Makilala

Makilala is a municipality in Cotabato Province covering 343 square kilometers at an elevation of 268 meters. It borders Mount Apo National Park to the southeast and features landscapes shaped by agriculture and mountainous terrain.

This municipality gained independence from Kidapawan on September 8, 1954, through an executive order by President Ramon Magsaysay. This milestone marked the start of its development as a separate administrative unit in Cotabato.

The name comes from three early barangays - Malasila, Kisante, and Lamitan - with an added syllable linked to Hiligaynon language meanings. You can still sense these origins in how local communities maintain their traditions and daily practices.

The local economy centers on agriculture, including rubber processing, rice farming, and large-scale banana plantations. Visitors should expect warm, humid weather and rural infrastructure, particularly when traveling to the mountainous areas.

New Israel district houses one of Asia's longest zip-lines, giving visitors a way to explore Mount Apo National Park from above. This unusual attraction offers both a fresh perspective on the landscape and chances to encounter local wildlife.

Location: Cotabato

Inception: September 8, 1954

Elevation above the sea: 268 m

Shares border with: Kidapawan, Bansalan, Magsaysay

Address: W55F+JC5, Makilala, Cotabato, Philippines

Website: http://makilala.gov.ph

GPS coordinates: 6.96667,125.08333

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:00