During the early 1950s, some people migrated into the place which was a wilderness, full of wild pigs, wild chickens, deers, and birds. The place was formerly a dominion of Datu Tablo and Apo Salinda Gay under native traditions. Because of the friendly relations of the early migrants, lands were given to them for free or in gratitude, or in exchange for items.
The name of the place was derived from the rich Maribulan River, from the Blaan word "Mal Bulan" — which means a shiny creature usually prayed upon for a bountiful harvest and good fortune. Others say Maribulan is a kind of tree which grows along riverbanks during those times.
In 1952, Maribulan became a barrio of the Municipality of Dadiangas (now General Santos City). The late Ben Tobias was appointed the first Barrio Lieutenant. Mr. Honorio Sichon donated two hectares as the barangay site and Mr. Francisco Laiz donated land for the school site.
Sometime in August 1989, upon the suggestion of residents headed by Municipal Kgd. Salvador Cabradilla, Sr., the Barangay Council approved a motion for the first-of-its-kind celebration in Barangay Maribulan, Municipality of Alabel, South Cotabato (now Sarangani Province).
