of Matalam, Pigcawayan, Makilala, Magpet, Banisilan, Kidapawan
City, Alamada, and Antipas. Most vulnerable are those areas or communities
24
along major tributaries. The siltation of these rivers makes it more prone to
overflowing because of their decreased capacity to hold water.
The least that are affected by flooding are municipalities in the higher
portions of Mt. Apo, however they are also prone to landslides and erosion.
In some areas, flooding could be attributed to defective drainage system,

poor waste management and cultural practices.
Flooding causes heavy damages on crops, such as rice and corn, vital
transport infrastructure facilities and housing and shelter made of light materials
were commonly reported to have been affected specially along mountainous
communities. Among others, in the upland areas were the erosion of mountain
soils and other soils nutrients so important to sustain agricultural production.
Areas Susceptible to Flooding
The table below shows the flood susceptibility areas in the province. There
are instances when a barangay has portions that are considered at high,
moderate and low susceptibility rating.
The areas are considered as the Special Area for AgriculturalDevelopment

Zone of the province mainly planted with major crops like palay, corn and
coconut. Some of these areas are presently planted with rubber, banana and oil
palm. Since the occurrence of these floods, agricultural activities were greatly
affected and the provincial economy was hampered.
The occurrence of flood and landslide is unpredictable but is likely to

happen during heavy downpour in the province as well as the neighboring
provinces that will be the result of water runoff among rivers.
Flood Susceptibility
Susceptibility Total
Municipalities High Moderate Low Affected
No. of Area (Has.) No. of Area (Has.) No. of Area (Has.) Area (Has)
Brgys. Brgys. Brgys.
Alamada 6 1,748.12 13 23,449.64 17 48,820.16 75,766.03
Aleosan 13 2,503.73 4 632.30 19 12,260.32 15,396.35
Antipas 2 364.38 13 17,235.80 11 4,022.19 21,622.37
Arakan 0 0.00 27 9,503.22 27 13,530.75 23,033.96
Banisilan 2 158.64 20 25,984.09 16 10,959.22 37,101.95
Carmen 16 5,389.54 26 35,586.86 14 17,510.14 58,486.54
Kabacan 22 17,417.49 1 79.38 9 4,189.94 21,686.81
Kidapawan City 10 2,535.03 40 19,387.28 6 550.50 22,472.81
Libungan 19 3,976.35 16 6.533.56 11 8,571.78 19,081.69
Magpet 4 1,014.49 22 8,078.07 16 6,169.90 15,261.46
M’lang 33 24,251.20 20 11,163.80 0 0 35,415.00
Makilala 12 4,215.26 35 15,830.01 13 2,454.08 22,499.36
Matalam 27 11,464.36 25 8,866.73 9 7,970.44 28,301.53
Midsayap 53 19,273.22 7 1,127.67 20 3,867.39 24,268.29
Pigcawayan 38 8,867.35 25 2,650.03 2 742.01 12,259.38
Pikit 42 24,754.89 1 203.58 15 6,676.35 31,774.25
Pres. Roxas 16 4,434.75 15 9,598.06 14 6,595.71 20,628.52
Tulunan 26 16,976.57 15 16,281.35 7 4,469.54 37,727.47
TOTAL 341 149,345.37 325 205,657.87 226 159,360.42 522,783.77
25
Flood Susceptibility Hazard Map
26
Erosion and Landslide
Erosion and landslide refers to the slipping of a mass of land from a higher to a
lower level. These may be caused by continuous heavy rain over high-elevated
areas, especially denuded ones.
Rain-induced landslides (RIL) are downward and outward movement of

materials including rock and soil due to various causes such as excessive rain,
rapid undercutting by rivers, waves or man’s activities.
Rain Induced landslide usually occurs especially during heavy rains or wet
months. Mass movement and erosion are likely to happen in hilly and
mountainous terrain due to soil saturation. Farming activities on the slope toes
are high risk of being hit by landslide. The down slope movement of masses of
earth materials may cause damages to life and poverty.
The rating parameters are as follows:
High
- Presence of active and/or recent landslides
- Presence of numerous and large tension cracks
- Areas with drainage that are prone to debris damming
- Areas with numerous landslides/escarpments
- Steep slopes
- Presence of weak/rock slope materials
- Structures (joints, beds) dipping towards the slope face
- Nearness to faults
Moderate
- Areas with indicative and/or landslides
- Presence of small tension cracks
- Moderate slopes
Low
- Low to gently sloping
- No evidence of mass movement
All municipalities of the province having areas with very steep slopes are
prone to landslides. Kidapawan City is one of the landslide prone areas
particularly the steep slopes of the upstream of Marbel River along SitioTinago,
Mandarangan and Sudduhayan. Other areas which are highly susceptible to
severe erosion are located in Libungan, Alamada, Banisilan, Carmen, Antipas,
Magpet, Pres. Roxas, Arakan, Tulunan and Makilala. There is a need to control
growth and urbanization in these areas to avoid the occurence of disasters.
Those abovementioned areas which are highly susceptible to landslides

are considered areas prone to erosion. This environmental concern is caused by
unsustained vegetation.
The erosion problem in the province has reached frightening levels, over
the past 10 to 15 years, 23 percent of the land area, or 149,072.40 hectares,
affecting some 340 barangays has been severely eroded and only 11.4% or
75,260.34 hectares remains stable from erosion. Eighteen percent or73,796.77
27
hectares (319 brgys.)are moderately eroded while an area of 273,705 hectares

or 42%. has been estimated to have been affected with slight erosion more or
less covering 261 barangays provincewide.
This environmental problem is veryalarming for it destroys soil fertility and

affects so much the yield of important crops planted in the province such as
plantations of high value crops of rubber, coconut, banana and other fruit trees,
including the most important food crops such as rice and corn which are the
major crops of our farmers. This trends calls for the appropriate and immediate
attention on the part of concerned authorities / agencies.
Similarly, denudation of remaining forest cover in the province mostly

found in the municipalities of Arakan ,Libungan,President Roxas, Makilala,
Magpet and the municipality of Alamada has become a major environmental
concern in the P-PALMA andArakan Valley Complex and the unabated
“kaingin”(Charcoal production) practices and the illegal and unregulated logging
threaten the environment of the place affecting approximately 60 % of the total
land area of the province which has a great impact and poses a greater threat to
the efficient production activities in the low lying areas of Cotabato.
The table and map below show the rain induced susceptibility of areas in the
province.
Based on the Hazard Map generated by MGB XII, 171 barangays in the
province are highly susceptible to rain-induced landslides. Of the total land area
of the province (656,590 has), 141,206.20 has, or 21% is considered highly
susceptible to RIL. Most of these barangays are situated in the mountainous
areas of the province particularly the municipalities of Arakan (27,135.18 has),
Alamada (26,860 has), Magpet (25,540.10 has), and Makilala (13,419.90 has).
These high rating could also be attributed to the presence of areas with steep
slopes and degradation of forest cover making them less capable of holding
more water.
The recent typhoons that hit the country have caused considerable
damage to properties, infrastructure and displacement of population in the
above-mentioned municipalities. Most of the barangays in the province fall under
the moderate and low susceptibility categories.
28
Rain-Induced Landslide (RIL) Susceptibility
Susceptibility
Municipalitie High Moderate Low Total
s No. of Area No. of Area No. of Area Land
Brgys (Has,) Brgys (Has,) Brgys (Has,) Area
. . . (Has)
Alamada 11 26,860.29 17 45,412.25 0 0.00 72,269.80
Aleosan 0 0.00 19 12,892.61 0 0.00 12,892.61
Antipas 8 3,964.00 13 21,257.98 0 0.00 25,222.07
Arakan 25 27,135.18 28 22,314.67 4 719.31 50,169.16
Banisilan 12 3,529.47 20 36,943.32 0 0.00 40,472.79
Carmen 6 7,574.98 27 53,097.00 0 0.00 60,671.98
Kabacan 4 350.55 10 4,269.31 0 0.00 4,619.86
Kidapawan City 4 1,508.44 16 4,509.94 34 15,427.8 21,446.23
5
Libungan 12 4,658.09 19 15,104.93 0 0 19,763.02
Magpet 23 25,540.19 20 10,908.89 10 3,338.08 39,787.16
M’lang 0 0.00 15 7,046.94 15 4,116.86 11,163.80
Makilala 24 13,419.90 32 12,299.76 23 5,984.34 31,704.00
Matalam 9 5,724.92 22 16,102.90 8 734.29 22,562.11
Midsayap 0 0.00 26 4,995.04 0 0.00 4,995.04
Pigcawayan 9 4,304.75 26 3,392.02 0 0.00 7,696.77
Pikit 0 0.00 15 6,879.94 0 0.00 6,879.94
Pres. Roxas 16 9,297.40 16 14,488.04 4 1,705.73 25,491.17
Tulunan 8 7,338.04 15 18,523.85 4 2,227.03 28,088.92
TOTAL 171 141,206.2 356 310,439.3 102 34,253.4 485,896.4
0 9 9 3
29
Rain-Induced Landslide Hazard Map
30
Flooding/Flashflood in Municipality of Pigcawayan,July 2009
Source: Provincial Social Welfare & Development Office
Drought
Drought is a condition of an abnormally dry weather within a geographic

region which may extend to many months or years. The immediate cause of
drought is rainfall deficit although there could be other causes such as the
incursion of warm surface waters into the normally colder waters; human-induced
changes in ground surface and soil; increased atmospheric carbon dioxide and
greenhouse gases. Cotabato Province experienced drought in the 1994, 1998,
2002 and in the early part of 2010.
The experienced drought in Cotabato Province resulted to the lack of food

to some residents in the province due to hampered crop production. Some
people in the hinterlands opted to eat wild yam (kayos) and other root crops for
survival. This wild yam contains poisonous substance but is edible if properly
prepared but this resulted to deaths to some children considering their less
resistance to toxic substances.
Geologic Hazards
Geologic hazards results from geologic processes acting on or beneath

the earth’s surface. These include movement of plates in the earth’s crust or from
local concentrations of heat and are a source of hazards to people and their
natural and built-up environment on the earth’s surface. The types of geologic
hazard which the Province of Cotabato is exposed to are: earthquake and
31
earthquake-induced hazards such as ground shaking, liquefaction, and

earthquake-induced landslide (EIL).
Climate change is becoming increasingly apparent. Temperatures around

the world have increased over these years and it was noticed that mean
temperatures for most cities were above average and some cities experienced
their warmest temperatures ever. This change has become of a great concern to
many as these changes have an impact on ecosystems, habitats, wildlife,
cultures, artifacts and the life of humans. Scientists predict that such changes will
speed up in the future and more extreme weathers, public health risks and water
shortage will be expected.
The prevailing observed temperature valued in degrees Celsius of the

province for the period 1971-2000 was recorded as follows: Dec-Jan-Feb – 26.8
o
C, Mar-Apr-May – 27.9 oC, Jun-Jul-Aug – 27.0 oC and Sep-Oct-Nov – 27.1 oC.
The data showed that the province experienced an increase in temperature
usually during the summer month of March, April, and May.
The changes in temperature usually occurred in December-February

where it registered 26.8 oC from the mean temperature of 27.1 oCin the month of
September-November.
Provincial Climate Change Projection
While climate projections for the years 2020 and 2050 indicate a
generally drying trend in Mindanao, Cotabato province registered a positive
increase in average precipitation during the period of December to January.
Using the observed baseline (1971-2020) as reference, the province

projected Seasonal Temperature increase (2020 & 2050) was derived by the
formula: Projected Mean Temperature = Medium Range plus degree Celsius
change. Projected Mean Temperature in 2020 is expected to rise posting an
increase of 1.0 degrees (27.8 oC) for Dec-Jan-Feb, +1.3 or 29.2oC for Mar-Apr-
May, +1.2 or 28.2 for Jun-Jul-Aug and +1.1 or 28.2 for Sep-Oct-Nov. The
increase of 1.0 degrees in temperature in Dec-Jan-Feb which is further increased
in the succeeding 3 months and evenly towards the last month posed threat and
challenges to the province which is just 10 years away from the planning period.
The incremental nature of climate change will further cause the rise of
temperature in 30 years (2050) such that the increase will be + 2.1 or 28.9 oC for
Dec-Jan-Feb, +2.5 or 30.4 oC for Mar-Apr-May, + 2.4 or 29.4 oCfor Jun-Jul-Aug
and +2.1 or 29.3 oC for Sep-Oct-Nov.
Projected Seasonal Rainfall Change (2020-2050) in the near future, a

markedly reduction in rainfall for the 30 years succeeding periods is evidently
associated with the rise in temperature.
Based on the Baseline of Seasonal Rainfall the projected data were

derived by the formula: Projected Rainfall Change = Observed Baseline +
(baseline x % change).
Per projection by 2020, Cotabato Province will experience an episode of

decreased rainfall in the middle year, illustrated as follows: 14.8% or 270.24 mm
for Dec-Jan-Feb, which is then decreased by -5.9% or 332.36 mm. For Mar-Apr-
32
May which is further decreased by -6.1% or 537.51 mm for Jun-Jul-Aug and a

slight decrease of 1.6% or 493.78 mm for Sep-Oct-Nov.
The projected data for 2050 showed a sustained decrease of rainfall that
tend to intensify in monthly average wherein the projected rainfall change records
8.1% or 254.47mm for Dec-Jan-Feb, -4.5% or 337.31 mm for Mar-Apr-May, -
8.7% or 522.69mm for Jun-Jul-Aug and -42% or 465.59mm for Sep-Oct-Nov.
CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT MATRIX

Climate Change CRITICAL SECTORS
Variable Forestry Health
Increase wildfires, pest Heat strokes from heat
Temperature Increase outbreaks, spread of waves, increase demand
invasive alien species for energy
Erosion, landslide, river Increase in water-borne
siltation and flooding, diseases; gastro-
Rainfall Changes mortality of seedlings intestinal diseases,
and young trees respiratory and skin
diseases
CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS

SECTOR IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Water Reduction in rainfall during the summer season will result water
shortage. Irrigation water for farms will be less thus affecting
food production in the province. Low water level in dams will
also affect energy production.
Heavy rains in the province will eventually create flooding

affecting economic activities especially in agriculture production,
damaging physical assets which may result to injuries, diseases
or fatalities,.
Increase in temperature and variability in rainfall will affect the
growth and development of plants and animals in the forest.
Some forest plants and wildlife animal species may not survive.
Forestry
Forest fires may become frequent in forest and grassland areas
during El Niňo episodes.
Changes in temperature and rainfall intensity, frequency and
distribution will affect the growth and yield of climate-sensitive
crops and fruit trees.
Strong winds brought damages to crops which may result to low

production.
Agriculture
Drought will also seriously affect agricultural production while
heat stress will cause mortality to livestock and poultry.
Changes in temperature and rainfall will trigger the spread of

pests and diseases of both plants and animals.
Health Flooding will cause the outbreak and spread of water-based and
vector-borne diseases leading to higher rate of morbidity and
mortality. The incidence of malaria, dengue, leptospirosis,
schistosomiasis, cholera and dysentery will increase in flooded
and unsanitary areas.
33
Heat waves will increase heat stroke among the elderly. The
demand for energy will increase and may exceed the available
supply.
Typhoons and monsoon rains can flood hospitals and health

centers disrupting services and access by the residents.
34
Provincial Framework on Climate Change Adaptation,

Disaster Risk and Vulnerability Reduction
Functional /Technical Capacities

Core Development
Engage in Assess situations; set
Issues/Challenges in Formulate policy and Budget, manage
Multi-stakeholder A vision and define
Climate Change strategy and implement
Dialogues/PPP mandate
POLICY
 Lack of clear-cut policy  The Provincial  The Provincial  The Provincial Government of  The Provincial
on CCA Government of Government of Cotabato has the capacity to Government of
Cotabato has the Cotabato has the introduce policy reforms and Cotabato has the
capacities and capacity to codify local laws anchoring on capacity to fully
mechanism to implement the the existing environmental code implement relevant
develop partnerships “BOTTOM-UP” of Cotabato and national and local
and networks and approach in integrating/mainstreamingMillenn policies on environment
strengthen existing mainstreaming CCA. ium Development Goals-CCA and CCA and to
linkages with Mobilizing the into local development planning, propose for
identified mechanism from implementation, budgeting and amendments/improvem
stakeholders and Barangay – Municipal accounting procedures. ent and strengthening of
government – province to serve existing applicable laws
mandated special as basis/inputs in the and related issuances
local bodies (GAD, establishments of
PDC, DRRMC etc) hazard and
 The province is vulnerability maps
currently among others
Institutionalizing the
35
greening program
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
 Inadequate physical,  The Provincial  The Provincial  The Provincial Government of  The Provincial
financial and human Government of Government of Cotabato has the capacity to Government of
resource. Cotabato has the Cotabato has the introduce human resource Cotabato has the
capacity to engage capacity to identify development and awareness capacity to allocate
and empower skills development building programmes on CCA. funding for CCA
stakeholders to needs of its officials  The Provincial Government of programs, projects and
initiate, actively and staff members of Cotabato has the capacity to activities from internal
participate and CCA. develop and implement climate budget.
mobilize resources  The Provincial proofing and disaster proofing  The Provincial
on their own. Government of programs. Government of
 The Provincial Cotabato has the  The Provincial Government of Cotabato staff has the
Government of capacity to identify Cotabato has the capacity to capacity to prepare
Cotabato has the equipment and introduce rewards and incentives quality technical
leadership capacity software like needs for active proposals and
to regularly convene for CCA like performers/stakeholders investments plans on
open dialogues SimCLIM and  Vertical and horizontal climate CCA.
among LGU REDAS and conduct change adaptation projects  The Provincial
units/staff to obtain of level-up/ladderized Government of
feedback and training for CCA Cotabato has the
suggestions on technical team & capacity to encourage
PLGU initiatives staff. private sector
 The Provincial investments on CCA.
Government of  The Provincial
Cotabato staff Government of
members’ has the Cotabato has the
capacity to openly
36
share their opinions capacity to provide

and suggestions with trainings and skills
the leadership. development course for
 The Provincial CCA local persons.
Government of  The Provincial
Cotabato established Government of
the home for women Cotabato staff has the
and children in capacity to prepare
distress (crisis technical reports on
intervention center) relevant CCA issues.
to provide services to  The Provincial
women and children Government of
in crisis situation Cotabato has the
capacity to provide IT
support for effective CA
analysis and
implementations.
INSTITUTIONAL
MANAGEMENT
 No definite/clear  The Provincial  The Provincial  The Provincial Government of  The Provincial
delineation of Government of Government of Cotabatohas the capacity to Government of
roles/functions of Cotabato has the Cotabato has the effectively formulate, implement Cotabato has the
potential champions capacity to establish capacity to introduce and enforce CCA programmes capacity to allocate
as CCA activists functional linkages coordination and initiatives internal budget for
 Undefined lines of and networking with mechanisms and networking and
coordination. stakeholders working institutionalize  At the provincial level coordination on CCA.
on CCA in the coordination among  At the municipal level  The Provincial
locality to optimize “tenured organic”
37
utilization of CCA player.  At the barangay Government of

resources;  The Provincial level Cotabato has the
 The Provincial Government of capacity to provide
Government of Cotabato has the clear technical advice
Cotabato has the capacity to sustain on CCA to all
capacity to engage current CCA stakeholders at the
stakeholders actively momentum within levels.
in identifying and Albay Declaration  The Provincial
delineating roles and even with change in Government of
functions for CCA leadership. Cotabato has the
policies and capacity to introduce
strategies. efficient and
 The provincial transparent
Government of procurement and
Cotabato initiated financial management
the formation of systems for CCA
association of initiatives.
DRRM Officers,  The Provincial
Association of local Government of
Environment Officers Cotabato has the
and Provincial capacity to build
Organic Agriculture concensus on potential
Council (POAC) in conflicts arising from
17 municipalities and interpretation and
1 City implementation of CCA
 The Provincial practices.
Government of  The provincial
Cotabato, COTGEM, Government of
38
MAFI, DENR, PAMB, Cotabato has proposed

18 LGU’s and other for the execution of
national agencies memorandum of
have collaborated in understanding
the national greening (MOU)and other similar
program by massive instruments between
tree growing project and among the PLGU
at Mt. Apo National and the component 17
Park municipalities and 1 city
 Formulated to collaborate during
watershed emergencies and
development plan for capability building
Malitubog- activities.
Maridagao (MAL-
MAR) and Libungan
watershed within
PALMA-B area.
 Formulation of on-
going Liguasan
Marsh Bio-Diversity
development plan,
and its subsequent
declaration as
Protected Area
 Enhancement of the
Mt. Apo protected
areas
39
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT
 Lack of local-specific  The Provincial  The Provincial Government of  Capacity to appropriate
information Government of Cotabatohas the capacity to funding, including
 Establishment of data Cotabato has the develop a communications equipment and facilities
base/bank system capacity to engage strategy for CCA mainstreaming, for local CCA
 Updating of Provincial stakeholders in including IEC campaign databanking.
economic Profile identifying data  The Provincial
 Establishment of GIS needs and sources Government of
 Updating of 10 year for CCA Cotabato has the
provincial solid waste  The Provincial capacity to develop
management plan Government of and maintain a reliable,
CotabatoLGU has user-friendly and
the capacity to functional local CCA
access relevant data information system
and information on accessible to all
CCA from national stakeholders.
agencies,
international
organizations and
other LGU’s
40
CHAPTER III
THE LOCAL CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION PLAN
The manifestations of climate change in the form of temperature increase,

flooding, increased precipitation, frequency and intensity of typhoons, etc. have impacts
on the province’s economy, environment, infrastructure, land use and on its 534
barangays. Without concerted national and local action, the challenges the province will
face as a result of climate change are expected to intensify in the medium or long term.
In line with the Climate Change Act (Republic Act 9729) which provides the
policy framework with which to systematically address the growing threats on
community life and its impact on the environment, the province has now defined its
Local Climate Change Action Plan.
The Local Climate Change Action Plan 2017-2019 is anchored on the national
climate change framework strategy which has recently been translated into a National
Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), which adopts the following priorities:
1. Food security
2. Water sufficiency
3. Ecological and environmental stability
4. Human security
5. Climate-smart industries and services
6. Sustainable energy
7. Knowledge and capacity development
41
LOCAL CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION PLAN

CY 2017-2019
AGRICULTURE, FISHERY & LIVESTOCK

CLIMATE DESCRIPTION,
PERIOD
CHANGE TARGET, IMPLEMENTING
PROGRAM/PROJECT/ OF
IMPACT/EFFE EXPECTED AGENCY AND
ACTIVITY IMPLEMEN
CT TO BE OUTPUT OR PARTNERS
-TATION
ADDRESSED OUTCOME
Food security,
resource
High Value Crops Distribution of
generation and
Development Program planting materials
climate change
mitigation
 Rubber OPA 2017-2019
 oil palm OPA 2017-2019
 coconut OPA 2017-2019
 cacao OPA 2017-2019
 coffee OPA 2017-2019
 lacatan banana OPA 2017-2019
 cardava banana OPA 2017-2019
 bamboo OPA 2017-2019
 forest trees OPA 2017-2019
 provision of
fishing
paraphernalia
Inland Fishery Development
such as banca, gill OPA 2017-2019
Project
nets, fish corral,
fish trap & hook
and line
 fingerling
Fisheries & Aquatic
distribution to
Resource Development OPA 2017-2019
backyard fishpond
Program
operators
 produce &
disperse ready to
Amas Agro-forest Nursery OPA 2017-2019
plant fruit tree
seedlings
 procurement and
dispersal of forest
Cotabato Provincial Forest
tree seedlings OPA 2017-2019
Eco-tourism Park
 maintenance of
CPFEP area
 conduct trainings
Support to Organic
& meetings about OPA 2017-2019
Agriculture Program
organic agriculture
42
High Value Crops Demo  to serve as show

Farm for rubber, oil palm, window for OPA 2017-2019
coconut, cacao and coffee farmers
 provide salt
Coconut Fertilization Project fertilizer to OPA 2017-2019
coconut farmers
 provide abaca
Cotabato Abaca
planting materials OPA 2017-2019
Development Project
to farmers
 to serve as show
TechnodemosaOrganikong
window for OPA 2017-2019
Pagsasakasa MRF
farmers
 production &
Provincial Rootcrops distribution of
OPA 2017-2019
Production Program rootcrops planting
materials
 vegetables & seed
Vegetable Production &
production/dispers OPA 2017-2019
Seed Dispersal
al
on crop
production &
protection from
pests & diseases
 provide crop
Crop Protection Program protection & OPA 2017-2019
related supplies &
materials such as
biological control
agents which are
environment
friendly
Development of technology
pertaining to agro-
or farming system for agro- OPA 2017-2019
forestry &
forestry
intercropping
on the production
of healthy & safe
crops & fishery
Organic Farms products with
OPA 2017-2019
Development least cost of
production
targeting at least
5% of agri-land of
the province

ENVIRONMENT
PERIOD
CHANGE TARGET, IMPLEMENTING
PROGRAM/PROJECT/ OF
IMPACT/EFFE EXPECTED AGENCY AND
ACTIVITY IMPLEMEN
CT TO BE OUTPUT OR PARTNERS
T- ATION
ADDRESSED OUTCOME
Scarcity in Soil & Water Conservation 1. Construction of 1 DENR-PENRO 4 2017-2022
43
Water Supply unit /year SWIS

@ 100 cu.m.
within watershed
areas
2. Construction of
Gabion within
Landslide Prone
Areas (CENRO’s
Matalam&Midsay
ap AOR)
Disturbance to Biodiversity Monitoring 1. Hiring & DENR-PENRO 4 2017-2022

Flora & Fauna System deployment of
(BMS) a. 15 FPO(Forest
(@ Protected Areas) Protection
Officer)
National Greening Program b. 15 Green
(NGP) Brigade
Destruction of 2. WEO (Wildlife
Habitat and Enforcement
Biodiversity Officer) Volunteers
3. Conduct of IEC or
DalawTuro
( Information,
Education
Campaign)
Socio- Land Disposition/ 1. Issuance of 500 DENR-PENRO 4 2017-2022

Economic Distribution Patents per year
2. Political Boundary DENR-RO
Crises (Health,
Agriculture, Conflicts
Political)
Destruction to National Greening Program To plant 7, 963, 000 DENR-PENRO 4
vegetation seedlings
@ 7,963.0 Ha
(20% decrease on the
succeeding years)
Internal
Displacement /
Loss of
Properties &
Human Lives
Increase
Incidence of
Health
Problems
Clogged 1. LGU is the
drainage due to leading
improper waste implementor
DENR-PENRO 4
disposal (RA 2. Conduct of IEC
9003) ( Information,
Education
Campaign)
EDUCATION
CLIMATE PROGRAM/PROJECT/ DESCRIPTION, IMPLEMENTIN PERIOD
CHANGE ACTIVITY TARGET, G AGENCY OF
IMPACT/EFF EXPECTED AND IMPLEMEN
ECT TO BE OUTPUT OR PARTNERS TATION
44
ADDRESSED OUTCOME
A. Absenteeis There should be LGU, (Provincial 2017-2019
m 100% completion of Government)
the programs and DEPED, RHU,
 Low projects after 2 IPHO, DSWD,
 Construct
Grades years plan. DENR, DA,
Balaydalangpanan, and
DPWH
 Dropou add bangkasakabataan
Teachers and
ts and emergency shelters
Stakeholdres
 Produc for learners of SARDO’s
DepEd/
and PARDO’s in every
ed non- Teachers
remote school in the
numera Municipal Solid
Division of Cotabato.
tes and Waste
 Sustaining the Adopt a
non- Coordinator
Child Program.
Provincial
reader  Strengthening the Government
reading clinic program Kasilak
and remediation to non- Foundation,
numerates learners. Clubs and
Private
Organizations
Parents are  Conducting DRRM DepEd,

not updated Seminar workshop to Students,
with the parents. OPAG, DENR
school  Holding a guidance and
counseling seminars, Invite speakers
activities of from DENR,
symposia, summit to
their children both parents and PLGU
like Solid students on climate Kasilak
Waste change Foundation and
Management,  Invite speaker from the other Private
Tree Planting Municipal Environment Organizations in
and Natural Resources the Province
Activities,
Office (MENRO)
Adopt a River
 Coordinate with
Program and PLGU
Organizations and
adopt a tree Foundations in North
program for Cotabato to support the
every learner. programs of the DepEd. Provincial
 Strengthening the Health Unit,
Implementation of the Municipal
Waste management and Health Unit
tree planting activities. Barangay
 Conduct capacity Health Unit
building for teachers
from the Provincial
Government DPWH,DepEd
and other
partner
agencies
Related Conducting quarterly Alumni,

illnesses/sickn medical and dental mission Stakeholders,
to every school of Cotabato Teachers and
45
ess division Private

Institutions
DepED
DILG and other
partner
agencies
DepEd and
Alumni
DPWH
Disruption of  Holding classes in PLGU, DPWH

classes due barangay hall, covered and DepED
to poor courts and churches
condition of  Conducting home
visitation Teachers/
buildings alumni and
stakeholders
PLGU, DPWH
and DepEd
DepEd
Extreme  Distributing goods for

climate learners from indigent
changes families.
 Giving financial
El Nino support (passing the
hat)
 Drought  Conduct Remedial
 Decreased classes in Brgy Hall
in  Providing school
enrollm supplies for teachers
and learners.
ent
 Requesting budget
 Increased for the damage school
in building.
dropou  Strengthen the
t rate Friendly School
Program to all public
schools of Cotabato
Division.
 La Nina  Purchasing of additional

bangka for learners
Extreme living in far flung areas.
Flooding  Conducting home
visitation
*Increased in  Distributing relief goods.
dropout rate  Giving financial support
 Adding emergency
46
shelters for learners of

SARDO’s and PARDO,s
*Decreased in in every remote school
participation in the Division of
and survival Cotabato.
rates
*Damaged of
school of
school
building
POWER
IMPLEMENTIN PERIOD
CHANGE TARGET,
PROGRAM/PROJECT/ G AGENCY OF
IMPACT/EFF EXPECTED
ACTIVITY AND IMPLEMEN
ECT TO BE OUTPUT OR
PARTNERS TATION
ADDRESSED OUTCOME
Low Supply of Education on Energy Half day COTELCO, 1 school
Power due to Conservation symposium POWER monthly for
El Niǹo designed for GENERATION the whole
graduating high COMPANY CY
school students on
the role of students
in energy
conservation
Low Supply of Exploration of Renewable Utilization of
Power due to Energy Source possible
El Niǹo Renewable Energy
Source in the
coverage area
(Water,
Geothermal,
others)
Flooding Tree Planting Activity Annual activity on COTELCO, May 16,
selected LGU POWER 2016
GENERATION
COMPANY,
LGU
Landslide Replacement of Reduce un- COTELCO ANA
Dilapidated/Damaged Wood scheduled
Poles interruption
Landslide Reduce un- COTELCO ANA
Re-erection and Re-guying
scheduled
of inclined Pole
interruption
Landslide Replacement of Damaged Reduce un- COTELCO ANA
Accessories (Insulators, scheduled
etc.) interruption
Landslide Reduce un- COTELCO ANA
Re-Tensioning of Lines scheduled
interruption
47
Extreme Reduce un- COTELCO Regular/

Clearing of Trees, branches
Rainfall scheduled routinely
and others along Dist. Lines
interruption
48
DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
DISASTER PREVENTION & MITIGATION

TIME IMPLEMENTING
OUTPUT PPA
FRAME AGENCY
DRRM and CCA
Conduct vulnerability
assessment and mapping 2017-2019 PGO-DRRMD
and risk assessment
tools
Conduct of academic
Decisions supported by
research and apply
tools and technologies that
science-based PGO-DRRMD,
facilitates economically 2017-2019
scenarios in USM, DOST, MGB
sound DRRM and CCA
mainstreaming DRRM &
mainstreaming
CCA programs
Fully filled-up permanent
Local DRRM Office fully plantilla positions for
2017-2019 PGO-DRRMD
established DRRM officers and it’s
budget
Provision of good
access to basic
Roads, bridges, and other
services, enhance
critical infrastructures
community resilience 2017-2019 PEO
repaired / constructed /
mitigate the
rehabilitated
impact/damage of a
calamity
Implementation of
PGO-DRRMD,
SagipKalikasan
OPA – ENRD,
Environment and it’s life- Program (Growing
2017-2019 DENR, WATER
support systems protected /planting bamboos, fruit /
DISTRICTS,
forest trees and fresh
BAWASA, CSO
water mangroves)
Desilting and dredging
Flooding reduced 2018-2019 PEO
of silted rivers
Established community-
Enhanced monitoring and based early warning PGO-DRRMD,
2017-2019
hazard warning system for various DOST, MGB
hazards
Renewable energy utilized Establishment of solar-
2017-2018 PGO-DRRMD
and showcased powered lighting system
Promote and avail
insurance schemes for PGO-DRRMD,
Risk Financing 2017-2019
all sectors and DTI
responders
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
TIME IMPLEMENTING
OUTPUT PPA
FRAME AGENCY
A comprehensive Development of a
PGO-DRRMD,
provincial DRRM IEC DRRM & CCA advocacy
2017-2019 PGO-MEDIA,
program developed and program through the
DEPED, CSO
implemented quad media
Conduct of training and
simulation exercises on
Increased understanding
disaster preparedness PGO-DRRMD,
on risk reduction measures
and response and the 2017-2019 BFP, PNP,
and better prepared
establishment of a DEPED
communities
Provincial DRRM
Training Institute
Popularization of ICS
as a management tool
Enhanced coordination
and enhancement of PGO-DRRMD,
through the incident 2017-2019
ICS coordination, and BFP, PNP, PA
command systems
24-hour activation of
Operation Center
49
Constant linkages with

the members of the
DRRMOA-CP, the
PGO-DRRMD,
Increased coordination and establishment of North
SAR GROUP,
interoperability of work in Cotabato SAR Network, 2017-2019
DRRMOA-CP,
DRRM and the establishment of
PNP, BFP, PA
Provincial DRRM
Unified Communication
System
Procurement of
appropriate rescue
Increased capability of equipment and PGO-DRRMD,
2017-2019
provincial responders continuous capability SAR GROUP,
training and
competency
Readily available logistical
Stockpiled Food and PGO-DRRMD,
needs for rescue and relief 2017-2019
Non-Food Items PSWDO
operation
Conduct of SagipHayop
Livestock protection Program and Veterinary 2017-2019 OPVET
Mission
DISASTER RESPONSE
OPERATIONAL
TIMELINE IMPLEMENTING
OUTPUT PPA
1-3 AGENCY
1-7 DAYS
MONTHS
Planned:
Prior to the
activity
Activation of the
Slow onset:
Incident PGO-DRRMD,
Functional 24 hours
Command PROVINCIAL IMT,
response prior to the
System both on BFP, PNP, PA,
operation incident
emergency and PRC
Rapid onset:
planned events
Within 12
hours after
impact
Activation of Within 12
Timely and
RDANA teams hours PGO-DRRMD,
consolidated
Consolidate, PROVINCIAL
assessment Within 24-48
analyse and RDANA TEAM
reports hours
disseminate data
Safe and timely
Conduct of pre- Prior to the
evacuation of PGO-DRRMD,
emptive onset of
affected PSWDO, PNP
evacuation disaster
communities
Temporary shelter
Implement a set
needs are
of minimum
adequately PGO-DRRMD,
standard for
addressed and PSWDO, PNP,
temporary shelter X X
basic social PEO, IPHO
and the
services provided
restoration of
to affected
lifelines
communities
Safety for the
Provide space for
source of PGO-DRRMD,
people’s
livelihood and X X PSWDO, OPVET
livestock, poultry
livestock of the
and pets
people
Mechanism for Conduct of Post- X X
coordinated and DANA, implement
integrated early temporary
recovery livelihood or PGO-DRRMD,
established and income PSWDO, PCDO,
essential services generating PPDO
50
activities,
restored livelihood / food
assistance
DISASTER REHABILITATION AND RECOVERY

OPERATIONAL
TIMELINE IMPLEMENTING
OUTPUT PPA
Within 1 Within 1-3 AGENCY
year years
Conduct of PDNA
and coordinate PGO-DRRMD,
Assessment & the formulation of PPDO, OPA,
Strategic Action the Strategic X OPVET, IPHO,
Plan Action for disaster PEO, DEPED,
affected CSO
communities
Infrastructure
Undertake the
facilities
necessary
rehabilitated
rehabilitation of X X PEO,
according to safety
damaged
and resiliency
infrastructure
standards
Vulnerable
Develop a system
population
of support among
provided with
key stakeholders,
adequate and
build capacities of
appropriate risk X PSWDO, PRC
psychosocial care
protection
providers and
measures and
livelihood
economic
assistance
assistance
51
CHAPTER 1V
PROCEDURES FOR FEEDBACKING, UPGRADING AND FUTURE ACTIONS
The plan shall be revisited, reviewed and updated annually to be able to

respond appropriately to the fast changing situation. The approach shall be
multi-faceted and multisectoral.
52

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LOCAL CLIMATE

CHANGE ACTION PLAN

1.1 Brief Historical Background of the Province

When the Maguindanao Sultan acceded to Spanish sovereignty in 1861,

The area covered by the empire Province of Cotabato is the territory

The effectivity of the operation of the original province of Cotabato was on

Before the passage of the above-mentioned Act by the Philippine

ShariffKabunsuan and his descendants ruled Cotabato until the coming of

The northern part of Cotabato particularly along the boundaries of Davao

The Spaniards arrived in Cotabato way back in 1596 when Captain

The first Christian settlers in Cotabato from outside of Mindanao-mostly

The original Cotabato experienced its first "slicing" or reduction of size in

Our remaining province, after the separation of South Cotabato was

Pambansa thereafter renamed North Cotabato to just Cotabato in BP No. 660 on

The province became part of an autonomous government for Region XII

Our province, therefore, by virtue of the foregoing, is the mother province

The opening of the National Highway from Cotabato to Davao and

Thus, the pioneering settlers in the hinterlands of Cotabato were far

In some parts of the province, 1950 was a year of depression due to

The concreting of Digos-Cotabato Road was completed. Several farm-to-

The steady pace of development was interrupted when the province

Location, Land Area, and Political Subdivisions

Administrative Region where the Province is Located

Location and Boundaries of the Province

Cotabato Province lies on the eastern part of Region XII and is

Cotabato Province is divided into three congressional districts consisting

Kidapawan became the capital of Cotabato Province pursuant to

 The University of Southern Mindanao, formerly known as Mindanao

 The Fort Pikit is a stonewall Spanish Fortress built in 17 th century by

marauding attackers. Located adjacent to Fort Pikit is the municipal

 Ligawasan Marsh is a 40 kilometer long and 30 kilometer wide

 Energy Development Corporation Geothermal Plant (EDC-GP) at

 The Provincial Capitol is the most important landmark being the

Table 2. Land Area of City/Municipalities in the Province

General Land and Water Characteristics and Resources

Topography and Slope

Based on the Bureau of Soil and Water Management (BSWM), a big

Gently sloping to undulating areas (8-18%) covers 227,145 hectares and

Land and Water Resources

The Cotabato River Basin is located in the central part of Mindanao. It

The provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and Cotabato within

Main Geological Features of the Province

The predominant geological complex is the Cotabato Basin which empties

Mineral Resources of the Province

Mineral products found in the province consist of non-metallic products

Climate of the Province

Based on the Modified Corona’s classification of climates (updated using 1961 –

Land Use Potentials and Constraints

Of the province's total land area of 656,590 hectares, 361,876.19 hectares

Forestlands are preserved for timber production, grazing and marshes,

LAND CLASSIFICATION AREA (HAS.) % TO TOTAL

A. Alienable and Disposable 361,876.19 55.11

B. Forest Land 294,713.81 44.89

b.1. UNCLASSIFIED PUBLIC FOREST 3,827.00 1.30

TOTAL LAND AREA 656,590.00 100.00

SOURCE: DENR Cotabato Province

LAND CLASSIFICATION, COTABATO PROVINCE

Source: RPFP 2004-2030