Published: June 21, 2025
Cotabato City, the political and symbolic heart of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), marked its 66th founding anniversary yesterday, June 20. More than a celebration of cityhood, the milestone reflects the city’s extraordinary transformation—from a cradle of Islam in the Philippines to a highly urbanized and self-governing hub that now stands as the administrative center of BARMM.
A Legacy Rooted in Faith and Culture
Centuries before becoming the modern city it is today, Cotabato had already made its mark on Philippine history. In the 16th century, Shariff Mohammad Kabunsuan arrived along the Rio Grande de Mindanao, bringing with him the Islamic faith and establishing the Sultanate of Maguindanao. His arrival laid the spiritual foundation of what would become a defining element of Bangsamoro identity.
This pivotal event is commemorated each year through the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival—an enduring celebration of the city’s historical and cultural roots.
From Municipality to Metropolitan Hub
In the years that followed, Cotabato grew in stature under various political frameworks. It became the capital of the Province of Cotabato in 1914 and later flourished as a first-class municipality, gaining a reputation as an economic and political center in Mindanao.
On June 20, 1959, Cotabato was officially converted into a chartered city through Republic Act No. 2364. Its growth continued until it was declared a highly urbanized city on December 22, 1979—an affirmation of its rapid progress and expanding influence.
A Political Journey Toward Autonomy
Despite being the center of Muslim culture and heritage in the region, Cotabato City initially chose not to join the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in plebiscites held in 1989 and 2001. For years, it remained an independent component city directly under the national government.
That changed with the 2019 ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which established the BARMM. This time, Cotabato’s residents voted to join the new autonomous region, recognizing a renewed hope for peace, development, and self-governance.
The city’s formal turnover to the BARMM government on December 15, 2020, was both a political and symbolic milestone. It underscored Cotabato’s importance as the administrative capital and heart of the Bangsamoro.
Cotabato City: The Crown Jewel of the Bangsamoro
Now hailed as the “Crown Jewel” of the BARMM, Cotabato City plays a central role in the region’s development agenda. Its diverse population—composed of Muslims, Christians, and Indigenous Peoples—embodies the essence of unity in diversity, a principle that underpins the Bangsamoro struggle for self-determination.
As the regional seat of governance, the city drives the implementation of key programs in education, health, infrastructure, and economic revitalization, serving as a beacon for other areas within the region.
Looking Ahead
As Cotabato City enters its 67th year, its significance continues to grow. It stands as a testament to resilience, cultural pride, and the enduring aspirations of the Bangsamoro people. Its journey—from resisting colonial domination to becoming the administrative center of a newly autonomous region—is a powerful reminder of what unity, identity, and self-governance can achieve.
Cotabato City’s evolving role in shaping the BARMM’s political future will be pivotal in realizing a lasting peace and inclusive progress in Mindanao. The city may be 66 years old, but its spirit and importance to the Bangsamoro narrative remain timeless.