Maayong adlaw sa tanan! Are you ready?

Geared up as we take you to the 12 th

Paradise of the Philippines, Soccksargen!

Before knowing the region’s great destinations, festivities, flora and fauna, cultures, arts
and many more. Let us all know first the region’s distinct history.

HISTORY
Region XII was created by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 742 on July 7 th, 1975, and
named Central Mindanao. It was comprised of the following provinces: Maguindanao,
North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao Del Norte, Lanao Del Sur, and also the cities of
Iligan, Cotabato, and Marawi.

On September 19th, 2001 under executive order no. 36 that was signed by the 14 th
President of the Philippines creating the present Region 12 and renamed Central
Mindanao to Soccsksargen which stands for the region’s provinces: the South
Cotabato, Cotabato Province, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City. 
 
In the province of South Cotabato, Koronadal City serves as the region’s hub. Despite
being physically located inside the limits of the province of Maguindanao, Cotabato City
is a separate political entity from Maguindanao.
 
The population upon region XII does speak several languages, such as Hiligaynon,
Maguindanaon, Cebuano, Iranun, Sarangani, Tboli, Blaan, Dulangan, Manobo, Obo,
Tagabawa, Teduray, Ilianen, Karay-a, Tagalog, and lastly, English.

GEOGRAPHY

In terms of geography, Region XII is surrounded by Northern Mindanao to the north, the
Davao Region to the east, and the Celebes Sea to the southwest. Between Cotabato
City, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato Province lies the province of Maguindanao.

Mountain ranges, valleys, and an extensive coastline are all present in the region and
river systems in the area are quite well-known. Particularly in the Cotabato Basin, a
sizable depression surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges, the area serves as
Mindanao’s catch basin. 

The Rio Grande de Mindanao, Mindanao’s longest river and the second-longest river in
the Philippines, flows across the basin. In the broader Moro Gulf, west of Cotabato City,
the river drains into Illana Bay. The moderately high mountain ranges referred as the
Tiruray Highlands is located at the southern edge of the basin and borders it from the
southern coastline and the bay of Sarangani is to the southeast of the mountains.

FESTIVITIES

In terms of festivities, Region XII is a region notable for its spectacular and fascinating
festivities. Every month, a unique celebration is held in each town. But here are just few
of the festivities and events that will undoubtedly enchant us with hints of the culture
and traditions of the Region XII people.

Hinugyaw Festival is a week-long commemoration of the foundation anniversary of the

City of Koronadal, the provincial capital of South Cotabato, and the administrative hub
of Region XII. It is a colorful extravaganza that shows the development of the various
cultures of the Blaans, who are thought to be the region’s early settlers, the
Maguindanao, and Christians.

Another yearly must-attend event is the Seslong Festival, which takes place in the
Municipality of Tboli, Province of South Cotabato, every March. It is a holiday that
represents a gathering of people in one location for a variety of sociocultural activities,
including the trading of products, revelry, and many more.

Sarangani Bay Festival, also known as Sarbay Fest, is regarded as the largest beach
party in the country and is a must-attend annual event for everyone. Thousands of
tourists, both domestic and international, descended on Gumasa Beach in Glan to
participate in outdoor sporting events like boat races, skimboarding, beach football and
volleyball, frisbee, sepak takraw, beach fairs, sand sculpture competitions, Bay Bodies
Bikini Open, summer night beach parties, fun bike rides, and cheer dancing
competitions.
In the Province of South Cotabato, the Tnalak Festival is the largest and most vibrant
annual event. The focal point of the week-long event is a vibrant street dancing
competition that highlights the rich culture and customs of all the South Cotabato tribes
(lumads, Christians, and Muslims).

Another yearly event that is much anticipated in the SOCCSKSARGEN region is

Talakudong Festival. The Kudong, a headdress worn by Tacurong City’s earliest
settlers, is being celebrated as it is the city’s most cherished symbol.
Helobung Festival is the most anticipated and well-attended festival in Lake Sebu. It
honors the rich culture and customs of the locals, especially those of the Tboli tribe, and
serves as an opportunity to express thanks for a bountiful harvest.

Shariff Kabunsuan Festival is another colorful festival celebrating the arrival of Shariff
Kabunsuan via Rio Grande de Mindanao in Cotabato City to introduce Islam. The
Kuyog street dancing contest and the vibrant Guinakit fluvial parade at Rio Grande de
Mindanao, which simulates Shariff Kabunsuan’s arrival, are a must-see events.