Santo Niño, South Cotabato

Santo Niño
Santo Niño
Municipality
	Municipality of Santo Niño
	Seal
	Map of South Cotabato with Santo Niño highlighted
	show OpenStreetMap
	Santo Niño Location within the Philippines
	Coordinates: 6°26′N 124°41′E / 6.43°N 124.68°ECoordinates: 6°26′N 124°41′E / 6.43°N 124.68°E
Country	Philippines
Region	Soccsksargen
Province	South Cotabato
District	2nd district
Founded	April 7, 1981
Barangays	10 (see Barangays)
Government
• Type	Sangguniang Bayan
• Mayor	Sulpicio F. Villalobos
• Vice Mayor	Wilfredo B. Dimzon
• Representative	Ferdinand L. Hernandez
• Electorate	25,112 voters (2019)
Area
• Total	86.20 km2 (33.28 sq mi)
Elevation	160 m (520 ft)
Highest elevation	440 m (1,440 ft)
Lowest elevation	115 m (377 ft)
Population (2020 census)
• Total	39,796
• Density	460/km2 (1,200/sq mi)
• Households	9,594
Economy
• Income class	3rd municipal income class
• Poverty incidence	25.33% (2015)
• Revenue	₱97,010,425.91 (2016)
Service provider
• Electricity	South Cotabato 1 Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO 1)
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	9509
PSGC	126318000
IDD : area code	+63 (0)83
Climate type	tropical rainforest climate
Native languages	Hiligaynon; Cebuano; Maguindanao; Blaan; Tagalog
Website	stoninoscot.gov.ph

Santo Niño, officially the Municipality of Santo Niño (Hiligaynon: Banwa sang Santo Niño; Cebuano: Lungsod sa Santo Niño; Tagalog: Bayan ng Santo Niño), is a 3rd class municipality in the province of South Cotabato, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 39,796 people. ^[3]

History[]

The municipality's name was derived from its patron saint, the “Santo Niño”, or the Holy Child. It was formerly called Barrio Trece (13) (although many still called the town proper this name) of the Norala Settlement District of then National Land Settlement Administration.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Council) of South Cotabato passed a resolution in 1980 requesting then Assemblyman Jose T. Sison to file a bill at the Philippine Parliament to create Santo Niño a municipality. Parliament Bill No. 1220 was finally passed and approved on December 23, 1980, when Ferdinand Marcos signed it into law as Batas Pambansa Bilang 90.^[5] In a plebiscite held on April 7, 1981, the law was ratified.

Municipal mayors:

Dr. Norberto Oliveros (1981-1986)
Dr. Geronimo Dabalus, appointed by the Aquino Government after the 1986 EDSA Revolution (1986-1988)
Antonio F. Damandaman, Sr. (1988-1998)
Dr. Ervin B. Luntao (1998-2007)
Antonio F. Damandaman, Sr. (2007–2016)
Pablo M. Matinong, Jr. (2016–2020)
Sulpicio F. Villalobos (2020–present)

Geography[]

Situated in the fertile Allah Valley, it is the smallest municipality by land area in the province.

It is bounded by the Municipality of Norala (its mother-town) in the north, the Municipality of Surallah in the east, Allah River and the Municipality of Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat in the south, and the Municipality of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat in the west.

Climate[]

hideClimate data for Santo Niño, South Cotabato
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high °C (°F)	30 (86)	30 (86)	31 (88)	31 (88)	30 (86)	29 (84)	28 (82)	29 (84)	29 (84)	29 (84)	29 (84)	30 (86)	30 (85)
Average low °C (°F)	23 (73)	23 (73)	23 (73)	24 (75)	24 (75)	24 (75)	24 (75)	24 (75)	24 (75)	24 (75)	24 (75)	23 (73)	24 (74)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	146 (5.7)	121 (4.8)	164 (6.5)	212 (8.3)	347 (13.7)	397 (15.6)	364 (14.3)	366 (14.4)	302 (11.9)	308 (12.1)	280 (11.0)	192 (7.6)	3,199 (125.9)
Average rainy days	16.7	15.5	19.4	22.7	29.0	28.9	27.9	27.5	26.5	28.1	27.2	22.6	292
Source: Meteoblue ^[6]

Average temperature in the municipality ranges from a low of 23 °C (73 °F) to a high of 32 °C (90 °F) throughout the year.

Precipitation can be low during the dry season (March to April) at about 40 millimetres (1.6 in) while it can be high especially during the wetter months (May to July) at 100 millimetres (3.9 in).

Barangays[]

Santo Niño is politically subdivided into 10 barangays.

Ambalgan
Guinsang-an (Bo.4)
Katipunan (Bo.11)
Manuel Roxas (Bo.10)
New Panay (Bo.9)
Poblacion (Bo. 13)
San Isidro (Bo. 12)
San Vicente (Bo. 5)
Teresita
Sajaneba

Demographics[]

Population census of Santo Niño
Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1990	30,076	—
1995	32,103	+1.23%
2000	36,228	+2.63%
2007	38,400	+0.81%
2010	39,738	+1.25%
2015	40,947	+0.57%
2020	39,796	−0.56%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority ^[7] ^[8] ^[9]^[10]

The population is highly literate.^{[citation needed]}

While the most spoken language is Hiligaynon, everyone can speak Tagalog,^{[citation needed]} some Cebuano, and basic conversational English.

Barangay Ambalgan is predominantly Maguindanaoan Muslims and are considered the ethnic inhabitants of the municipality. The rest of the barangays are predominantly Christian settlers who first arrived in the area in the 1940s.

The municipality is generally peaceful with relatively low crime incident.^{[citation needed]}

Economy[]

Poverty Incidence of Santo Niño

Source: Philippine Statistics Authority^[11]^[12]^[13]^[14]^[15]^[16]

Rice production is the primary industry. The well-irrigated rice-lands of the municipality are possible due to the presence of a river irrigation system which is provided by a dam at Allah River at Barangay M. Roxas.

Corn (maize) is the secondary product. Copra is also produced.

Small businesses which provide basic necessities thrive.

Places of interest[]

Bugtong Bukid, a hill along the national highway west to Isulan at Barangay M. Roxas. The municipal government had invested in a swimming pool project in this area sometime in the 1990s but was closed due to mismanagement and lack of maintenance. Nonetheless, this hill is a geological wonder in itself being the only hill of its kind in the area. Folklore also has it that the huge acacia tree near the hill is home to a kapre.
The steel bridge that traversed Allah River and connects the municipality to nearby barangays of Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat. The bridge is an excellent location for an afternoon stroll. Carabaos take their baths in late afternoon at the river; time your visit during these hours.

Transportation[]

The Santo Nino Public Terminal is a hub for public utility buses and vans that travel to Koronadal City via Surallah and Banga. Travel time from Santo Nino to Koronadal City is around 30 minutes.

General Santos City, where the General Santos International Airport is located, is accessible by public buses and vans from Koronadal City. Travel time from Koronadal City to General Santos City is about one hour.

Travel within the municipality is through public utility tricycles and motorcycles.

Health services[]

The Municipal Health Office at the Municipal Hall Compound provides services for consultations.

Private clinics include:

Dr. Ervin B. Luntao Family Clinic and Hospital
Dr. Zenaida Maglaya Clinic
St. Jude Clinic and Hospital

There are a number of small pharmacies at the municipality.

Education[]

The municipality has a number of public and private schools. These are:

High Schools

Santo Nino National School of Arts and Trades (public), at Barangay San Isidro
Santo Nino National High School (public), at Poblacion
Notre Dame of Santo Nino (private, a diocesan school), at Poblacion
Public high schools in (New) Panay, Katipunan, and Guinsang-an

Elementary Schools

Santo Nino Central Elementary School (public elementary school), at Poblacion
Public elementary schools at other nine barangays (Katipunan,Guinsang-an, Ambalgan. San Isidro, Sajaneba, M. Roxas)
Notre Dame of Santo Nino (private, a diocesan school), at Poblacion
Montessori Casa Precious Jewels (private elementary school), at Poblacion

References[]

^ Municipality of Santo Niño | (DILG)
^ "2015 Census of Population, Report No. 3 – Population, Land Area, and Population Density" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Quezon City, Philippines. August 2016. ISSN 0117-1453. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
^ Jump up to: ^a ^b Census of Population (2020). "Region XII (Soccsksargen)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. PSA. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
^ https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/City%20and%20Municipal-level%20Small%20Area%20Poverty%20Estimates_%202009%2C%202012%20and%202015_0.xlsx; publication date: 10 July 2019; publisher: Philippine Statistics Authority.
^ http://laws.chanrobles.com/bataspambansa/2_bataspambansa.php?id=90
^ "Santo Niño: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
^ Census of Population (2015). "Region XII (Soccsksargen)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. PSA. Retrieved 20 June 2016.
^ Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region XII (Soccsksargen)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. NSO. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
^ Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region XII (Soccsksargen)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. NSO.
^ "Province of South Cotabato". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
^ "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
^ https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/NSCB_LocalPovertyPhilippines_0.pdf; publication date: 29 November 2005; publisher: Philippine Statistics Authority.
^ https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/2003%20SAE%20of%20poverty%20%28Full%20Report%29_1.pdf; publication date: 23 March 2009; publisher: Philippine Statistics Authority.
^ https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/2006%20and%202009%20City%20and%20Municipal%20Level%20Poverty%20Estimates_0_1.pdf; publication date: 3 August 2012; publisher: Philippine Statistics Authority.
^ https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/2012%20Municipal%20and%20City%20Level%20Poverty%20Estima7tes%20Publication%20%281%29.pdf; publication date: 31 May 2016; publisher: Philippine Statistics Authority.
^ https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/City%20and%20Municipal-level%20Small%20Area%20Poverty%20Estimates_%202009%2C%202012%20and%202015_0.xlsx; publication date: 10 July 2019; publisher: Philippine Statistics Authority.

External links[]

[1] Municipality of Santo Niño | (DILG)

[popcen2015_r3-2] "2015 Census of Population, Report No. 3 – Population, Land Area, and Population Density" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Quezon City, Philippines. August 2016. ISSN 0117-1453. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.

[PSA20–12-3] Jump up to: ^a ^b Census of Population (2020). "Region XII (Soccsksargen)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. PSA. Retrieved 8 July 2021.

[4] ttps://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/City%20and%20Municipal-level%20Small%20Area%20Poverty%20Estimates_%202009%2C%202012%20and%202015_0.xlsx; publication date: 10 July 2019; publisher: Philippine Statistics Authority.

[5] ttp://laws.chanrobles.com/bataspambansa/2_bataspambansa.php?id=90

[met_norms-6] "Santo Niño: Average Temperatures and Rainfall". Meteoblue. Retrieved 15 May 2020.

[PSA15–12-7] Census of Population (2015). "Region XII (Soccsksargen)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. PSA. Retrieved 20 June 2016.

[NSO10–12-8] Census of Population and Housing (2010). "Region XII (Soccsksargen)". Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay. NSO. Retrieved 29 June 2016.

[NSO07-12-9] Censuses of Population (1903–2007). "Region XII (Soccsksargen)". Table 1. Population Enumerated in Various Censuses by Province/Highly Urbanized City: 1903 to 2007. NSO.

[LWUA-PopulationData-10] "Province of South Cotabato". Municipality Population Data. Local Water Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.

[11] "Poverty incidence (PI):". Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved 28 December 2020.

[12] ttps://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/NSCB_LocalPovertyPhilippines_0.pdf; publication date: 29 November 2005; publisher: Philippine Statistics Authority.

[13] ttps://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/2003%20SAE%20of%20poverty%20%28Full%20Report%29_1.pdf; publication date: 23 March 2009; publisher: Philippine Statistics Authority.

[14] ttps://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/2006%20and%202009%20City%20and%20Municipal%20Level%20Poverty%20Estimates_0_1.pdf; publication date: 3 August 2012; publisher: Philippine Statistics Authority.

[15] ttps://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/2012%20Municipal%20and%20City%20Level%20Poverty%20Estima7tes%20Publication%20%281%29.pdf; publication date: 31 May 2016; publisher: Philippine Statistics Authority.

[16] ttps://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/City%20and%20Municipal-level%20Small%20Area%20Poverty%20Estimates_%202009%2C%202012%20and%202015_0.xlsx; publication date: 10 July 2019; publisher: Philippine Statistics Authority.

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show v t Province of South Cotabato
Koronadal (capital)
Municipalities	Banga Lake Sebu Norala Polomolok Santo Niño Surallah Tampakan Tantangan T'Boli Tupi
Component City	Koronadal
Highly Urbanized City	General Santos (Administratively independent from the province but grouped under South Cotabato by the Philippine Statistics Authority.)