Kidapawan City, North Cotabato — The City of Kidapawan, increasingly recognized as a rising economic powerhouse in the Soccsksargen region, is poised for transformative growth through the Cotabato City–Kidapawan City (CK) Agri-industrial and Eco Tourism Corridor project.
The corridor, projected by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region 12, aims to unlock the vast agricultural and tourism potential of the area, positioning Kidapawan as a central node for trade, commerce, and sustainable tourism in southern Mindanao.
From 3rd Class to 1st Income Class City
Kidapawan’s economic ascent has been remarkable. The City of Fruits and Highland Springs was reclassified from a 3rd income class to a 1st income class city effective January 1, 2025. This reclassification reflects the city’s growing revenue base, expanding business sector, and increasing economic activity.
According to the 2024 Census, Kidapawan is now home to 160,864 residents, making it the most populous city in the province of Cotabato. With a revenue of over ₱1.07 billion and assets reaching ₱3.392 billion in 2024, the city’s financial standing underscores its capacity to drive regional development.
The CK Agri-industrial and Eco Tourism Corridor
The CK Corridor represents a strategic development initiative that connects Kidapawan City with Cotabato City, leveraging the complementary strengths of both urban centers. The project focuses on three key pillars:
- Agri-industrial Development: Capitalizing on the region’s rich agricultural output, including rice, corn, fruits, and highland vegetables from the fertile slopes of Mount Apo.
- Eco-Tourism: Showcasing Kidapawan’s natural attractions, including its proximity to Mount Apo — the Philippines’ highest mountain at 2,933 meters — as well as its highland springs, waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems.
- Infrastructure Connectivity: Improving road networks and transportation links between the two cities and surrounding municipalities to facilitate the movement of goods, services, and tourists.
Strategic Location and Transportation Hub
Kidapawan’s geographic advantage cannot be overstated. Located at the foot of Mount Apo, the city serves as a natural gateway connecting various provinces in Mindanao. Major bus routes link Kidapawan to General Santos City, Davao City, Digos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Cotabato City, and other key urban centers across the island.
The city’s central location within the Soccsksargen region makes it an ideal distribution point for agricultural products and a staging area for eco-tourism adventures into the Mount Apo Natural Park and surrounding highland communities.
Rich Cultural Heritage and Community Spirit
Beyond its economic potential, Kidapawan is a city of diverse cultural heritage. Founded on July 23, 1914, and chartered as a city on August 18, 1947, Kidapawan grew from a small settlement into the bustling capital of North Cotabato province.
The city is home to 40 barangays and is inhabited by a mix of cultural communities, including speakers of Hiligaynon, Cebuano, Tagabawa, Obo, Ilianen, Tagalog, and Maguindanaon. This diversity is reflected in the city’s vibrant festivals, local cuisine, and community traditions.
Kidapawan’s motto — “Nakapangyayari ang Sambayanan” (The People are Sovereign) — speaks to the strong sense of community and self-determination that has driven the city’s growth and resilience through the years.
Looking Ahead
As Kidapawan continues to grow, city leaders and residents alike are optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead. With the CK Corridor project gaining momentum, the city’s elevation to 1st income class status, and its strategic position as an agri-tourism gateway, Kidapawan is well on its way to becoming one of Mindanao’s most dynamic and prosperous cities.
For visitors and investors alike, Kidapawan City offers a compelling combination of natural beauty, economic opportunity, and warm hospitality — truly a city on the rise in southern Philippines.
Related: More Philippines city news | Mindanao travel and tourism guides | Philippines economic development updates