HISTORY

The Municipality of Antipas long before its creation into a regular municipality was just a mere Sitio called Buru-Buruan of Barangay Kiyaab of the Municipality of Matalam which is inhabited mostly by Manobos. Due to continuous influx of Christian settlers in the area, the Municipal Council of Matalam passed a resolution in 1963, approved by the defunct Provincial Board of Cotabato and then was consequently recognized as one of the regular barangays of Matalam, Cotabato bearing the name of ANTIPAS.

The name ANTIPAS was derived from the two major tribes dominating the area; ANTI from the word ANTIQUE and PAS from PASSI, two places found in Panay Island. The enthusiasm of the natives and their determination to run their own affairs coupled with the fertility of the soil and a promise of a brighter future of the area brought forth the unified will of the people when they petitioned the National Government through the Provincial Government headed by Governor Carlos B. Cajelo and represented by Assemblyman Jesus Amparo of the Batasang Pambansa. On October 14, 1980 by virtue of Batas Pambansa Bilang 88, approved by President Ferdinand E. Marcos, ratified by the people of the Municipality of Matalam on December 6, 1980 and ultimately inaugurated on March 7, 1981, Antipas was created as the 15th municipality of Cotabato.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

Antipas is centrally located at the heart of Arakan Valley. It si bounded on the easy by the municipality of Magpet; on the North by Arakan River, on the South by Pres. Roxas; and on the west by its mother municipality, Matalam. It lies 7 08' 16" to 7 24' 07" longitude and a 24 48' 40" to 125 02' 36" latitude.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT ANTIPAS

CLIMATE

Antipas belongs to the "4" type of climate that characterized by a more or less distribution of rainfall throughout the year and has an average rainfall of 72mm. The heaviest rainfall frequently occur during the months of May, June, July and August. Antipas being centrally located at the heart of Arakan Valley is protected by the majestic Mount Apo from typhoons and other climatic disturbances. Prevailing wind directions are the Northeast and Southwest monsoon.

Under normal condition, temperature ranges from 28-38 degree centigrade all throughout the year. The highest temperature is felt during the months of March and April while the lowest is in December. Long dry season usually start from January to April during which months, there is also a marked decrease in water supply for agricultural purposes when some water sources dry up thus, affecting agricultural productivity. During peak rainy season, some rivers/creeks overflow causing low lying areas to flooded.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Antipas is predominantly an agriculture area. Antipas is identified as a major corn and rubber producing area in relation to soil type and soil capability dominant in the area. Coupled with these is the potential of the area for agri-based industries like cassava, coconut and rubber, coffee and cacao.

INDUSTRIES

Industries present in the area deal with agriculture support facilities. Rice mill, corn mills, corn sheller and drier. Other industries are furniture making, tailoring and welding.

MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS