# Lebak, Sultan Kudarat

Lebak, officially the Municipality of Lebak (Hiligaynon: Banwa sang Lebak; Maguindanaon: Inged nu Lebak, Jawi: ايڠد نو لبک; Tagalog: Bayan ng Lebak), is a municipality in the province of Sultan Kudarat, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 88,868.
It is a coastal municipality that lies in the northernmost part of the province.

## Etymology

Lebak is a Maguindanaon word meaning hollow. This is because of the eastern part of Lebak is a mountain and on the western part is the Celebes Sea thus the hollow portion is between a mountain and the sea.

## History

Early settlers are the Manobo at Salangsang. Anthropomorphic urn burials of limestone and some pottery were found in Seminoho Cave dates back to AD 585. Manobos way of life was intact until the Teduray settlers arrived in the 1950s.

### Sultanate era

Lebak was once part of Sultanate of Maguindanao.The arrival of Maguindanao which establish the Islamic faith and settled in near the rivers and shores in the 15th century.

### Spanish era

This territory was part of the Spanish Empire in Asia and Oceania (1520–1898). By 1696, Captain Rodríguez de Figueroa obtained from the Spanish government the exclusive right to colonize Mindanao. On February 1 of this year, he reached the mouth of the Rio Grande of Mindanao, in what is now known as the city of Cotabato. After obtaining this exclusive right, Captain Rodríguez de Figueroa began an expedition to expand Spanish influence in the region. However, his efforts met strong resistance from local communities, including the Sultanate of Maguindanao and various indigenous groups. Despite this, Spanish influence continued to grow, particularly through the establishment of military posts and Catholic missions. Spanish rule in the interior of Mindanao remained unstable, with local resistance continuing throughout the colonial period.
The first written history of this town was in 1871, The colonial government of Spain, Lebac was made into a military district of Cotabato. The military campaign of Emilio Terrero y Perinat against Sultan reaches Lebak in 1887.

### American period

By the end of the Spanish regime in 1898, includes politico-military comendancia of Lebak in "Fifth District of Mindanao". The town already producing rice during the period of 1905 and vinta was already in service from Cotabato to Lebac. In 1913 Under the United States ended the military rule in Mindanao and establish the Department of Mindanao and Sulu. Act No. 2711 of the Philippine Commission dated March 10, 1917, Lebak and Salaman was incorporated into Province of Cotabato. The growing agrarian problem in Luzon and Visayas offers United States government offers the solution of homestead and resettlement in Mindanao particularly in Lebak. Act 2408 enacted on July 23, 1914, Lebak was part of Empire Province of Cotabato. Between the time between 1914 and 1937 a steady flow of Christian settlers from Luzon (Ilocanos) and Visayas (Ilongos).

### World War II and Japanese occupation

In 1945, World War II when the combined American and Filipino forces took over the supervision of the Philippine Government against Japanese occupation, Marcelino A. Concha was still the Military Governor of the Empire Province of Cotabato. In the same year, Aurelio Freires, Sr. was appointed Municipal District Mayor of Salaman.

### Post colonial (third republic) and creation of Lebak

On August 18, 1947, President Manuel Roxas sign an executive order 82 organizing municipalities and municipal district of Cotabato Province. The municipal district of Lebak was formally created under the municipal district of Kiamba under section 4, however, on same executive order on section 10 the municipal district of Salaman was under the Municipality of Dinaig. Together with the Kalamansig, Salaman was formerly a part of the municipality of once called Lebak and the seat of government is in now called Kalamansig Municipal Hall.
An executive order number 195, the Municipality of Lebak as separated from the municipality of district of Kiamba and Dinaig and upholding the seat of government at Sito Kalamansig was signed by President Elpidio Quirino on December 31, 1948. and on April 12, 1951, and an executive order 432 issued to transfer the seat of government from Kalamansig to Barrio of Salaman.
On April 12, 1951, the municipality of Kalamansig is formally created consisting of 20 barrios and sitios from Lebak.

### Moro conflict

The Land Reform Code of Diosdado Macapagal brought more Christian migrants from Luzon and Visayas.
Under the command of Rajah Buayan, Commander Ali “Cassius Clay” Sansaluna of Cotabato Moro National Liberation Front Command landed at barangay Tran in December 1972 with an estimated 5,000 – 6,000 armed with European made weapon ship from neighboring Muslims countries. Tran was the main logistical base of the MNLF's Cotabato Command. Early February 26, 1973, the hostilities began when a group of fishermen at Tran River was shot and killed. The following day, February 27, 1973, the 54 Philippine Constabulary verify the event and the skirmishes begin. Signalled the MNLF offensive all over Cotabato raided including Civilian Home Defense Forces (CHDFs), 27th Infantry Battalion, PC Provincial Commands and villages as far as barangay Basak.
22nd Infantry Battalion (Separate) was deployed at Lebak in April 1973.
Datu Guiwan Mastura withdraws from Lebak and Kalamansig and seeks sanctuary at Palimbang on March 21, 1973. Tran was guarded with 600 rebels under the command of Datu Sangki Karon.
Offensive military operation started June 6, 1973, under the command of Unified Central Mindanao Command (CEMCOM) Task Force COSMOS under General Fortunato U. Abat who was the commanding general of 3rd Inf Bde (Sep) PA. Units include 21st, the 22nd and the 4th Infantry Battalions PA, the 1st Composite Infantry Battalion, GHQ, the 554th and 531st Philippine Constabulary Companies and four ships of the Naval task Group 71.1, and Composite Air Support Force Cotabato
July 21, 1973, government troops controlled the Barangay Tran and kept pushing towards Sitio Turugan. A thousand rebels together with their families surrendered to government troops on August 3, 1973. On August 4, 1972, the 22nd Infantry Battalion finally cleared the Sitio Turugan, the Moro National Liberation Front stronghold. The Tran Offensive officially ended on August 6, 1973, ending the two-month conflict.
Leader of Tran insurgents Datu Guiwan Mastura together with 12 men surrendered to Ferdinand Marcos in June 1973. First Presidential Streamer Award was awarded to 22nd Infantry Battalion in 1973. On the side of MNLF, 422 killed, 39 captured and 1,036 surrendered. The government troops counts 48 killed in action, 148 wounded and 1 missing including Lieutenant Gringo Honasan was one of the wounded of this battle and was later awarded with 3 Gold Cross Medal.

### Post war and 1976 tsunami disaster

The 8.0 (Mw) earthquake on August 16, 1976 at 16:11 UTC (12:11 AM local time) occurred near the Moro Gulf at a depth of 33 kilometres (21 mi), about 40.7 kilometres (25.3 mi) south of the populated barangay of Tibpuan. It was followed by 15 aftershocks. The quake triggered a 9-meter tsunami that killed an estimated 8,000 people in the affected region.
A few years later, the municipality of Lebak was transferred from Cotabato Province to Province of Sultan Kudarat on November 22, 1979, by presidential decree 341 by President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

### Fifth republic

The municipality was formerly composed of 23 barangays and created 4 new barangays, Bolebak, Barurao II, Poblacion II and Poblacion III making it to 27 barangays.
The renaming of Poblacion 2 to barangay Aurelio F. Frieres Sr was approved by the Sanguniang Bayan in its resolution number 007 series of 2002. A plebiscite was enacted last March 31, 2005.

## Geography

Lebak is a coastal town with a total coastline of 19 km (12 mi) long, separated from the mainland of Sultan Kudarat by mountain ranges. It is located on the western portion of the Province of Sultan kudarat, and bordered in the north by South Upi, Maguindanao; in the south by Kalamansig; in the west by Celebes Sea; in the east by Esperanza.
Lebak is marked with hilly, mountainous ranges. It is about eight feet above sea level. The plains range from level to nearly level while uplands range from nearly level to hilly. Mountainous and gently rolling slopes are suitable for intensive rice and corn farming.
The Tran River is the longest river in Lebak with a total length of 120 km (75 mi) followed by Salaman River 36.4 km (22.6 mi) and Nuling River (Barurao) 19 km (12 mi).
The approximate land area of the municipality of Lebak as of December 31, 1999, is 514.034445 square kilometers. But for planning purposes, the area used is 47,000 hectares, pursuant to the DBM supported by the Land Management Bureau/ Bureau of Lands. Of the 27 barangays, Salangsang has the largest area with 77.2850 square kilometres (29.8399 sq mi), followed by Keytodac with 63.8987 square kilometres (24.6714 sq mi), Villamonte with 46.4137 square kilometres (17.9204 sq mi) and Poloy-Poloy with 338.8183 square kilometres (130.8185 sq mi); while Poblacion III has the smallest area with 5.79411 square kilometres (2.23712 sq mi).

### Land Formation

Lebak is marked with hilly, mountainous ranges. The plains range from level to nearly level while uplands range from nearly level to hilly mountainous and gently rolling slopes which are suitable for intensive rice and corn farming. Silty Loam which is best suited for agricultural crops such as rice, corn and vegetables. This covers 37.36% or 17,500 has of the total land area. Soils Un-differentiated which is favorable suited to grazing, pasture, forest and agro-forestry. This covers a total of 29,440 has or 62.64%.

### Hydrology/ natural resources

The Municipality is rich in natural resources. Its fishing ground abounds with fish of various species for domestic consumption and export. Marine products bring substantial income to a marginal fisherman. Fishing grounds are practically untapped. Identified watershed areas are Barurao Watershed (6,817.62), Salaman Watershed (8,176 ha.), Tran-Sucong Watershed (8,518.65) and Tran River Watershed (10,230 Ha.).
Groundwater information
| | Results | Remarks |
| pH Level | 9-May | |
| Nitrate concentration | Below standard | Bolebak has traced, Ragandang has 1 mg\L, Poblacion 1 has 2 mg\L |
| | | The rest not yet contaminated with nitrates |
| Dissolved Oxygen | | Bolebak, Pasandalan, Poblacion 1 and Tibpuan- conformed to the minimum 5 mg |
| Iron | | Poblacion 3, Poloy-Poloy, Purikay, Salaman and Tibpuan – trace, Nuling |
| | | Pansud and Tran- greater than 1.2 mg\L |
| | | Rest no Iron detected |
| Total Dissolved Solids | | Only Pasandalan and Salaman – above maximum limit (500 mg\l) |
| Conductivity | | only Salaman has conductivity above 1000 us/cm |
| Hardness | | Only Barurao I and Poloy-Poloy did not conform. Slightly above maximum limit. |
| Turbidity | Clear | Below 5 NTU |
| Salinity | Not saline | Below 1000 mg/l |
The water resources of Lebak consist of Tran River 120 km (75 mi), Salaman River 36.4 km (22.6 mi), and Barurao River 19 km (12 mi) the Makin and Ebi Waterfalls, Nuling, Salangsang and Ebi Springs. Some are tapped for irrigation and other purposes.

### Climate

Climate data for Lebak, Sultan Kudarat :
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 31 (88) | 31 (88) | 32 (90) | 31 (88) | 30 (86) | 29 (84) | 29 (84) | 29 (84) | 30 (86) | 30 (86) | 30 (86) | 31 (88) | 30 (87) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 23 (73) | 23 (73) | 23 (73) | 24 (75) | 25 (77) | 25 (77) | 24 (75) | 24 (75) | 24 (75) | 24 (75) | 24 (75) | 24 (75) | 24 (75) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 119 (4.7) | 99 (3.9) | 132 (5.2) | 147 (5.8) | 256 (10.1) | 291 (11.5) | 287 (11.3) | 286 (11.3) | 228 (9.0) | 227 (8.9) | 208 (8.2) | 135 (5.3) | 2,415 (95.2) |
| Average rainy days | 19.2 | 17.9 | 20.9 | 24.6 | 29.4 | 29.1 | 29.7 | 28.9 | 27.2 | 28.5 | 27.2 | 22.5 | 305.1 |
| Source: Meteoblue ||||||||||||||
Under the Köppen climate classification system, the municipality of Lebak features a tropical rainforest climate. Together with the rest of the Philippines, Lebak has a mild climate with evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year. Being located outside of the typhoon path, it does not experience tropical depressions, typhoons and devastating winds. Mean relative humidity for the Municipality of Lebak is 87%. The highest humidity is 89.5% and the lowest is 83.6%.
The municipality of Lebak falls under TYPE IV classification. Rainfall is more or less evenly distributed throughout the year. Prevailing winds- light to moderate.
The municipality of Lebak, PAG-ASA recorded mean maximum and minimum temperatures of 34.3 and 32.5 °C (93.7 and 90.5 °F), respectively.
Mean, Maximum and Minimum Temperature ( °C ):

### Barangays

Lebak is politically subdivided into 27 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks while some have sitios.
* Aurelio F. Freires (Poblacion II)
* Barurao
* Barurao II
* Basak
* Bolebak
* Bululawan
* Capilan
* Christiannuevo
* Datu Karon
* Kalamongog
* Keytodac
* Kinodalan
* New Calinog
* Nuling
* Pansud
* Pasandalan
* Poblacion I
* Poblacion III
* Poloy-poloy
* Purikay
* Ragandang
* Salaman
* Salangsang
* Taguisa
* Tibpuan
* Tran
* Villamonte
Datu Guiabar is a newly created barangay carved out from barangay Poloy-poloy. It is not officially recognized until plebiscite is held.

## Demographics

The population of Lebak by age group reveals a dominance of the young population. Based on the 2007 population, children under five years old made up 14% or 11,163 of the total population of the municipality, lower than the percentage for the age group 5 – 9 which is 14.67% or 11,234 of the same year.
Child dependency ratio registered at 78.73% meaning 78 children dependents for every 100 working population. Total dependency ratio is 84.15%, the higher the total dependency ratio, the heavier the burden of the working age population.
Economically dependent persons less than 15 years old are about 32,979 or 42.75%, Working age population registered 41,888 or 54.23% are between the ages 15–64.
The percentage of female population in the reproductive age (15–49) registered 36,534 or 47.28%. About 47,436 or 61.51% of both men and women belonged to the age group 24 years and below. The population by age group declines with increase in age.
The population of those belonging to ages 65 years and over or the elderly population constitutes a very small proportion of the population. Population age 65 and above constitutes 2,272 or 5.4% of the total population. Old age dependency ratio is 5.4%, meaning for every 100 working population there are 5 old age dependent persons.
The working age group of 15 to 64 years old makes up 54% or 41,888 of the population while 43% or 32,979 are 14 years or younger and 5% or 2,272 are 65 years old or above.
Male population in the municipality is slightly higher than that of the female. The same is true in all barangays. Male population registered a total of 39,958 or 51.80% and 37,181 or 48.20%. The municipality is predominated by males showing males per 100 females.

### Religion

There are 4 major religious groups in the municipality of Lebak. These are the Roman Catholic which accounts for 62% of the total population, Islam, 15%, Protestants, 8% and UCCP, 7%. The remaining percentage is distributed to Evangelical, United Pentecostal Church and other religions which make up 8%.

### Languages

The most widely spoken language is Hiligaynon (41.06%), followed by Karay-a (12.98%), Maguindanaon (12.91%), Cebuano (9.42%), Teduray (8.08%), Ilocano (7%), Manobo (5.74%), and 4.57% for other languages.

## Economy

Poverty incidence of Lebak
* 10
* 20
* 30
* 40
* 50
* 60
* 2006 37.10
* 2009 46.02
* 2012 50.92
* 2015 51.65
* 2018 34.70
* 2021 35.14
* Source: Philippine Statistics Authority
This municipality managed to boost its local economy to its full potential. Saturday market was started as early as the 1960s and the market days still observe today. The opening of new routes and improvement in transport system are expect to deliver the town into an economic promise. Strengthen inter-regional trade linkage, gain access to potential agricultural production and will support various economic activities in the adjacent areas.
The 2016, National Competitiveness Council shows that the size of the local economy has total registered business gross sales of Php. 789,977,450.84.

### Agriculture Sector

Agriculture is the primary source of income. Corn, rice and coconut are the most extensive crops grown. Cacao most commonly intercropped with coconut while the coffee is still a major crop.
| Crops | Area Harvested | Production (metric tons) |
| Rice | | |
| Irrigated | 6,241.2 | 29,957.8 |
| Rainfed | 835.41 | 3,337.0 |
| Corn | | |
| Yellow Corn | 10,236.20 | 52,204.70 |
| White Corn | 4,061.30 | 20,306.55 |
Livestock like swine/hog, ducks, cattle, carabao, goat and poultry products, fruits and vegetables.
Fishing Coastal barangay like Salaman, Tibpuan, Kinudalan, Datu Karon and Taguisa rely on fishing as their livelihood.
| | Metric Tons | Area |
| Commercial | 64 M.T. | 207 hectares |
| Brackish aquaculture |
| Freshwater/backyard ponds | 24 M.T. | 50 hectares |
Lebak is known for its produce like crabs (alimango), prawns (sugpo), milkfish (bangus) on its total of 247 Has. of shallow ponds. Shell fish are also abundant in shallow areas.

### Communication

Smart Communications provide services like wireless 3G connection and broadband connection on its Smart Bro product. While Globe Telecom offers 3G and HSDPA signal that boost mobile internet connectivity. Some complain of unstable and frequent disconnection on Globe Tattoo and WiMax services. Fixed telephone line are provided by the Sultan Kudarat Telephone System Incorporated (SKTSI) subsidiary of PLDT.
FM station is also present in Lebak. The 105.1 MHz DXLR Radyo Natin of the Manila Broadcasting Company broadcast local news and advertisements with power of 500 Watts Kalamansig-Lebak Cable System, Inc. (KALECA) carries cable television signal to barangay Poblacion, Salaman, Pasandalan, Tibpuan, Barurao 1 & 2, Purikay and far as barangay Pansud. Direct-To-Home satellite TV such as G Sat, Cignal and Dream are common in the rural areas.

### Banking, Financial and Utility Services
#### Banking

With total of 27 financial institutions includes 1 commercial banks and 2 rural banks, 5 finance cooperatives, 9 pawnshops, 2 foreign exchange dealers, 6 remittance centers and 2 microfinance institutions. 3 automated teller machines (ATMs) operated by Land Bank of the Philippines and One Network Bank.

#### Water Utilities

Local water utilities are supplied by Lebak Water District (LEWADI) with a rate of Php. 55.2/Per Cubic Meter.

#### Energy

As of March 31, 2017 Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative (SUKELCO) provides electricity for 70% of the residents. The electric distribution company energized all 27 barangays (100%), 264 sitios (57%) with 6,457 member-consumer and 14,693 connections. The average cost of Php 6.7/KwH for commercial and industrial users. SUKELCO Lebak is in constant power interruption and unreliable service. Several complaints like rude employee including its security guards pretending to be a manager of the power cooperative.

## Culture

Lebak is a melting pot of culture and tradition. Mainstream culture of Lebak is the Ilonggo, the greatest number of the populace. Maguindanaon and tribal traditions can still be observed on its local settlements. Manobos and Tiduray minorities still widely practice and observe. Part of the culture of the people of Lebak is the celebration of Fiesta. Patronal Fiesta Celebration every 4th Sunday of May. Some barangays has its own festival like in Basak, Taguisa, Villamonte, Salangsang, Keytodac and Tibpuan.
The Araw ng Lebak is celebrated during August 18 yearly and the Kapeonan Festival.

## Tourism

Lebak is now an emerging tourism destination. The beautiful beaches stretch 22 kilometers with lined mangroves from Barangay Salaman, Tibpuan and Kinudalan, Taguisa and Datu Karon. A number of a beach resort is now existing in this coastal barangays.
Enchanting Makin falls in Villamonte, Tres Andanas falls in New Calinog and Ragandang falls are part of series of seven waterfalls can be found in Lebak.
The network of caves can also be found in Salangsang, Keytodac, Bululawan and Capilan. The most popular are Camilmil pit, Lom cave, Kiangus pit and, Sataluday cave, Capilan Bat cave and Tinubak cave and falls in Keytodac consist of class II cave, underground river and jump into a falls
Hot Spring located in Nuling are another big things in Lebak's tourism industry .
Lebak Katunggan Eco Park at barangay Taguisa is the newly opened tourist attraction in the municipality. This 720 hectares of estuarine is a home to 26 species of mangroves become a sanctuary for birds, fish, crustaceans and shellfish species. The dedicated 237 hectares for eco-tourism park which includes the beach, rivers, sandbars with developments like 1.6 kilometers of a bamboo boardwalk, forest ranger station, cottages. Tourist will surely enjoy the activities like beach, swimming, beach volleyball, educational tour, boating on both estuarine and sea, and adventures.

## Government
### List of former chief executives

* Aurelio F. Freires, Sr. 1948–1955
* Timoteo P. Belarmino 1956–1959
* Aurelio F. Freires, Sr. 1960–1963
* Aurelio C. Freires, Jr. 1964–1967
* Jorge T. Labog 1968–1971
* Romeo F. Almirante 1972–1975
* Reynaldo P. Palileo, Sr. 1976–1979
* Romeo F. Almirante 1980–1986 (died in office)
* Salvador G. Ang, MD 1986–1987 (appointed)
* David Gestosani 1987–1988 (appointed)
* Sergio P. Sabio 1988–1998
* Kahirup C. Ang, M.D. 1998–2003
* Gerardo S. Delasan 2003–2010
* Dionesio Besana 2010–2019
* Frederick Celestial 2019–Present

## Transportation

Lebak has a road network of 219.35 kilometers and 37.85 km are concrete, 111.5 km graveled road and 70 km of unpaved roads. The distance to the nearest airport (Awang Domestic Airport) is 53.99 km.
Transportation from and to the muicipalites was already in place since 1925. Early steamers like Fernadez Hermanos, Neil McLeod and Mindanao from Manila had regular call at Lebak port, Tablas had irregular interval while Research had irregular trips also survey the . Early hydrography made by steamer Pathfinder on February 4 until end of July 1914.
The lack of access to road Lebak was isolated for many years. These are Construction and Improvement of Awang-Upi-Lebak-Kalamansig Road, the Isulan – Bagumbayan, Senator Ninoy Aquino – Lebak Road, the planned Lebak-Kalamansig-Bagumbayan-Maitum Road. Transport of goods from and into the town was very difficult and tricky before. Rough road to Isulan by provincial road sometimes take 1 day. The shipping from Port of Cotabato to Lebak by motorboat locally called lantsa (an engine powered small boat) also took 12 hours of travel.
If you are from Manila, you can reach Lebak by plain via Manila-Gensan or Manila- Cotabato. The completion of the concrete national road from the junction of Awang — Upi — Lebak road will be a great impact on the economy of Lebak.
It can be reached by Public Utility Jeep, vans and private vehicles for about 8 to 12 hours to and from Isulan and for about 5 hours via Cotabato City, the nearest city. Several Utility Van (UV Express) in Davao City, General Santos, Tacurong City, Cotabato City and Isulan have routes for Lebak.
Local transportation includes UV express, motor vehicles, trucks, modified motorcycle (habal-habal or skylab) and even horseback riding are common in some area. Motorboats are also available in coastal areas. This municipality has two airstrips: Lebak Municipal Airport (IATA: LWA 6°40′25″N 124°3′29″E﻿ / ﻿6.67361°N 124.05806°E﻿ / 6.67361; 124.05806), just 4 kilometers located at Kumalawit, Barangay Purikay is already concreted and will be fully operational accommodating from Cessna, turboprop to Airbus A320.
Another way of reaching this municipality is by the sea. The existing Port of Lebak which is 9 km in nearby municipality of Kalamansig.

## Education

The town has total of 10 secondary schools, 2 in private and 8 public schools. Literacy rate is at 93% and mostly having a secondary education.
Elementary education is divided into three districts: East, Central and West. These districts in total comprise the 11 primary schools, 26 elementary schools and three central schools of Lebak.
List of Elementary School (Elementary School) and Primary School (Primary School)

## Healthcare

The health services are categorized into two. Public health services and private health services. The capacity of public health services are 3 doctors, 16 nurses, 30 midwives with 28 health centers and the private services have 7, nurses 16 and 11 midwives with 6 clinics and 2 hospitals.
* Lebak Doctors Hospital
* Lebak Santo Niño Hospital
* Lebak Medical Group of Hospital
* Medicare Community Hospital of Lebak
* Lebak Family Doctors Hospital
* Sabio Medical Clinic
* Municipal Health Center (Birthing Section)
* Labian Medical Clinic

## Sister cities

* City of Makati (since 2011)
* Cotabato City