Matalam
Matalam, officially the Municipality of Matalam (; ; , Jawi: ايڠد نو متالم; ), is a 1st class municipality in the province of Cotabato, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 81,355 people. Etymology The municipality takes its name from a former provincial governor Datu Udtog Matalam, which in turn, the word "Matalam" means 'weaponry or arms' in Maguindanaon. History The municipality of Matalam before its creation into a regular municipality was just a mere sitio of Kilada called "Crossing M'lang" within the jurisdiction of the municipality of Kabacan. Because of its strategic location coupled with the desire of the people, petitioned the provincial and national government for its creation into a regular municipality. It was formally separated from Kabacan and was created into a municipality on December 29, 1961, making Matalam as the 32nd Municipality of Cotabato. This municipality was named after the father of the Province, Governor Datu Udtog Matalam, in acknowledgement of his untiring efforts for the development and creation of the place. MPDC Office_LGU-Matalam, Cotabato Geography Matalam is a palm shape municipality. It is centrally located right at the heart of the province of Cotabato. It is bounded on the east by