Cotabato is a landlocked province in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region (Region XII) of Mindanao. Covering 9,317.30 km², it is composed of 17 municipalities, 1 component city, and 543 barangays. Kidapawan City serves as the provincial capital and center. The name Cotabato comes from the Maguindanaon words 'kuta wato,' meaning 'stone fort,' referring to native fortresses used for defense in earlier times.

History

Cotabato, once called the 'Empire Province of Cotabato,' was one of the largest provinces in the Philippines in the early 20th century. It was originally inhabited by indigenous groups such as the Manobo, T’boli, Maguindanaon, and other Lumad peoples. Islam spread through Arab traders and missionaries in the 15th century. During Spanish rule, the province resisted colonial control with its fortified 'kuta.' Under American rule in 1914, Cotabato was formally established as a province, covering vast areas that were later divided into South Cotabato (1966), Sultan Kudarat (1973), Maguindanao (1973), and Sarangani (1992). Today, the province is officially called North Cotabato but is commonly referred to simply as Cotabato. It is a cultural melting pot of Christians, Muslims, and Lumads.