Matalam, Municipality in Cotabato, Philippines.
Matalam is a municipality covering around 48,000 hectares in North Cotabato, positioned along the Cotabato-Davao National Highway within the Arakan Valley. The area is divided into 34 barangays and benefits from year-round rainfall that supports farming of rice, corn, and copra.
This municipality was established in 1961 through Executive Order 461 signed by President Carlos P. Garcia as the 32nd municipality of Cotabato Province. It was carved out from the former territory of Crossing M'lang.
The population brings together Ilonggo, Ilocano, Maguindanaon, and Cebuano speakers who share the territory. The Sallah-Mat Festival on December 29 reflects both Ilocano and Muslim traditions through public celebrations that mark the community's mixed heritage.
Plan for wet conditions year-round, though some months are drier than others for traveling. The territory is spread across 34 separate barangays, so knowing which area you want to visit ahead of time helps with navigation.
The name comes from Datu Udtog Matalam and translates to weaponry or arms in the Maguindanaon language. This linguistic connection reflects the historical importance of the former leader who shaped the region.
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