1933
Migrants from Panay, Negros, and parts of Luzon settled in M’lang in search of fertile land. Jacinto Paclibar, the first Christian settler, became Chairman of the Civil Emergency Administration during World War II and later served as Deputy Governor of Cotabato. He envisioned a government-assisted land distribution program to help landless settlers farm and build homes.
1947
M’lang is among the five municipalities that originated from Kidapawan. In 1947, after World War II, Kidapawan was established as a municipality, incorporating the heavily forested M’lang-Tulunan area. This was influenced by the close relationship between the Manobo and Maguindanaons, as well as the increasing presence of Ilonggo settlers with family ties in the region.
1951
M’lang was the first to gain independence from Kidapawan, officially becoming a regular municipality on August 3, 1951, through Executive Order No. 462 issued by President Elpidio Quirino. Its first appointed mayor was Domingo Lim, a former police chief of Kidapawan.
1961
M’lang’s territory was reduced when 28 barrios and sitios were separated to form Tulunan under EO No. 441. Later that year, parts of M’lang, Kidapawan, and Kabacan were combined to create Matalam through EO No. 461, cutting off Kidapawan’s access to the Ligawasan Marsh and its direct link with Kabacan.
Present
Today, M’lang stands as a first-class municipality under the 3rd District of Cotabato Province. From its early beginnings as a forested settlement, it has grown into a thriving local government unit composed of 37 barangays, reflecting decades of progress and community development.