Upi, Maguindanao - History

History

The beginning of Upi as a district geographical and political entity largely began on the early part of 1901 to 1910 when the American forces set foot in the then Empire of Cotabato. Today the province is subdivided into five (5) major provinces; Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato, South Cotabato, Saranggani and Maguindanao where Upi municipality is located. Upi is a mountainous town situated in the southwestern coastal portion of Maguindanao Province.

Known far and wide, an American Army Officer Captain Irving Bryant Edwards was assigned to Awang. He showed great interest in bringing the government closer to the people by establishing school in the far-flung areas. He reached the fertile valley of Upi and founded the Upi Agricultural School on August 19, 1919. From a USAFFE soldier, the late Capt. Irving Bryant Edwards turned educator.

Upi was formerly a barrio of Dinaig (part of the province of Cotabato then). It was separated from the said town by virtue of Republic Act No. 1248, approved June 10, 1955.

The first Municipal Mayor, Vice Mayor and Councilors of Upi were appointed by the President of the Philippines to hold office. Maria Badoy was appointed as the first Municipal Mayor. In 1956, the citizens were encouraged to participate in the political affairs of the local government and there took place the first election wherein Mayor Ignacio Tenorio Labina, a Teduray leader, was the first elected mayor of Upi and held his office for four years.

Maria Badoy - 1955 - 1956 - Appointed Mayor

Ignacio Tenorio Labina - 1956 - 1960 - First Elected Mayor

Datu Abdullah "Ugcog" Sinsuat - 1960 - 1963 - Elected Mayor

Datu Michael "Puti" P. Sinsuat - 1963 - 1980 - Elected Mayor

Bai Fatima P. Sinsuat -1980 - 1986- Elected Mayor

Datu Mohammad "Unting" Sinsuat - 1986 - 1987- Appointed Mayor

Datu Mohammad "Unting" Sinsuat - 1987 - 1992- Elected Mayor

Datu Michael "Puti" P. Sinsuat -1992 - 2001- Elected Mayor

Ramon A. Piang, Sr. -2001 - to date - Elected Mayor