A 4th class municipality, Kibawe is full of a rich history and culture. Before you come to stay with us, we would love for you to know the full story behind us!
Kibawe was originally inhabited by the Mamadas, a tribe from the early American regime. Living on tiny agricultural plots, hunting and creating from the forests, they ruled under a very simple feudal style of governance, with a Chieftain in charge of the people, a Judge, a Religious Leader, and a General. The most famous of the Chieftains was Datu Mabantayao, who was known for his selflessness and love for his people, as well as famously saving his future wife from the clutches of a rival tribe, the Bugcaon. Kibawe is actually named after the word “Guibawe” which means recovery.
http://www.dilg10.org/kibawe/
It never became a municipal district until early in the 1930s, and in 1956 became a regular municipality, under the orders of the then president of the Philippines, Carlos P. Garcia. It served as a strong refuge point during the Second World War, as people came from all over to live in the safeland that was Kibawe. Kibawe has kept it’s routes though, with some Manobos – the very first inhabitants – still residing in the town itself, though most of the town is now made up by the lowlanders who came during the Second World War, it is well known for it’s ethnic diversity and open arms policy, with the community built on a strong spirit to work together and live in peace, as everybody wants to move forth in the world and continue to grow the region of Kibawe. It is split into three separate “barangays” which are the smallest administrative divisions, be it a village, or a district. They are commonly referred to as a suburb in Western language, and they are;
- Balintawak, Cagawasan, East Kibawe (Pob.), Gutapol, Pinamula, Kiorao, Kisawa, Labuagon, Magsaysay, Marapangi, Mascariñas, Natulongan
- New Kidapawan, Old Kibawe, Romagooc, Sampaguita, Sanipon, Spring, Talahiron, Tumaras, West Kibawe (Pob.), Bukang Liwayway, Palma
With such diversity in the region and over 30,000 lovely people to meet and talk to – why not come and visit us here in Kabawe? You will not regret it!
By: RG edmonton AB