Tacurong City

Tacurong City is a 4th class city in the province of Sultan Kudarat, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 76,354 people in 14,950 households. 86% of the population are Roman Catholics, 9% are other Christian denominations and 5% are Muslims. Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) is the mother-tongue of the city.

On its north lies the Municipality of Lambayong (Sultan Kudarat). On its west, the Municipality of Isulan (the capital town of Sultan Kudarat). On its east, the Municipality of Pres. Quirino (Sultan Kudarat), and on its south, the Municipality of Tantangan (South Cotabato).

In 2001, Tacurong was converted into a component city making it the first and only city in the province of Sultan Kudarat.

History and other facts

Tacurong City used to be a barangay of the Municipality of Buluan which belonged to the Province of Cotabato. The city was originally called as "Pamansang". During 1940's, the place became a bridgeway or a staying point of the tourists, travelers and Catholic Missionaries traveling to the different parts of the Cotabato Province.

Barangay Pamansang was changed to Barangay Talakudong. "Talakudong" stands for Maguindanaon term for head covering (popularly called as "Salakot" and "Sadok" as of today) which had been worn by the settlers and people in the place. Years past, the name Talakudong was later changed to Tacurong. However, Talakudong still remain as a significant word in the city since Tacurong's foundation anniversary is called Talakudong Festival.

The city was separated from the Municipality of Buluan and was created a municipality by virtue of Executive Order 462 by President Elpidio Quirino on the 3rd day of August in the year 1951. The city is dominated of mostly Ilonggo settlers from the province of Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Capiz.

The city had an estimated area of 40,000 hectares comprising 14 barangays when the beginning years of being a neophyte municipality. When Barangay Tantangan created as a municipality, some areas of Tacurong became territories of Municipality of Tantangan in the year 1961. The area of Tacurong was further reduced when Municipality of Pres. Quirino was created from the city on November 22, 1973. Tacurong has now a total of 15,340 hectares land area, the smallest place among the 12 municipalities of the Province of Sultan Kudarat yet it is the most progressive.

When the Province of Cotabato was divided into four provinces, North Cotabato, Maguindanao, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat in 1973, Tacurong fought for its image and capability to become the capital of the newly creates Province of Sultan Kudarat by the virtue of Presidential Decree No. 341 in Nov. 22, 1973. Although Municipality of Isulan became the capital town, Tacurong remained a first class municipality and became the trade & commerce center of the province.

Politically, Tacurong has been served by eleven elected and appointed mayors from its creation in 1951 to the present who represented various sectors. Ricardo Soriano and Serafin Limbungan were farmers; Quirino Mercado, a lawyer; Jose Escribano, a military man; Jose P. Barroquillo, a medical practitioner; Benjamin Eliseo, a contractor and a businessman; Fernando O. Bayquin, a government employee (DILG); Teodoro Subido, a dental practitioner; Angelo O. Montilla, a farm manager; Geronimo P. Arzagon, an educator; and the present mayor, Lino O. Montilla, an electrical engineer.

Tacurong became the first city in the Province of Sultan Kudarat through the effort of Sultan Kudarat lone district Rep. Angelo O. Montilla who passed the House Bill No. 6497 or "An Act Converting the Municipality of Tacurong Province of Sultan Kudarat into a component city of the Province of Sultan Kudarat to be known as City of Tacurong" which became a Republic Act 8805 when it was signed by President Joseph Ejercito Estrada on August 16, 2000 and confirmed by the people in the city on a plebiscite held on September 18, 2000.

After it became a City, September 18 became also the Foundation Anniversary of the City. On the other hand, August 3 declared by the first city council as Barangay Day.

When the First City Council of Tacurong passed a resolution which increases the taxes and the amount of the basic services in the city, many residents and businessmen reacted on it negatively. When it was signed by Mayor Lino O. Montilla and became an ordinance, businessmen were disappointed. Now, it is considered as the Most Expensive Business Area in the province.

Barangays

Tacurong City is politically subdivided into 20 barangays.

Barangay Poblacion is the seat of the city government and center of most of the economic, cultural and political activities of the city. Although most of the barangays are agricultural-based, some barangays those that are adjacent to Barangay Poblacion are already becoming commercial, residential and industrial centers.

Demography

Population, size, growth and trend

As ----of 2000 census on population, the city of Tacurong has a total population of 76,424, of which, 76,325 or 99.87% is household ----population. This indicates an ----addition of 6,602 persons to the population enumerated by the census in 1995 which was 69,822. This puts the geometric growth rate of the population between 1995 and 2000 at 1.93 percent annually. Barangay Poblacion, being the urban center is the most populated area with 17,005 residents followed by Barangay New Isabela with 8,965 residents while Barangay San Rafael represents the least populated area with 801 persons or 1.05 percent of the total population. The city of Tacurong has a population density of 498.20 persons per square kilometer.

Of the eleven municipalities and a city in the province of Sultan Kudarat, the city of Tacurong is the largest in terms of population size comprising 13.4 percent of the total population of the province while comprising only 2.65% of the total land area of the province. Several factors contributed to the large population of the city of Tacurong. First, its being the center of finance, trade and commerce, and rest and recreation in the Central Mindanao area, the city play host to the large number of people who come to do their business and presents livelihood opportunities for the jobless. Second, the presence of basic services and facilities attracts the people from other municipalities to reside in the city; and third, the stability of peace and order situation of the city.

Urban/rural distribution

The urban dwellers from Poblacion, Barangay San Pablo, Barangay New Isabela and Barangay San Emmanuel represent 48.02 percent of the total population while the rural population is placed at 51.98 percent or 39,727 residents

Age/sex distribution

Based on 2000 census, male population comprised 50.59 percent of the total population or 38,663 residents while female population was 49.41 percent or 37,761 of the total population.

Basing on the age structure, it can be observed that the city’s population is predominantly young. The 50,440 or 66 percent belongs to 0-24 age level which has the largest share; 19,343 or 25.31 percent represents 25-49 age bracket; and 50 years and above age bracket which has the lowest share of 8.69 percent or 6,641 of the total population.

Mother tongue/ethnicity

Ilonggo is the mother tongue of 53,780 persons or 70.37 percent of the total population. About 11,838 or 15.49 percent have Ilocano as their mother tongue while the remaining 14.14 percent of the population are distributed to the different categories such as Cebuano (4.33%), Maguindanao (3.69%), Tagalog (3.61%) and others (2.51%).

Religious affiliation

The most dominant religion in the city is Roman Catholic with 58,371 believers representing 83.60 percent of the total population. About 5.18 percent or 3,616 are Islam believers while other denominations account for 11.22 percent.

Literacy and highest educational attainment

According to the 1995 census, of the total population 5 years old and over, around 58,030 or 95.72% were reported literate while 2,593 or 4.28% were illiterate.

In terms of highest educational attainment, approximately 21,654 persons or 35.72% of the population 5 years old and over were reported to have graduated from elementary or have had attended some graduates or have had some secondary education. Those who obtained post secondary education numbered 1,568 or 2.59%. college undergraduates were recorded to reach 5,049 or 8.33% while academic degree holders summed up to 6,397 or 10.55%. Of the latter, 43.50% are male while the other 56.50% are female.

Physical and natural resources: topography

The terrain of the city is mostly plain, about 84% and the slope ranges from 0-8%. The sloping areas are located at the southeastern portion of the city. The plain areas are drained by a number of streams and creeks running south to north. There are two soil types in the city, the banga sandy loam type and the timaga clay loam type. Fifteen of the barangays have the banga sandy loam type which is suited for corn and other crops. Five barangays have the timaga loam type which is generally suited for rice production.

Climate

Tacurong falls under the fourth type of climate characterized by an even distribution of rainfall. The average annual rainfall is 127.64 millimeters. The average temperature ranges from 27.36 to 27.56 degrees Celsius. Relative humidity averages 80 percent.

Natural resources

Except for its fertile land and a number of streams and creeks, Tacurong has few natural resources since it is an inland town with almost plain terrain. There are no forest areas except a 298-hectare reforestation site in Barangay New Passi. There are also some areas which could be developed into fish ponds. Barangay Kalandagan which is hilly is a good prospect for cattle breeding and cattle raising. It is also a good source of clay for making pots and of quarry materials.

Land use

The land area of the city is devoted to the following uses: residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial and open spaces. A vast expanse of 13,723.14 hectares or 89.46% is devoted to agriculture. Residential area accounts for the 3.71% of the total land area. Approximately, 36.8416 hectares and 86.0462 hectares of the land are classified as commercial and industrial areas respectively. About 13.39% of the total land area is classified as open space which are intended for recreational facilities, water, and areas utilized for transport facilities.

Economy

Commerce and industry

Years ago, the city depended for its source of Livelihood from agricultural and only part of the town income from a Commercial establishments. However, the influx of migrant part of the archipelago and evacuees from the neighboring place due to Sporadic disturbance caused by lawless elements, changed the Course of the city in its struggle for economic development From agriculture to commerce and industry. The increase of small Investors engaged in small scale industries such as furniture making, Candy factory, balut making, candy factory and vinegar making is a visible proof of a commercial and industrial trends of the city.

Presently; Tacurong has thirteen (13) banking institutions serving the financial/monetary needs of the residents of the locality and neighboring areas. These banks are 1. ALLIED BANK, 2. BPI-FAMILY BANK, 3. DBP, 4. FEBTC, 5. LAND BANK, 6. METROBANK, 7. PCI-Equitable Bank, 8. RURAL BANK OF TACURONG, 9. PENBANK, 10. Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), 11. RURAL BANK OF PRES. QUIRINO, 12. RURAL BANK OF PIGCAWAYAN., and 13.ONE NETWORK Bank

The main industry found in the city is rice and corn milling and trading. There are nineteen (19) medium to large scale rice mills operating thirty units and two corn mills operating three units in the locality including the giant National Food Authority-Southern Philippines Grains Complex (NFA-SPGC) silo (Mechanical Drier) and rice mill, the second largest in Asia.

The NFA-SPGC includes a number of large warehouses and has a milling capacity of twenty tons per hour. It also has a daily palay dispersal volume of 52,345 or 50-kg bags per day.The city has an agricultural crop production of 47,237.97 metric tons for all crops with 6,167.25 hectares planted. The annual rice production is 21,240 metric tons on 3,728 hectares planted, some 48% of which are irrigated. The annual corn production is 3,556.7 metric tons on 855.75 hectares planted.

The city also produces African palm oil, which is shipped to Manila to be used in the plastics and soap making industry and other chemical industries. The annual yield is 22,980 metric tons on 1,034 hectares planted.

There are also various small-scale industries like metal craft, food processing, furniture, ceramics, handicrafts, garments, pottery, vinegar making and balut making.

There are at present 1,041 registered business establishments in the community. Among these are the big shopping malls including the Tacurong Fit Mart, MS City Corporation, Kimsan Plaza Corporation, Kennedy Shopping Center and Swana Mercantile. There are also a number of large to medium scale hardware/convenience stores, specialty/novelty shops, restaurants/refreshments, parlors, fast food and other types of business establishments. These establishments cater to the needs of both the residents of the locality and the neighboring areas. There are also eleven (11) large appliance centers including the branches of some big-name ones such as EMCOR Appliance, Imperial Appliance Plaza, Quality Home Appliances and Better Homes Appliances Corporation.

The city has also five gasoline stations to cater to the needs of the motorists and the riding public. There is also the nearly completed construction of the Integrated Bus Terminal which sits on a 2.5- hectare lot in Barangay New Isabela and also a plan for the construction of a modern and integrated slaughter house and auction market. The new public market, which was completed last December 5, 1996, replaced the old public market, which was razed by fire last December 1989 resulting to the destruction of 75% of the market. The construction was made possible through a P 29 Million Loan from the World Bank through the Program for Essential Municipal Infrastructure Utilities, Maintenance and Engineering Development (PREMIUMED) and a grant of P 14 Million from the National Government. The new 10-Million Peso wet market (agora type) which was completed earlier was financed by the local government with assistance from the national government.

Government officials

The City officials for 2007-present are:

* Rep. Pax S. Mangudadatu
* Mayor Lino O. Montilla
* Vice Mayor Charito L. Collado
* SP Members:
** Hon. Rodrigo Jamorabon
** Hon. Sonny Fajardo
** Hon. Lino Ledda
** Hon. Virgilio C. Paredes
** Hon. Excel Pauya
** Hon. Joseph George L. Lechonsito
** Hon. Jong Señeres
** Hon. Teresita Cabaguing
** Hon. Andres Palabrica
** Hon. Joselito Cajandig
** Hon. (NO DATA) - ABC President
** Hon. Kathleen J. Montilla - SK Federation

* SP Secretary: Serafin Bernardo III----
* City Administrator: Eduardo K. Nicolo
* City Treasurer: Doris P. Lapuz
* City Engineer: Catherine E. Leguro

Past government officials

Elected Officials 2004-2007

**Rep. Suharto T. Mangudadatu (Lakas CMD-K4)
**Mayor Lino O. Montilla (NPC-KNP)
**Vice Mayor Charito L. Collado (NPC-KNP)

----Elected Officials 2001-2004

**Rep. Angelo Montilla (NPC-SK UNA)
**Mayor Lino Montilla (NPC-SK UNA)
**Vice Mayor Jonald Lagon (Independent)

----Elected Officials 1995-1998; 1998-2001

**Rep. Angelo O. Montilla
**Mayor Geronimo P. Arzagon
**Vice Mayor Lino O. Montilla

KNOWN FOUNDEROne of the founder of Tacurong CityAntonio C. Pedral Sr.

Religion: Roman Catholic

Personal:Wife: Felicidad Baybayan EstevesChildren:Florencia Pedral Ayap,Rene Pedral Amora,Jesus Pedral,Antonio Pedral,Juliet Pedral Corpuz,

Festivals

* PATRONAL FIESTA OF NUESTRA SEÑORA DELA CANDELARIA - Every 2nd day of February
* BARANGAY DAY - Every 3rd day of August
* TALAKUDONG FESTIVAL - Every 18th day of September
* INUGYUNAY FESTIVAL - Every December

Education

As the center of learning in the area, the Department of Education, Division Office is located in Tacurong. There are a total of 92 learning institutions from day care to tertiary level. Among these are 47 Day Care Centers, 29 elementary schools, 11 high schools, and 9 tertiary schools.

Of the 29 elementary schools, 22 are public and 7 are private. The secondary schools are composed of 5 public, 1 national, and 5 privately owned. The tertiary level includes the Sultan Kudarat Polytechnic State College (SKPSC); Sultan Kudarat Educational Institution (SKEI), a nursing and midwifery school; two private colleges offering various courses; and three vocational and computer schools

All these serve not only the school-going age population of the locality but also those of the neighboring areas.

The following are the lists of public elementary and secondary schools under the supervision of the Division of City schools of Tacurong:

Elementary

*1. Malipayon ES in San Emmanuel under Samuel B. Tubaña ( Head Teacher II)

*2. Amado Fernandez ES (formerly San Pablo ES)under Arlene Rosa G, Arquiza (Head Teacher II)

*3. Pedregosa-Acosta ES in Purok Liwayway, San Pablo under Saligyn Richiel P. Ortiz ( Teacher-in-Charge)

*4. San Emmanuel ES under Frank T. Nawal ( Officer-in-Charge)

*5. Tacurong Pilot ES under Charlie P. Nebreja ( Principal 1)

*6. Abang Suizo CES Purok Abang Suizo,Buenaflor under Alfredo E. Hablero (Teacher-in-charge)

*7. Buenaflor ES under Emeteria P. Malinao ( Principal 1)

*8. Dr. Manuel Grino MES in Grino under Asher F. Moral ( Principal 1)

*9. Maria Montilla MES in EJC Montilla under Erlinda P. Hilario ( Teacher-in-Charge)

*10. New Lagao ES (Alejandro H. Eliseo ES)under Apolinario A. Palomo ( Haed Teacher III)
*11. San Antonio ES under Cristina P. Gaurana ( Teacher-in-Charge)

*12. San Rafael ES under Aida P. Marquez ( Teacher-in-Charge)

*13. Tina ES under Florderica C. Ortega ( Head Teacher III)

*14. Victoria P. Dasmarinas ES (Quipolot ES) in Ledesma under Myrna C. Rendon ( Teacher-in-Charge)

*15. Elisa P Bernardo MES under Elsie B. Garde ( Teacher-in-charge)

*16. J. Hector Lacson ES in Calean under Vicente Prudencio V. Subaldo ( Teacher-in-Charge)

*17. Josue Alcasid ES (Baras ES) in Baras under Luz M. Buenacosa ( Master Teacher I)

*18. Kalandagan ES under Luz M. Buenacosa ( Master Taecher I)

*19. Lancheta ES under Rona Lallen-Bred ( Teacher-in-Charge)

*20. Lourdes Pama ES in Rajah Muda under Herminio B. Leque ( Haed Teacher II)

*21. Ma. Z. Bayya MES in New Carmen under Mrs. Nenita V. Sarceda ( Principal I)

*22. New Isabela CES under Mrs. Norma P. Gialogo ( Principal I)
*23. Rajah Muda ES under Mr. Ronnie L. Formacion( Principal I)
*24. Upper Katungal ES under Teofila P. Erolpan ( Teacher-in-Charge)

econdary

*1. A.S. Bernardo NHS in Baras under Mr. Cesar C. Indico ( Principal I)

*2. Rajah Muda NHS under Mrs. Ligaya A. Catedrilla ( Teacher-in-Charge)

*3. San Emmanuel NHS under Mrs. Isabelita R. Duadua ( Principal I)

*4. Tacurong NHS in New Isabela under Mr. Eduardo V. Europa (Principal I)

*5. V.F. Grino NHS in Grino under Mr. Danilo S. Umadhay ( Principal II)

These are pioneering schools in the city:

Tertiary
** Notre Dame of Tacurong College= Lapu-Lapu Street, Tacurong City
** Quezon Colleges of Southern Philippines
** Robert's College of Business administration,Inc.= Ledesma Street, Tacurong City
** Sultan Kudarat Polytechnic State College= J.C. Montilla, Tacurong City
** STI College Education Center
** Valdez Mother & Child (VMC) City College, Inc.
** Sultan Kudarat Educational Institution (Tamondong Medical School)
** Southern Mindanao Institute of Technology= National Highway, Tacurong City

Secondary
** Sultan Kudarat Polytechnic State College Science Laboratory High School
** Notre Dame of Tacurong for Girls
** Notre Dame of Tacurong College High School Department
** St. John Learning Center High School
** Tacurong National High School
** Valdez Mother & Child (VMC) City College, Inc.
** Tacurong Siloam ABC Learning Center, Inc.

Elementary
** Notre Dame of Tacurong College Elementary Department
** Tacurong Pilot Elementary School
** St. John Learning Center, Inc.
** Montessori Learning Center, Inc.
** Tacurong Seventh Day Adventist Learning Center
** Valdez Mother & Child (VMC) City College, Inc.
** Tacurong Siloam ABC Learning Center, Inc.

Banks and financial institutions

* Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (METROBANK)
* Equitable PCI Bank - Banco de Oro [Unibank] Merger (Banco de Oro/PCI Bank)
* Development Bank of the Philippines (DPB)
* Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank)
* Allied Banking Corporation (AlliedBank)
* Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC)
* Network Rural Bank, Inc. (One Network Bank)
* Peninsula Rural Bank, Inc. (PENBANK)
* Rural Bank of Tacurong, Inc.
* Rural Bank of Pigkawayan (Cotabato), Inc. (PARTNER RURAL BANK)
* Rural Bank of Pres. Quirino (Sultan Kudarat), Inc.
* Rural Bank of Lebak (Sultan Kudarat), Inc.

chools

* Notre Dame of Tacurong College
* Sultan Kudarat Polytechnic State College (soon to be "Sultan Kudarat State University")
* STI Tacurong College Education Center
* Southern Mindanao Institute of Technology
* Sultan Kudarat Educational Institution
* VMC City College
* St. Fracis College of Science and Technology
* Sultan Kudarat Institute of Science and Technology
* Quezon Colleges of Southern Philippines
* Notre Dame of Tacurong for Girls Dominican-Sienna School
* St. John Learning Center, Inc.
* St. Benedict Learning Center
* Tacurong Seventh Day Adventist Learning Center
* Montessori Learning Center, Inc.
* Tacurong Siloam ABC Learning Center, Inc.

Accommodations

* Beldent Star Hotel & Restaurant (Accredited by the Department of Tourism)
* Edpar 808 Traders Inn
* Twins' Lodge
* 1st City Lodge
* BF Lodge
* Highway Lodge
* Garvin's Appartelle
* Blue Verses Inn
* Edjin Pension House

ports and recreation

*Cristina Bowling Lanes
*Orion Swimming Pool
*Breaktime Resort
*Lacson Swimming Pool
*Barrozo Swimming Pool
*Diaz Swimming Pool

Bold text=Shopping destinations=

* Kimsan Plaza Corporation (active)
*Tacurong Family and Friends Corporation (active)
* Tacurong Fit Mart (moving-out)
* MS City Corporation (closed)
* Lee Kay Kee & Son's (active)
* Kimsan, Inc. (closed)
* Unite General Merchandise - NOVO (active)
* Sugni Superstore (closed)
* Noeleen's Gift Mart (active)
* Datu Complex, Inc. (closed)
* Swana Mercanticle (acive)
* Kennedy Shopping Center (closed)
* Tacurong Dry Goods Section - Maranaw Shopping Center (active)*
*"Luzon Native Products And Gen. Mdse." "Bike Shop"

Hospitals, health and nutrition

There are nine hospitals and 13 medical clinics of various specialties presently located in the locality including 28 private medical practitioners, 60 nurses and 80 midwives, which complement the local health unit and barangay health centers. There are also 14 dental clinics and 12 optical clinics

There are nine pharmacies currently in operation in the city including the branches of two branches of Mercury Drug and Rose Pharmacy.

The local health unit of the local government unit of Tacurong located at Barangay Poblacion offers free services to the public particularly the needy ones. It has an ambulance for use in emergencies. The Association of Barangay Chairmen has also an ambulance for use by the constituents of the city. It also has numerous Volunteer Rural Health Workers who offer free services to the different barangays.

* Tacurong City Hospital (under construction)
* Sultan Kudarat Doctor's Hospital
* Tacurong Medical Mission Cooperative Hospital
* St. Louis Medical Clinic & Hospital
* Sandig Clinic & Hospital
* AMOIL Clinic & Hospital
* Lu Clinic & Hospital
* Jacalan Hospital
* Duque Clinic & Hospital
* Valdez Mother and Child Clinic and Hospital
* Tomboc Salayog Hospital (System based Hospital) - [www.sanosolutions.somee.com]

Housing

The Tacurong Habitat for Humanity was able to build houses for the poor at the Tacurong Resettlement Site provided by the Local Government of Tacurong, which was developed by the National Housing Authority. There are already about 100 families living in the homes built by Habitat. There were also 40 housing units built at the resettlement site funded out of the Lingap Para sa Mahirap Fund of Honorable Angelo O. Montilla, Representative of the Lone District of Sultan Kudarat. Said houses were already awarded to deserving families. Housing orientation and value formation was conducted to 418 beneficiaries for socialized housing to make them aware and ready of their responsibility as homepartners at the resettlement site

Infrastructure and utilities

RoadsThere is a total of 181.244 kilometers of national, provincial, city and barangay roads in the locality. Of this kilometerage of roads, 20.970 are national, 31.950 are provincial, 18.020 are city roads, and 110.804 are barangay roads. The national highways of Tacurong are the Dulawan - Koronadal Road and the Kidapawan – Allah Junction road, both of which total to 19.71 kilometers. The Dulawan – Koronadal Road has a length of 11.95 km, a standard width of 60 meters and a 0%-1% gradient at km. 235+069+244+000-247+385. This road connects Tacurong City to South Cotabato Province to the south and the Municipality of Lambayong to the north. The National Highway is a well-paved system stretching from Cotabato City to Makilala in Cotabato Province. The portion of the National Highway fronting the commercial district is a four-lane concrete road with a total length of 1 km. and is undergoing expansion. Alunan Highway is also concrete from the boundary with Lambayong to Gen. Santos City. The streets surrounding the newly constructed public market also have four lanes. A number of streets in the poblacion are already concrete and many more are in the pipeline for concreting. The construction of the drainage system especially in the poblacion is also on going.

The provincial roads have a total of 31.950 kilometers in length with each road having a standard width of 30 meters and a road-of-way of 15 meters. All roads have earth surfacing except the highway junction – Rajah Muda road that is graveled. The roads around the poblacion has a total of 18.020 kilometers in length with each road having a standard width of 20 meters. The barangay roads have a total length of 110.804 kilometers. Mostly their condition is poor and it needs improvement of surfacing materials. These roads inter-connects the different barangays of the city.

Existing Roads by Length, Type of Pavement and Percent (%) DistributionRoad Length in km. General Type of Pavement (Length = km.)

Concrete Percent (%) Graveled Aggregate Base Surface Percent(%) Asphalt Percent(%) National 29.00 41.75 17.45 164.60 Provincial 29.000 0.500 3.125 100% City 1.20% 17.90% Barangay TOTAL 252.80 32.625 12.91% 220.175 87.09%

Bridges

There are (5) bridges along the National Highways of Tacurong City. These are the Calean Bridge, Kalandagan Bridge, New Carmen Bridge, and San Antonio-Bilumin Bridge along the Dulawan – Koronadal Road and the Katungal Bridge along the Kidapawan – Allan Junction Road. All are of the RCDG Type with width of 6.0 meters and with length varying from 5.0 to 10.0 meters.

Inventory of bridges by location, type, capacity and dimensions:

Location Type Capacity(Metric Tons) Length(Meter) Width(Meter) Calean Concrete 3 5 5 EJC Montilla Concrete 10 10 6 Kalandagan Concrete 10 10 6 New Carmen Concrete 10 10 6 San Antonio Concrete 10 5 4 Source: DPWH

Transportation

Due to its strategic location, there are present five big bus companies serving the riding public, there are also a large number of other transport systems present including the air-conditioned vans and jeepneys which ply the routes to and from the city. The main transport system inside the locality is the pedicab (tricycle) which now numbers about 2,000 units. The people of the city also own a large number of private vehicles of all sizes and makes. The local government is about to open the Integrated Public Terminal later this year, the first of its kind to put up in Central Mindanao.Existing Utility Vehicles, Year 2000T Y P E Number Percent (%) 1. Bus 48 3 0.7% 2. Public Utility Vans (L300, FX, Urvan) 153 2.4% 3. Public Utility Multicabs 105 1.6% 4. Public Utility Jeepneys 285 4.4% 5. Tricycles 2,493 38.4% 6. Motorcycles 2,803 43.2% 7. Trucks 60 9.3% TOTAL 6,490 100%

Utilities

The electric power in the city is distributed by the Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative (SUKELCO) which is based in Tacurong, the city is now 89% energized, and expansion is still on going.

Electric power is supplied by the National Power Corporation (NPC) which is relatively cheaper since most of the energy generated is from NPC’s Maria Cristina Fall Hydroelectric Power Plant. An NPC substation is also located in the municipality; this substation is currently supplying the electric power needs of the Central Mindanao area including Cotabato City and General Santos City.

Potable water supply is being distributed to the poblacion and its adjacent barangays by the Sultan Kudarat Water District (SKWD), a subsidiary of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).

Peace and order

For the year 2001, the crime rate in the City of Tacurong comparatively decreased compared to the statistics recorded for the year 2000. A total of 126 incidents were reported which is lower than the 139 incidents recorded for the same period for the year 2000. The average monthly crime rate is at 10.5 % at a population of 100,000

The Tacurong Police Station solved a total of 108 cases out of the 126 recorded incidents with a crime solution efficiency of 85.7%. With a higher crime solution efficiency compared to that of the year 2000 which recorded an 83% crime solution efficiency for the same period having solved 116 out of the 139 recorded incidents.

Index crimes, which are crimes against person, chastity and property reflect 59.50% of the total crime volume. Non-index crimes reflect 40.5% share of the total crime volume.

Table 1 below shows the Monthly Crime Statistics for the year 2001 and Table 2 shows the Comparative Crime Statistics for the Years 2000 and 2001.Table 1. MONTHLY CRIME STATISTICS, 2001

Month Crime Crimes Crimes Crime Crime EfffeciencyVolume Non- Volume Solutin Index Index Solved CasesJan 6 5 1 6 3 50 Feb 9 4 5 9 9 100 Mar 9 6 3 9 9 100 Apr 9 6 3 9 8 89 May 13 7 6 13 13 100 June 11 8 3 11 11 100 July 15 7 8 15 12 80 Aug 6 3 3 6 6 100Sep 11 7 4 11 6 55Oct 8 6 2 8 8 100Nov 16 10 6 16 14 87Dec 13 6 7 13 9 70TOTAL 126 75 51 126 108 85.7Source: Tacurong City Police Station

Table F.2 below shows the comparative crime statistics for the years 2000 and 2001.

Table 2. Comparative Crime Statistics, 2000-2001

Crime Solved Unsolved Index Non-Index CrimesVolume Cases Cases Crimes Crimes Solution Efficiency 2000 139 116 24 98 42 83%2001 126 108 18 75 51 85.7%Source: Tacurong City Police Station

Agriculture

Tacurong stands among other municipalities of Sultan Kudarat as an agriculture area. Out of its total area, 81.25 or 12,987 hectares are devoted for agricultural crops. Major crop produced in the city is rice, which covers about 4,836 hectares. Total irrigated land area planted to rice is 2,206. The rest are rainfed with 2,630 hectares. Corn is the second staple crop to rice. It occupies an area of 1,976 hectares. Another viable crop in the field of Agriculture is the African Palm oil tree. Sugar is another sources of the city’s income. It is produce locally over 113 hectares of land found in Barangays San Emmanuel, Tina, Kalandagan and New Passi. Coconut occupies 53.0 Hectares of land, but is not developed as compares to rice and corn, root crops, vegetable and other crops are among the tangible proofs of the people’s support to the program on green revolution. Aside from the Agricultural crops already maintained, citrus, mango, rubber, tee, cacao and soybeans are also planted in the city to help boost agricultural production.

The preceding table shows the Crop Production for Calendar Year 2001, as per record of the Agriculture Section.

Crop production::City of TacurongJanuary to December 2001PROGRAMS/PROJECTSACTIVITIES INDICATOR ANNUALTARGET ACCOM-PLISHMENT PERCENT-AGE (%)CROP SECTORFarmers Adopting Technology Area Covered Ha. 1.0 100%Farmers Served No. 1.0 100%CROP PRODUCTION
*RICE 1. Rice-Irrigated Area Planted Ha. 8941 88.3%Area Harvested Ha. 8941 70.8%Production MT. 35964 67.5%Ave.Production/has. MT. 4.0 95%Farmers Served 5657 102.6%2. RainfedLowland Area Planted Ha. 1265 68%Area Harvested Ha. 1265 39.6%Production MT. 4743.75 37%Ave.Production/has. MT. 3.75 93.3%Farmers Served No. 815 86.3%3. Rainfed Upland Area Planted Ha. 100 158%Area Harvested Ha. 100 128%Production MT. 350 101%Ave.Production/has. MT. 3.5 80%Farmers Served 85 137.6%
*CORN 1. Yellow Corn Area Planted Ha. 1000 25%Area Harvested Ha. 1000 55%Production MT. 3500 59.1%Ave.Production/has. MT. 3.5 105.7%Farmers Served No. 600 87.5%2. White corn Area Planted Ha. 160 147%Area Harvested Ha. 100 101%Production MT. 300 63.8%Ave.Production/has. MT. 3.0 58.3%Farmers Served No. 55 65.5%CROP PRODUCTIONCity of TacurongJanuary to December 2001PROGRAMS/PROJECTSACTIVITIES INDICATOR ANNUALTARGET ACCOM-PLISHMENT PERCET-AGE (%)
*Legumes 1. Mongo Area Planted Ha. 100 102.5%Area Harvested Ha. 100 73%Production MT. 100 73.5%Ave.Production/has. MT. 1.0 100%Farmers Served 70 63%2. Peanut Area Planted Ha. 2.5 80%Area Harvested Ha. 2.5 80%Production MT. 2.5 100%Ave.Production/has. MT. 1.0 100%Farmers Served No. 10 80%3. Soybean/Red Beans Area Planted Ha. Area Harvested Ha. Production MT. Ave.Production/has. MT. Farmers Served
*Root Crops 1. Camote Area Planted Ha. 5 40%Area Harvested Ha. 5 40%Production MT. 12.5 40%Ave.Production/has. MT. 2.5 100%Farmers Served No. 5 40%2. Cassava Area Planted Ha. 30 100%Area Harvested Ha. 30 100%Production MT. 33 100%Ave.Production/has. MT. 1.0 110%Farmers Served No. 20 100%

CROP PRODUCTIONCity of TacurongJanuary to December 2001PROGRAMS/PROJECTSACTIVITIES INDICATOR ANNUALTARGET ACCOM-PLISHMENT PERCET-AGE (%)
*Root Crops 3. Gabi, Ube, Arrow RootsArea Planted Ha. Area Harvested Ha. Production MT. Ave.Production/has. MT. Farmers Served 4. VegetablesA. Leafy VegetablesArea Planted Ha. 5.75 100%Area Harvested Ha. 5.75 100%Production MT. 5.75 100%Ave.Production/has. MT. 1.0 100%Farmers Served No. 31 100%B. Fruit Vegetables5. Other Fruits Area Planted (New) Ha. 10 60%Farmers Served No. 10 130%Area Planted (existing) Ha. 150 102%Area Harvested Ha. 150 102%Production MT. 675 102%Ave.Production/has. MT. 4.5 100%Farmers Served No. 10 120%IPM & SEWa. Farmers using IPM Tech 600 101%1. Area Covered 5000 102%-Rice 2000 124%-Corn 2500 105.7%SEWS 1. Area Covered 4100 113%-Rice 300 101.7%-Corn 1100 145.2%RAT CONTROL 1. Chemical Control -Poison Distributed kg. -Farmers Served No. -Area Covered Ha.

Tourist destinations

* Baras Bird Sanctuary
* New Passi Mountain Range
* Southern Philippines Grains Complex (NFA-SPGC)
* National Transmission Corporation Electricity Generation Complex
* City Hall of Tacurong

Memorial parks

* Shangri-la Memorial Park
* Tacurong Public Cemetery
* Sultan Kudarat Memorial Park

Transportation

* Long Distance Travel
** Yellow Bus Line, Inc.
** Rural Transit
** Husky Bus
** Grand Transport Corporation
** M&S Transit
** Airconditioned Van

* Within the borders
** Jeepney
** Multi-cab
** Van

* Within the city
** Tricycle

Broadcasting networks

Radio
* Manila Broadcasting Company
**DZRH
**Radyo NatinAddress: 2nd Blk. Biaca Subd., Tacurog CityContact No.: [phone]

TelevisionSultan Kudarat Broadcasting Company

National Highway, Tacurong City

ecurity, Peace and Order

The issue of peace and order is one of the major problems in the city. It experienced continuous series of bombings since December 31, 2002 (the most tragic). Various terrorists and kinap-for-ransom groups have been tagged as responsible for these bombings yet the authorities failed to prove evidences linking any such. Currently, majority of the law-enforcement authorities operating in the city are Civilian Volunteers' Organization (CVO) sometimes called as Barangay Police. The big issue today confronting the City Government is the services provided by these CVOs are insufficient to deter and/or compell any violence or hazard that might arise.

Potential Mayoralty bets in 2010

1. Vice Mayor Charito L. Collado2. Former vice mayor Jonald Lagon3. Councilor Excel Pauya4. Councilor Virgilio Paredes5. Former councilor Ralen Bernardo6. Rep. Pax Mangudadatu7. Board Member Orfelina Segura

External links

* [http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/default.asp Philippine Standard Geographic Code]
* [http://www.t-macs.com/kiso/local/ 2000 Philippine Census Information]
* [http://www.sanosolutions.somee.com Tacurong Software and Web Solutions]