Kidapawan was derived from the Manobo words ""tida,"" meaning spring, and ""pawan,"" meaning highland. Hence, the provincial title, ""Spring in the Highland."" Its first settlers were predominantly Manobos. The influx of Christian settlers from Luzon and the Visayas has resulted in the evolution of the word Tidapawan to Kidapawan.

Strategically located at the foot of Mount Apo, the Philippines' tallest peak at 10,311 feet above sea level, Kidapawan City bustles with renewed energy as it opens its doors to the world. Mount Apo and its other scenic attractions make the province of Cotabato a potential world-class tourist destination.

Cutflower has become a good source of livelihood among Cotabateños, especially those residing in Kidapawan City, who have organized a cooperative on cutflower marketing and production. Roses, anthuriums, and orchids which are conveniently grown locally are highly promising and profitable businesses and sources of livelihood. Even at large scale production, ornamentals and forest tree seedlings have become a high-selling business.

Ramie plantation in Kidapawan can be a future boom to the local textile industry. Cotabato is primarily an agricultural area (50% of total land area devoted to agri-production) with major crops that include rubber, grains, sugarcane, and exotic fruits like durian, rambutan, mango, banana, lanzones and mangosteen.