Fort Pikit in North Cotabato now a nat'l historical landmark

Fort Pikit in the town of Pikit in North Cotabato is now a national historical landmark.

The fort, located on a hill at the back of the municipal hall of Pikit, is the first national historical landmark in North Cotabato, according to Gov. Emmylou "Lala" J. Talino-Mendoza.

"The long wait is over," said Joey Recimilla, head of the technical working group that the governor creates to conduct research and documentation of the historical site.

More than a year ago, Recimilla recounted, Gov. Mendoza, in coordination with the Pikit LGU headed by Mayor Sumulong Sultan, commissioned a comprehensive documentation of the fort's history.

Results of this research and documentation were then submitted to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines for consideration of the site to be declared as a historical landmark.

On March 1 this year, an official delegation from the NHCP came to Pikit to conduct ground validation, investigation of historical facts, and site visit. They were accompanied by the provincial TWG during the site visit.

Two months later, the NHCP, by virtue of the Republic Act 10086 through Resolution No. 7 series of 2012, declared Fort Pikit as a National Historical Landmark, Recimilla explained.

Fort Pikit, which straddles atop a hill fronting the national highway connecting Cotabato and Davao cities , was built in 1893 by Spanish conquistadores at the time when the expedition to subjugate the Moros of Mindanao was actively pursued by the Spanish government in Manila. The hill commands a very wide view of a vast plain surrounding the areas.

It was also part of the fortification efforts in the island. Its massive structure is made mostly of stone.

When the Americans came, the fort was also used by the colonial government in the pacification campaign in Mindanao and later by the Philippine Constabulary still during the American period.

The Japanese Imperial Army also used the site during World War II but was recovered by the American forces in their advancement to liberate Eastern Mindanao.

Recimilla said Gov. Mendoza has already created a technical working group that will draft the rehabilitation plan of the historical site, with some funds coming from the national government.

The provincial government plans to formally launch and open the rehabilitated Fort Pikit as a historical landmark on September 1, 2012 in time with North Cotabato's 100th Foundation Anniversary. (PIA)