things to enjoy in Midsayap

Midsayap is a 1st class municipality in the province of North Cotabato, Philippines. It has a population of 134,170 as per data census of 2010.^[2] It has recorded 60,882 registered voters^[3] (based on 2010 records). It is populated by a multi-cultural aggrupation of peoples from the influx of migrants from Luzon and the Visayas brought about by the reputation of the island of Mindanao as a highly promising haven for settlers. In Midsayap, it is common for people speaking different dialects such asCebuano, Hiligaynon, Ilocano, Maguindanaon, Manobo, Waray, among others.

History[edit]

Midsayap was derived from a native term which means (Mid) Center and (Sayap) Hat. Midsayap means a hat at the center – just like a hill centrally located at the Municipality which slopes through the plains in a shape of a hat. Other version relates that Midsayap came from a Muslim term which means “person wearing a hat.”^[4] From 1912 to 1926, Midsayap was then a district of Dulawan and Pikit. Originally, Midsayap was inhabited by Muslims from the descendants of Sultan Ali Bayao from the lineage of the great Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat I. The seat of their Sultanate was established at Libungan Torreta (now part of Pigcawayan).

In 1927, a Philippine Constabulary (PC) Commander assigned in the area, Ist Lt. Catalino Javier, initiated the development of some portions of the municipality. Seeing the natural bounty of the area, he invited settlers from Luzon and Visayas to migrate in the area. The first wave of settlers who dared develop the wilderness was the late Antonio Labasan from Zambales. Among his companions were 23 interrelated families, the Dumlaos, Flautas, Fernandezes, QuiÑones,Fermils, Fantones and Documos who settled at Sitio Salunayan and Bual . Visayan settlers from Pikit also came to settle at Bual - the place of Datu Guiambangan Dilangalen. The Visayan migrants were headed by Gregorio Bingil, Julio Anito and Tomas Cantoy. The idea of making Midsayap as a separate political district from the mother municipalities of Dulawan and Pikit was envisioned in 1930 by a group of Christian PC enlisted men who were assigned at Camp Ward. Their efforts, through the support of the deputy governor and military governor was realized in 1936.

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 66 dated November 25, 1936, Midsayap was created as a separate municipality. On January 1, 1937, it was inaugurated with the late Lorenzo Gonzales as the first appointed municipal mayor.

Midsayap started with 71 barangays. Later, it was trimmed down to 42 when Libungan was separated from Midsayap in 1936. At present, Midsayap has 57 barangays. Population settlements were concentrated on the barangays of Sinawingan, Salunayan, Bual, Kapayawi, Barongis, Kimagango, Kiwanan, Katingawan, Ulamian, Baguer, Kapinpilan, Olandang, San Mateo, and Baliki. The following years showed the growth of the newly formed town. Gradually, new towns has been created. These are Pigcawayan or Pigkawayan, Libungan, Alamada, and lastly in 1982 Aleosan.

Midsayap is the largest municipality in the province of North Cotabato. This fast-growing town is one of the oldest settlements of migrants from Luzon and the Visayas, thereby giving its reputation as the highly heterogeneous society in this once Muslim-dominated place of Mindanaon.

This 14th Congress of the Philippines, Rep. Emmylou 'Lala' J.Taliño-Mendoza filed last February 7, 2008 the House Bill 3539 in the House of Representatives which will create the Municipality of Midsayap as CITY OF MIDSAYAP; as the second component city of the Province of Cotabato. This bill is currently pending on the Committee of Local Government since February 19, 2008.

Tourism[edit]

Annually, the townsfolk of Midsayap prepares for its colorful street dancing and parade competition popularly known as the "Halad sa Sto. Niño Festival"^[6] as part of its grand fiesta celebration, which is held every third Sunday of January. The Halad Festival is celebrated in honor of the town's patron saint Señor Sto. Niño.

Groups from various towns in Cotabato Province as well as neighboring towns of the Maguindanao Province troop annually to Midsayap to participate in the much celebrated contest, which is recognized by the Department of Tourism as a major festival.^[7]

This widely popular event started in 1988 through the efforts of REACT Philippines Midsayap Chapter in coordination with the Sto. Niño Parish Pastoral Council and was so successful that it became a yearly event until today.

The festival first gained national recognition when the 1997 Halad champions, Eramis Clan, flew to Manila to compete in the National Finals and bested champions of other major festivals such as the Sinulog Festival of Cebu and the Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo.

The Halad festival re-established its status as a major festival when the 2003 Halad champions, the Dado Alamada National High School, represented Region XII in the national street dancing competition and won the P1 million grand prize in the Aliwan Fiesta held in May 2003 in Manila. Inspired by their back-to-back wins, the group participated again in the Pamaskong Aliwan Festival^[8] in December of that same year and also won the grand prize. Both festivals were part of the Visit Philippines 2003 program of the Department of Tourism.

Education[edit]

Midsayap is a center of education in the first district of North Cotabato and nearby provinces.

It is home to two major college campuses, namely Notre Dame of Midsayap College, the first school in Asia of the Notre Dame educational system, and Southern Christian College of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines as well as a host of privately owned tertiary schools offering business, technical, and allied health courses.

Affirming its role as a well-preferred place for those pursuing higher education, colleges in Midsayap have PAASCU accredited Degree Programs and also have Graduate Schools offering Master's Degree Programs.

It also has an extensive public and private school system (both elementary and secondary) where basic education is delivered in almost all of its barangays.

Furthermore, Midsayap operates day-care centers in all of its 57 barangays for pre-schoolers to begin their early child education.