Banga, South Cotabato

Banga, officially the Municipality of Banga (Template:Langx; Template:Langx; Template:Langx; Template:Langx, Jawi: ايڠد نو باڠ), is a municipality in the province of South Cotabato, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 89,164 people.Template:PH census

Banga is situated at the north-west of the province of South Cotabato. The town derived its name from a palm tree known to the natives of the place as "Buanga" which during the pre-settlement time, predominantly grew in the area.

Banga is linked by a concrete national highway road from General Santos to the east and Cotabato City in the west. The town is known for its spacious town plaza, its public market is situated in the heart of the town and ideally zonified. Water for households and commercial use is abundant and the best source to it is Banga River which narrowly dissects the municipality.

It is the leading corn producer in the province and has made extraordinary achievements in terms of producing corn husk products for the local market.

It is also blessed with rich resources such as livestock and rice and has shown potential for mango. Pineapple and banana production while endowed with big rice mills, metal craft potentials, places suited for inland fishing and some residential development.

Banga works under the slogan “Cooperative Efforts towards Peace and Progress” and it is targeting to rapidly lift its economy to the highest level.

Banga strives to sustaining self-sufficiency and increasing agricultural production. It currently aims for the diversification and intensification of traditional agricultural practices, advocacy of food sufficiency method such as vegetable and fruit planting, poultry and livestock development within family farms, intensification on agricultural nurseries for a high yielding variety of crops, strengthening of information dissemination of appropriate technology to all farmers in the Barangay's by providing effective seminars, workshop and training in proper management of farmer's cooperative.

History

It started as a Settlement District of the Allah Valley Project of the National Land Settlement Administration (NLSA) on March 4, 1941, with Gen. Paulino Santos as the General Manager. On September 11, 1953, by way of Presidential Proclamation No. 612 of the then President Elpidio Quirino, it was emancipated as a barrio of Koronadal and became an independent municipal entity.

Geography

Barangays

Banga is politically subdivided into 22 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks while some have sitios.

• Benitez (Poblacion)
• Cabudian
• Cabuling
• Cinco (Barrio 5)
• Derilon
• El Nonok
• Improgo Village (Poblacion)
• Kusan (Barrio 8)
• Lam-Apos
• Lamba
• Lambingi
• Lampari
• Liwanay (Barrio 1)
• Malaya (Barrio 9)
• Punong Grande (Barrio 2)
• Rang-ay (Barrio 4)
• Reyes (Poblacion)
• Rizal (Barrio 3)
• Rizal Poblacion
• San Jose (Barrio 7)
• San Vicente (Barrio 6)
• Yangco Poblacion

Economy

Agricultural Strengths

Agriculture serves as the cornerstone of Banga's economy. The municipality is recognized as the leading corn producer in South Cotabato and has achieved notable success in creating corn husk products for the local market. Beyond corn, Banga cultivates rice, mangoes, pineapples, and bananas. The area is also rich in livestock resources and possesses significant rice milling facilities. Additionally, the municipality has potential in inland fishing and metal crafts.

To further bolster its agricultural sector, Banga has embraced modernization initiatives. The Consolidated Rice Production and Mechanization Program, launched in 2023, aims to enhance rice production through mechanization and improved farming practices.

Industrial and Investment Developments

Banga is attracting investments that diversify its economic landscape. Notably, Chinese investors from Maylong Enterprises have explored opportunities in the municipality, including visits to the Cassava Processing Facility and Plantation of the San Jose Multipurpose Cooperative, as well as local demonstration farms.

The presence of Biotech Farms, Inc.[[1]], a major agri-business in Banga, further underscores the municipality's industrial potential. The company specializes in the production of premium pork, eggs, and rice, operating with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation.

Festivals

Pasundayag Festival – 1st Week of March

Pasundayag, an Ilonggo term which means “show” or “presentation” is a unique fiesta celebration which showcases the municipality's local talents in a week-long celebration of good life and thanksgiving of the people of Banga.

Banga, the corn production center of South Cotabato, celebrates its foundation every 1st Week of March with a colorful Pasundayag festival a showcase of merry-making activities with its week-long events of beer and food festivals, street dancing competition, beauty pageant, trade fare, bargain shops and street parties.

Tourism

Banga, South Cotabato, is a vibrant municipality in the Philippines known for its rich agricultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and cultural festivities. As one of the top tourist destinations in South Cotabato during early 2024, Banga offers visitors a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Natural Attractions

• Mila’s Peak

Situated at the highest point of the Roxas Mountain Range, Mila’s Peak provides panoramic views of the Allah Valley and Mount Matutum. It's an ideal spot for hiking and nature photography.

• Sitio Lamkot

Located in Barangay Malaya, Sitio Lamkot is a picturesque sitio surrounded by mountains and fertile agricultural plains, offering a glimpse into a self-sustaining rural community. Wikipedia

• Fekung Sulay Falls

Nestled in Sitio Lamkot, Barangay Malaya, Fekung Sulay Falls is a majestic waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors seeking a tranquil escape into nature.

Resorts and Leisure Spots

• Aqua Vista Farm Resort

Located in San Vicente, Aqua Vista Farm Resort offers comfortable accommodations with amenities such as a swimming pool, restaurant, and picnic areas. It's an excellent choice for families and groups seeking relaxation amidst nature.

• Fortune Field Resort

Situated along the National Highway in Crossing Kipot, Fortune Field Resort is known for its affordable rates and family-friendly facilities, including pools and cottages.

• SLD Resort

Located in Barangay Liwanay, SLD Resort is a popular destination offering various amenities and discounts for visitors.

Education

College:

• Santo Nino College Foundation, Inc.[[2]]
• Green Valley College Foundation, Inc - Banga Campus

Secondary:

Elementary:

Hospitals and Clinics in Banga

Dantom Doctors' Hospital Inc.: Located at 443-C Barangay Rizal Poblacion, this private hospital provides various medical services, including annual physical examinations. Log in or sign up to view

Dr. Francisco C. Parcon Clinic & Hospital: An infirmary situated in Banga, offering outpatient consultations and basic medical services. HealthSpace

Banga Rural Health Unit (RHU): A government-operated health center located on Quezon Avenue, Barangay Reyes. The RHU provides primary healthcare services, including maternal and child health, immunizations, and disease prevention programs. Healthcare Philippines

Banga Super Health Center: Inaugurated in 2024, this facility enhances access to primary care services, early disease detection, and medical consultations under the Universal Health Care program. Tribune

Notable personalities

• Orlando Quevedo - Filipino prelate of the Catholic Church. A Cardinal since 2014, he was Archbishop of Cotabato from 1998 to 2018. He became a bishop in 1980.
• Delfin Lorenzana - 36th Secretary of National Defense of the Philippines.
• Adrian Pete Medina Pregonir - Award-winning writer and recipient of the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino Talaang Ginto: Makata ng Taon in 2024, the longest-running state-run literary contest that began in 1963. He also won the Gawad Bienvenido Lumbera, Don Carlos Palanca, and Gawad Rene O. Villanueva Para sa Sanaysay awards. He is one of those who led the resurgence of Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a literature in Mindanao.

External links

• Banga Profile at PhilAtlas.com
• Banga Profile at the DTI Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index
• [[[:Template:NSCB detail]] Philippine Standard Geographic Code]
• Philippine Census Information