by Jims Vincent Capuno
Name any exotic fruit and Kidapawan City is most likely to have it: delectable durian, medicinal mangosteen, mouth-watering marang, scrumptious rambutan, flavorsome banana, vitamin C-laden pomelo, succulent mango, and luscious lanzones.
During the Fruit Galore of the Timpupu Festival, locals and visitors can “eat-all-they-can” those fruits to their stomach’s content. Fruits are displayed on top of connected make-shift bamboo tables three kilometers long along the stretch of the city plaza.
“At the sound of the siren, people can eat whatever fruits they want,” says Ms. Marie Fe Geronga-Pame, development management officer of the Investment Promotions Center. “In just a matter of an hour or so, the fruits will completely gone.”
Held in the month when fruits are plentiful (either July or August), Timpupu Festival (from the Manobo word which means “harvest”), the celebration signifies the people’s thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest and richness of the exotic fruits that thrive in the area. Fruits galore is just one of the many features of the seven-day celebration. There are also street dancing competition, fruit show contest, fruit eating contest, agro trade fair, the pinaka fruit contest, best processed fruit products, and several other competitions.
One of the most well-known fruit processors is the Nutri-Prime Farms owned by Dr. Alfredo S. Villarico. In his 25-hectare farm, he planted mangosteen and other fruit trees. He processes mangosteen into various end products like jam and tea. He also produces mangosteen powder in capsulized form which are “partially” processed in Kidapawan and transported to Metro Manila for toll-processing and packaging prior to its shipment to the United States.
In honor of the city’s abundance of fruits, Mayor Rodolfo Y. Gatuangco has caused to be built a landmark at the entrance of the city. “WELCOME TO KIDAPAWAN CITY!” a huge sign says. To its left and right are statuettes of various tribes literally bringing in the fruits of their labor.
At the lower portion of the landmark is the Riveryard Garden. “It is a place where people can spend quality time for relaxation,” Ms. Geronga-Pame informs. “They can eat under the cottages or swim in the river.”
Kidapawan is not only famous for fruits but cutflowers as well. Roses, anthuriums, and orchids are conveniently grown locally. Even in large-scale production, ornamentals and forest tree seedlings have become a hot-selling business. In fact, the city celebrates Flower Festival during the first week of May.
“We believe that through this, we will be able to put Kidapawan City in the tourism map not only because of its fruits,” says Ms. Geronga-Pame, who also acts as the city tourism officer.
The word kidapawan comes from two Manobo words: tida for “spring” and pawan, meaning “highland.” Combining the two words, it literally means, spring in the highland (how about “highland spring”?—editors)) The Manobo were the first settlers in the area. Later on, Christians from Luzon and the Visayas came and due to the language barrier, the name Tidapawan somehow ended up as Kidapawan (no kidding?—eds).
The city is nestled at the base of Mount Apo, the county’s highest peak (2,954 meters). Mount Apo is flat topped, with three peaks, and is capped by a 500-meter wide volcanic formation with a small crater-lake. The word apo is a term of respect for “grandfather” or “master”.
Mount Apo is a source of geothermal energy. In fact, the Mindanao Geothermal Power Plant of the Philippine National Oil Company is located on Mount Apo.
Environmentalists claim Mount Apo is home to natural biological diversity. A total of 227 vertebrates species belonging to 69 families of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals have been recorded in the national park. Likewise, 118 species of butterflies belonging to 69 families are recorded in the area.
The highest peak is a favorite tourist destination during the months of October to December, and on some occasions during summer. It was first climbed on October 10, 1880 by a party led by Don Joaquin Rajal. Many others have since then followed suit, including former tourism secretary Ace Durano.
Several trails lead to the summit coming from North Cotabato and Davao provinces. An average climb requires two to four days. The Kidapawan trail will take you first to Lake Agco. Then, you will have to cross Marbel River before reaching the Mainit Hot Springs where you may take a dip in a small pool whose water is hot and very soothing.
Lake Venado is 5-6 hours away from Mainit Hot Springs. Before reaching the lake, you will have to pass the “87-degree” and the “90-degree” trails. Each trail a dangerous challenge to climbers and takes about 15 to cross. From the lake, the summit is another three hours of trekking.
“I have climbed other mountains in the country, but Mount Apo is the ultimate,” says Brigadier General Alejandro H. Estomo of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, who scaled it in 2008. “Once, you get to the top, you can appreciate what God has created.”
Before going up, you can have fun at the Lake Agco Mountain Resort. Entrance fee is only 15 pesos but you add another 10 pesos if you decide to stay overnight. There are also cottages and rooms available for rent (ranging from P250 to P500 per individual). Here, you can take a dip in either hot or warm pools sourced from the local hot springs.
Not far from the resort is Lake Agco. You can visit the area but you can’t stay longer as it is considered a sacred place by the Manobos. In addition, you cannot take a dip in the lake unless you want yourself scalded by the hot water. So hot that you can actually boil an egg in it! You still want to try?
There are several other destinations which are waiting for you to discover. The Kansal Falls in barangay Peres is one of them. A 30-minute trek from the Poblacion, this 75-foot waterfall is the source of Kidapawan’s best potable water.
Located four kilometers from the center of barangay Balabag is the Mawig Falls. With its ice-cold water plummeting from a height of 65 feet, it is a favorite weekend destination of city folks and people from municipalities nearby. An additional attraction in the area is the Panique Cave, where squadrons of bats fly out of the cave at sundown.
Don’t worry about where to sleep. The two highly recommended hotels are Grand Ficus and AJ Hi-Time. Both are located in the center of the city. There are also several lodges and inns for the backpackers.
The two hotels have restaurants but if you want to go out, you can dine at Sariling Atin, Uncle Art Culd Cuts, Rhoanna’s Grill Chicken Ati-Atihan, Dawn’s Café, Jervoso’s Place, and Boyaks Lechon House.
Kidapawan City was legally created by virtue of Republic Act. No. 8500, signed by then President Fidel V. Ramos on February 12, 1998, making it the first component city of North Cotabato Province. The people overwhelmingly ratified the law on March 21, 1998 during a plebiscite.
Kidapawan City is located at the southeastern portion of Cotabato province, situated almost midway between the cities of Davao and Cotabato at a distance of 110 and 120 kilometers, respectively.
