05 Final Performance Task - Flores, Templado, Ricabar, & Miranda

SURALLAH AT ITS FINEST!

I.Introduction

In the enchanting embrace of time, where the strokes of legislative ingenuity painted dreams

into existence, the Municipality of Surallah emerged as a testament to metamorphosis. With

the grand flourish of Republic Act No. 3420 in the annals of June 15, 1961, Surallah pirouetted

into being, a vibrant creation on the provincial canvas. The legislative choreography continued

with a refined rhythm in Republic Act 3664 on June 22, 1963, fine-tuning the narrative of this

first-class municipality nestled in the Upper Valley of South Cotabato. A symphony of

seventeen barangays harmonizes within its borders, and Surallah stands as the beckoning

gateway to a cascade of surrounding municipalities. Enveloping approximately 31,200

hectares of land, this verdant expanse breathes life into the municipality's agricultural

tapestry, earning it the esteemed titles of Provincial Agri-industrial Center and Alternate Urban

and Trading Center of the Province of South Cotabato. Surallah, a champion-advocate of the

Clean and Green Program, unfolds a visionary tableau for integral development, Surallah
orchestrates a kaleidoscopic vision for the future—a pulsating agri-industrial zone destined to

lead the provincial symphony in South Cotabato's dynamic tapestry. Welcome to Surallah,

where the legislative brush strokes of yesteryears have woven a masterpiece of progress and

promise.

II. Body

2.1. The History of the Local Place

Before the influx of Christian settlements following World War II, only a handful of regions in

Cotabato experienced development due to the nomadic lifestyle of the indigenous inhabitants.

Nine native settlements, including Lembohung, Telehek, Kolon Botong, Be Tube, Moto Blete,

Lemyan, Lemsogod, Lemkenahay, and Snolon, established themselves along the "Hamto

Tonok" river, now recognized as the Allah River. Lembohung emerged as a pivotal trading

center in the area known as "Seslong," serving as a convergence point for travelers embarking

on extended journeys to other trade hubs in the southeastern part of Mindanao.

In the mid-1950s, the inception of Surallah began with the defunct Land Settlement

Development Corporation (LASEDECO). The National Resettlement and Rehabilitation

Administration (NARRA) advocated for the approval of the townsite subdivision of Banga Base

Compound, also referred to as TS 1019. Despite opposition from municipal officials in its

parent town, Banga, the proposal gained approval from the National Planning Commission

through Resolution No. 167 on December 15, 1957. Congressman Salipada K. Pendatun

sponsored the formal creation proposal in 1959 via House Bill No. 2023. Republic Act 3420,

which established Surallah as a municipality, received approval on June 15, 1961, and later

underwent amendment through Republic Act 3664 on June 22, 1963.

The official inauguration of the new town occurred on September 20, 1963, with its initial set

of appointed officials, including Mayor Jose T. Sison of Libertad, Vice Mayor Datu Kapok

Ambalgan, and councilors Jose P. Dajay, Felimon Aaron, Leonardo Ampoyas, Belen

Capumpue, Angelino Locsin, and Mamerto Orbasayan. At its inception, Surallah operated as

a 6th class municipality with 26 barrios and a population of 26,162, spanning an extensive

land area of 97,000 hectares. The burgeoning growth of its cluster barrios led to the

emergence of new towns. The establishment of the municipality of T’boli in 1974 resulted in

a reduction of Surallah's total area as six barrios integrated into the new municipality.

Subsequently, three barangays were created from existing ones, reducing the municipality's

count to 23 official barangays.

Surallah underwent reclassification from a fifth-class to a third-class municipality in July 1991,

marking its status as one of the most progressive municipalities in South Cotabato. It

ascended to second-class municipality in 1993 and achieved reclassification as a first-class

municipality by the Department of Finance in July 1997.

2.2. The historical and heritage sites of the place

The Surallah Cultural Landmark, also known as the Tri-People Monument, stands as the

province's latest attraction, unveiled on March 15, 2011. Crafted by renowned Mindanao

sculptor Kublai Ponce Millan, this artistic masterpiece pays homage to the tri-people

community residing in the area—the T'bolis, Muslims, and Christian settlers. It intricately

showcases the rich diversity of Surallah by featuring indigenous elements and emphasizing

the significance of local produce. Central to the monument is the towering 60-feet high

Hegalong, a 2-string indigenous T'boli musical instrument, encircled by the expansive leaves

of the native bulb plant, Bohung.

Encompassing the Bohung are two colossal drums known as T'nonggong, accompanied by

monumental sculpted figures representing T'bolis, Muslims, and Christians. These figures are

depicted engaging in joyful activities such as playing musical instruments and dancing, with

some holding an array of local produce including grains, vegetables, fish, and fruits. The

Surallah Cultural Landmark serves not only as an aesthetic marvel but also as a symbol of

unity, celebrating the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures in the region.

2.3. The Native Customs of the Place

Nestled in the Southwest of South Cotabato, Surallah encapsulates a unique blend of cultural

traditions from its tri-people communities in the vast plains of the Allah Valley Basin. The

Surbétube Festival, deriving its name from "Sur" (South) and "bétube" (At the riverbanks),

symbolizes the convergence of diverse cultures. Inspired by the ten datus' significant

contributions, the festival celebrates Surallah's rich socio-cultural heritage. Historically known

as "Hamto Tonok," Surallah's strategic location and abundant water resources positioned it as

a growth center in the Upper Valley area. The festival serves as a hub for socio-cultural

interactions among indigenous people, Muslims, and migrants from Luzon and Visayas.

Additionally, Surallah earns the title "Christmas Capital of South Cotabato," hosting the annual

Kasadya Christmas Festival, spreading festive cheer each December.

2.4. The Religions of the Place and their Ceremonies

The municipality of Surallah embraces a diverse religious landscape, featuring Christianity in

its various denominations like Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and Evangelicalism,

alongside the presence of Islam and indigenous belief systems. Christianity, including Roman

Catholicism, engages in traditional ceremonies like Mass and sacraments, while Islam

observes regular prayers and celebrates festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

Indigenous belief systems, rooted in the cultural traditions of the tri-people communities, may

involve ceremonies centered on nature, ancestral spirits, and communal rituals. This

amalgamation of religious practices in Surallah fosters a harmonious coexistence,

underscoring the community's respect for diverse faiths and cultural traditions.

III. Research argument

Surallah, currently experiencing a revitalization, can indeed be described as "Surallah at its

finest." The remarkable strides made in recent years, evident in heightened investor

engagement and substantial municipal improvements, underscore the municipality's

commitment to realizing its visionary mission and vision. Positioned as a burgeoning Agro-

Industrial City in South Cotabato, Surallah has strategically embraced its role as the Provincial

Agro-Industrial Center in the Upper Valley Area, showcasing economic competitiveness and

robust infrastructure. The citizens' dedication to effective governance aligns seamlessly with

their goal of cityhood, emphasizing the integral role good governance plays in shaping

Surallah's prosperous future. The mission to cultivate peaceful, healthy, and empowered

communities, coupled with a diversified economy, quality infrastructure, and a protected

environment, not only reflects the constituents' aspirations but also positions Surallah as a

beacon of resilience and sustainable development. Indeed, "Surallah at its finest"

encapsulates the municipality's current peak, characterized by growth, vision, and a

commitment to excellence.
IV. Bibliography / References

About - Smile Surallah. (2019, January 13). Smile Surallah.

https://www.surallah.gov.ph/about/#

Nanardx. (2023, December 18). Tri- People Monument | Surallah Cultural Landmark. South

Cotabato News. https://www.southcotabatonews.com/2013/01/tri-people-

monument-surallah-cultural.html

Founding Anniversary and Surbetube Festival - Smile Surallah. (2019, February 10). Smile

Surallah. https://www.surallah.gov.ph/founding-anniversary-and-surbetube-festival/

Kasadya Christmas Village in Surallah, South Cotabato | SOXPH TV. (n.d.).

SOCCSKSARGEN, Philippines #SOXph by Nanardx.

https://www.soxph.com/2017/12/kasadya-christmas-village-in-surallah.html

Best religious organization in Surallah. (n.d.). https://ph.top10place.com/c/religious-

organization/l/surallah/

Pinoy Palaboy. (2020, April 15). Surallah, South Cotabato Birds-Eye View [Video]. YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxLhN7mI1hk

Surallah Travel Guide. (n.d.-b). https://www.traveldojo.com/surallah/#