Ginatilan
At the western side of famous Mt. Apo, a few kilometers from its foot lies a barangay clothed with evergreen. Because of its proximity to the highest peak of our country,
it has an invigorating and cool climate. It is also endowed with volcanic soil that makes it studded with rich agricultural and forestalls products. It is bounded by two rivers, Marbel River and Matingao River. The name Ginatilan according to the old Manobo folks of the place is derived from the word “GINTI-AN” which means “READY” to accept the sovereign role of the government. At that time, the Manobos of the place were ignorant and uncivilized whereby they were
reluctant and stubborn to be under the government and to mingle with Christians. However, under the leadership of one Datu, Datu Lizada Panday, the Manobo vowed allegiance to the government in 1942. The second belief how Ginatilan get its name was when Christian settlers entered into the area and acquired lands in the forested areas. In later years, land conflicts arise on areas between the Christians and the Natives because of boundaries. The sensitive problem reached the Office of the Provincial Governor, of the empire Province of North Cotabato. Datu Udtong Matalam, the incumbent governor at that time, sent Mayor Froilan Matas, one of his deputy governors to investigate and solve the land problems of the place. Fortunately, he was able to settle the conflicts and as a token memory of his splendid work, he requested the people to adopt as a name of the place Ginatilan because he was born in Ginatilan, Cebu. However, this second belief is declaimed by Datu Aloy Bulatukan the olds living heir of the founder of Barangay Ginatilan. In 1947, Ginatilan became a regular barrio and at that time the highest official of the community was called the barrio Lieutenant. Since then the leadership of the place was strongly under the hands of the natives. Datu Agad Arsam became the first barrio Lieutenant. In the year 1948, Ginatilan Primary School was opened with Mr. & Mrs. Pedro Galoso as the first teacher. Ginatilan became a regular barrio through Executive Order No. 82, series of 1947.
