A group established a new settlement near the Sacub River (a spring near present-day Rizal Park), led by Datù Mampaalong.

In June 15, 1877, in an accord between the Spanish government and Mampaalong with 30 other datù, their settlement called Malaybalay was incorporated into Misamis.

[6] Spanish registries incorporated Malaybalay as the pueblo Oroquieta, in the town of Sevilla (now Mailag), administered by the clergy.

[7] Malaybalay was then a barrio headed by an appointed cabeza de barangay.During the American occupation, administrative structure of Mindanao underwent complete overhaul.

[8] When Bukidnon was declared as a regular province and become an independent political unit on March 10, 1917, by virtue of the creation of the Department of Mindanao and Sulu under Act 2711, Malaybalay was designated as its provincial capital.

Guerrilla groups operating around Malaybalay made frequent raids on the Japanese camps from the time of the occupation until the arrival of the Americans.

[9] The city plays a strategic role in the protection of the headwater source of the Pulangi and the Tagoloan rivers because of its location the upper portion of both watershed areas.

These watershed areas provided potable water, irrigation, hydro-electric power, and recreation and tourism activities.

[13][9] One of prominent geographical structure in the city is the Kitanglad Mountain Range, located in the western frontier, on its border with Lantapan and Impasugong.

The Central Mindanao Cordillera (Pantaron Mountain Range), is on the eastern side of the city, in its boundaries with Agusan del Sur province.

Malaybalay is originally the home of the Bukidnon "lumads" or natives, but there has been an influx of settlers and immigrants from the Visayas and Luzon for the last four decades contributing to the growth of the population.

The original inhabitants, the Bukidnons, have retreated to the hinterlands as the migrants continued to occupy and dominate the population centers in the city.

Other Christian religions present are the Aglipayans, United Methodist, Baptists, Seventh Day Adventists, Born again, Iglesia ni Cristo and the UCCP.

There are also farmers producing larger volume of corn and rice who sell their products in Cagayan de Oro.

Furthermore, Badminton has experienced a resurgence in popularity, leading to the establishment of four new facilities dedicated to this sport, including the conversion of the former Belyca Cinema.

In addition to these recreational options, the city hosts four gymnasiums and auditoriums, used not only for sporting events but also for various public programs and gatherings.

Exciting developments are on the horizon, with plans for the construction of the Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex in barangay Laguitas.

This complex will feature a track oval, swimming pool, and other related facilities, adding to the city's sporting infrastructure.

[38] For relaxation and leisure, Malaybalay boasts four spring resorts situated in Nasuli, Bangcud, and Managok, along with four plazas or parks.

Furthermore, the Bukidnon Provincial Zoological Park, established in 2019 at the Kaamulan Grounds, offers a unique attraction for animal enthusiasts and visitors.

It enacts ordinances and issues regulations that are necessary to promote the propriety and general welfare of the city's residents; ensure the health, safety, comfort and convenience of its constituents, maintain peace and order, improve and promote high public morals, and ensure the protection of the properties within the city's jurisdiction.

These unpaved roads leading to the rural barangays usually require regular maintenance since they are easily destroyed by heavy rains.

[40] Buses that ply the Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Butuan (not operational) and Davao City route, as well as jeepneys, multi-cabs, vans and private vehicles pass through this highway.

The multi-cabs ply the main highway from the poblacion proper to other points of destination within the city and nearby barangays.

Malaybalay is served by the Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative Incorporated or BUSECO,[44] which started its operations in 1979 (Table 77: Number of Connections by Type of Users and Average Consumption).

With the growing demand for better communication systems companies are facing the challenge of providing better and higher quality services to the population.

But the mode of communication in the upland barangays are still the old and tested letter sending through vehicle drivers and broadcasting over the public radio stations.

[42] The city's mobile and internet services are provided by Globe Telecom, PLDT, Parasat Cable TV and Smart Communications.

There are 9 police community precincts located in Sumpong, Dalwangan, Casisang, Aglayan, Managok, Bangcud, Zamboangita, Can-ayan and Barangay 9 (Public Market).

Further analysis indicates that based on the total population, the number of existing police force and the minimum police-population ratio of 1:1,000, the city still needs 606 policemen.