THE BEAUTEOUS HOMETOWN

Surallah is a very fast growing municipality of South Cotabato. Formerly, it formed part of the municipality of Banga. Due to the early settlers desire to be a separate entity, the leaders of the prominent barrios like Libertad and Centrala strengthened their community and eventually spearheaded its separation from Banga's jurisdiction. A greater portion of these two barrios presently comprise the entire population area.

The Municipality of Surallah was created by virtue of Republic Act 3120 on June 18, 1961 as later on amended by RA 3664 on June 22, 1963. Its history is generally reckoned with the influx of settlers coming from Luzon and Visayas who were afforded the chance to demonstrate their abilities under the settlements programs of NLSA; RPC-NDC; NARRA and LASADECO.

Surallah started as 6th class municipality with 26 barrios and a population of 26,162 settlinng in a vast land area of 97,000 hectares. 

Festival 
Lembohung Festival - An annual celebration which aims to promote and develop its tradition, arts and culture to foster unity of the different ethnical tribes. 

LGU Type: Municipality 
Province Name: South Cotabato 
LGU Name: Surallah 
Income Class: 1st 
Population: 75,841 
Total Land Area (in has): 31,110.00 
No. of Barangays: 17 
No. of Households: 15,337 

HISTORY OF SURALLAH

The Municipality of Surallah was created by virtue of Republic Act 3420 on June 18, 1961 as later amended by RA 3664 on June 22, 1963. Its history is generally reckoned with the influx of settlers coming from their abilities under the settlements Programs of NLSA; RPC-NDC; NARRA and LASEDECO.

Surallah started as 6^th Class Municipality with 26 barrios and a population of 26,162 settling in a vast land area of 97,000 hectares. The rapid growth of its cluster barrios made the support of the new town. The creation of the Municipality of T’boli in 1964 making six (6) barrios integrated in thus, reducing the total land area to 31,200 hectares. Subsequently, three (3) Barangays were created from their mother barangay; hence, the municipality has 23 officials barangay.

Lately, the booming tourism industry in the south made to be the primary factor of the birth of the new Municipality of Lake Sebu in 1982, causing the reduction of the total land area and population of Surallah from 31,200 to 31,110 hectares and from 52,703 to 42,467 respectively. The separation of Lake Sebu into Municipality made another reduction in the number of barangay from 23 to 17.

The influential leadership of the municipality triggered the tremendous growth development from a small span of years from its creation up to 1990. First, the administration of the Hon. Jose T. Sison who served the Municipality from 1963-1978 until the election for regional representatives caused Mayor Jose T.  Sison to become the Assemblyman of Region XI. Former barrio treasurer of Libertad, Federico Magalona, Jr. was appointed to assume the office until the Local Election of January 31, 1980. The concluded poll gave the mayoralty seat to Conrado P. Haguisan to serve from seat Hon. Lorenzo Delmo until November 21,1987 who vacated the post to run in January 18,1988 election. From December 1, 1987 to January 31, 1988 former OIC Councilor Fransisco Sodusta served as OIC Mayor. The election in January 1988 gave back the local leadership to former Assemblyman Jose T. Sison as Municipal Mayor of Surallah who served for three terms until May 1998. The race for Local leadership in May election proved to be competitive among aspirants who had eventually won by Hon. Romulo O. Solivio. The new leadership brought necessary changes in the administration more specific on a gradual shift from traditional type to a more conventional way of governance by re-inventing new techniques thru dynamic participative approaches.

There is no official source of information regarding the origin of the name of the place according to pioneer inhabitants, they called the place “Scherazade Allah” Scherazade is an Arab word which denotes something beautiful. The Christian settlers later modified the word into “Surallah” Which means South of Allah. The origin inhabitants of the area are the tagabilis, a mountain tribe people who moved inward after the arrival of the Christian settlers from Luzon and Visayas. The latest census of May 2000 gave Surallah the Officials population count of 66,208.

On July 1991, Surallah was reclassified from fifth class to third class Municipality being considered as one of the most progressive municipality in the province of South Cotabato. Subsequently in 1993, it became a second class municipality and later in July of 1997 it was reclassified as first class municipality by the Department of Finance

Banking on the Potentials for Agro-industrial and commercials developments, the administration geared its program toward making Surallah as the Agro-industrial and commercial center for Upper Valley Area where vision is specifically addressed to.

As economic activities flourished in the area, more people especially businessmen settled into the place which contributed much to faster pace of development.

The Municipality’s vision as an Agro-industrial and Commercial center of the Upper valley Area for the coming years continues as it directs its mission towards providing infrastructure developments, economic supports services and facilities to attract and encourage growth of investments in the municipality. Aside from these, the improvement of the social services, the conservation of the natural resources and protection of the environment are also priority development objectives of this fast growing municipality presently serving as the economic center of the Upper Valley Area.

Vision

Surallah, an Agro-industrial City in South Cotabato and the service center of Upper Valley, driven by a competitive and diversified Economy, supported by adequate and well-built infrastructure, and where a healthy citizenry enjoys a clean and green environment and is empowered in an atmosphere of responsible and effective governance.

                                  Mission

“Create a sound management in the delivery of services for the people for efficient and effective local governance.”

                                                                    MAP

 GOVERRNMENT

Municipal Officials

2010-2013

ROMULO O. SOLIVIO SR.

Municipal Mayor

ANTONIO O. BENDITA

Vice-Mayor

Sangguniang Bayan Members

Hon. Pinky U. Divinagracia

Hon. Hernany G Regalado

Hon. Antonio C. Rosal

Hon. Jose Mari L. Pingoy

Hon. Edgardo V. Canieso

Hon. Lorenzo E. Dagum

Hon. Romulo B. Solivio Jr.

                                                                    Hon. Merlina L. Lopez

Surallahnons Activities 

PSSN Visited Surallah The Municipality of Surallah continues to establish its name, even outside the country. In fact it is visited by different guests everyday coming from different places. Since it is a way point going to Lake Sebu visitors passing by can’t help but stop their vehicles and take a picture on the work of art and sculptors that are all over the place. As a proof, last May 24, 2012, the team from Philippine Society for the Study of Nature (PSSN) headed by Dr. Susan Ortuoste visited Surallah and brought along 176 participants. The LGU prepared a short program for the guests coming from the different regions of the Philippines. What made the visit a special one was the presence of guests coming from Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, China, Thailand and Vietnam who were very happy seeing the extraordinary structures of Surallah. During the program, Dr. Ortuoste endlessly thanked the LGU for preparing a warm welcome for the visitors. A short cultural presentation depicting the different settlers of Surallah was then showed performed by the selected students as well as the presentation of Surallah Rondalla playing folk songs for the entertainment of the guests. Mayor Solivio during his message left the visitors with a resounding environmental quote that states ‘we do not inherit the earth from our children, we borrow it from them’., that was greatly applauded.

Last Updated on Friday, 20 July 2012 15:13

 

ASTIG Summer Sports Clinic 2012 launched in Surallah

Written by Arleene P. Ogates

Friday, 20 July 2012 15:03

ASTIG Summer Sports Clinic 2012 launched in Surallah To give break to the people of Surallah with their business in life, the Local Government of Surallah under the leadership of Honorable Romulo O. Solivio Sr. continues to conduct its annual summer program and now in its new title ASTIG or (Annual summer talents and interactive games) in order to involve its community with various activities with regards to sports and improving individual talents. This was launched in front of Surallah Children’s Park on April 11, 2012 where trainers, participants and LGU employees did a FUN RUN to mark the opening and was then followed by a Hataw Exercise led by Mrs. Alma Molina and was participated by everybody as well as the Mayor Himself, Hon. Romulo O. Solivio Sr. . The launched ASTIG Summer Sports Clinic 2012 is the new name for the yearly summer activity of LGU Surallah for the youth which showcases the three categories of events for Sports and Talent enhancement program such as the Sports, Music and Arts.  To be able to nurture and discover the hidden talents and skills of the children of Surallah, series of events were offered like Voice and Dance Class, Drums, Rondalla, Guitar, Drawing, Swimming, Taekwondo, Soccer, Badminton, Chess, Boxing, Lawn and Table Tennis and Basketball and according to Surallah Municipal Sports Coordinator Ronnie Marfil  these were participated in by 631 participants which is 31% greater than the participants last year and also manifests the great effort of LGU Surallah in promoting development program. The activities ended with a culmination night on May 11, 2012 held at the Surallah Civic Cultural Center where the participants presented special numbers showcasing the knowledge and skills they acquired during the trainings. The President of Sanguniang Kabataan Federation; Kimberly Rondael was also present during the Big Night and commended the performances of the youth presented during the program. And in his remarkable speech, Surallah Municipal Mayor Romulo O. Solivio Sr., also encouraged the children to be into sports and have a healthy life and enhance the skills and talents that they have as the future of Surallah.

 

Purok Sison Elementary School, 5th Placer

Written by Arleene P. Ogates

Monday, 02 July 2012 21:23

Purok Sison Elementary School, 5th Placer for the Aliwan Festival Street Dance Competition 2012  The Aliwan Fiesta showcases the richness of Philippine heritage, not only to its people but also to the rest of the world. It is a highly anticipated annual event, with prizes summing up to millions of pesos, whereby contingents from all over the country promote their respective regions, both economically and tourism-wise. Its highlight is when the competing festivals present their dance skills while they are on a parade for four kilometers along Roxas Boulevard from Quirino Grandstand going to Aliw Theater grounds that is situated near CCP.  The grand parade of Aliwan Fiesta 2012 was held on April 14, and kicked off at the Quirino Grandstand and made its way to the CCP Complex for the culminating showdown in front of the Aliw Theater. One of its 21 contestants were the participants from Purok Sison Elementary School of Surallah representing the Lembohung Festival and showed too much enthusiasm and energy while performing in the middle of the road and in the end, were proclaimed as the 5th Placer for the Aliwan Festival Street Dance Competition 2012.  Aside from the awards and recognition given to the Municipality of Surallah, it keeps on creating names in different fields through different potentials that it has, for it to be recognized worldwide through its undying effort and extended support. And certainly manifests that Surallah is the home of success.                                  AWARDS

GALING POOK AWARD

GAWAD PAMANA NG LAHI AWARD

SURALLAH NEWS

                Threemonths after the groundbreaking, construction of the Surallah District Hospital or the Upper Valley Community Hospital is now in full swing.

In a report, the provincial government of South Cotabato has so far raised some P118.4M in funding commitments for the construction and ongoing development of the Surallah District Hospital in Barangay Dajay, Surallah, South Cotabato. 

Department of Health (DOH) Region 12 has proposed for an augmentation funding of P65.4M through its budget for 2013 on top of the P28 million the agency has already pledged earlier under its health facilities enhancement program for the initial construction phase of Surallah Distrist Hospital. The municipal government of Surallah for their part donated the 5-hectare lot which is worth P5.5 million for the site of the hospital, while San Miguel Corporation (SMC) donated P25 million for the infrastructure component of the facility.

Soon to rise Surallah District Hospital

When operational, the Surallah District Hospital which will also be called the Upper Valley Community Hospital will provide health care services to residents in at least five of the six municipalities composing the Upper Valley Area namely, Surallah, Banga, Sto. Niño, Lake Sebu, and T’boli.

Construction of  Surallah District Hospital in full swing

The Surallah District Hospital is expected to begin operation by the first quarter of 2013 initially as a maternity hospital.

The new Surallah Integrated Public Terminal was finally inaugurated yesterday, August 10, 2011, in a thanksgiving mass and inauguration ceremony attended by the town officials headed by Hon. Mayor Romulo Solivio, Sr., municipal employees, invited provincial officials, guests and the people of Surallah.

The P45 million Surallah Integrated Public Terminal priority  project of the present municipal administration has a wide parking space which can accommodate up to a hundred  buses, vans and jeepneys. The new terminal boasts of its modern design and facilities, it has clean rest rooms, waiting sheds for commuters, and a wide waiting area. Soon it would be a one-stop-shop where the travelling public can buy most of the things they need.

The Surallah Integrated Public Terminal has trips every 30 minutes (5am- 7pm) to neighboring towns of T'boli, Sto.Niño, Isulan and Tacurong (Sultan Kudarat), Koronadal City and South Cotabato's prime tourist destination- Lake Sebu.

Passenger's entrance

[Photo credits: Surallah CDIP, Ariel Lagamon]