[3] The word Matungao literally means cold in Maranao language.

This municipality is a bastion of peace between Muslims and Christians and an ardent advocate of the Maranao culture.

Matungao stages annually the well-loved Maranao courtship dance in the colorful and gliterry Kapagtota Festival.

230, s. 1949, signed on June 20, 1949: "...the barrios of Nunang, Matungao, Matampai, Pasayanon, Pangi, Somiorang, Batangan, Bangco, and Batal, all of the municipal district of Pantao-Ragat, Province of Lanao, are hereby organized into an independent municipal district under the name of Matungao with the seat of government at the barrio of Matungao."

Poverty incidence of Matungao Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] Mayors after People Power Revolution 1986: