REGION 12

SOCCSKSARGE
Soccsksargen (officially styled as SOCCSKSARGEN)
(pronounced [sokˈsardʒɛn]) is an administrative region
of the Philippines, located in south-central Mindanao. It
is numerically designated as Region XII. The name is an
acronym that stands for the region's four provinces and
2 cities (South Cotabato, Cotabato City, North Cotabato,
Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City). The
region used to be called Central Mindanao. The
regional center is in Koronadal located in the province
of South Cotabato, and the center of commerce and
industry is General Santos City which is the most
populous city in the Region.
 HISTORY
The region used to be named Central Mindanao. Prior to the creation of the Autonomous Region
in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) it comprised the following provinces:

Maguindanao
North Cotabato
Sultan Kudarat
Lanao del Norte
Lanao del Sur
With the creation of ARMM, Lanao del Sur,and Maguindanao (excluding Cotabato City) were
removed from the region, leaving Lanao del Norte, Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, and Marawi and
Cotabato City as constituent provinces and cities.Lanao del Norte was later transferred to
Northern Mindanao, while Marawi became part of the ARMM.

On September 2001, Executive Order No. 36 was signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
transferring South Cotabato, Sarangani, General Santos (also known as the SocSarGen District),
and Koronadal from Southern Mindanao to Region XII, and renaming the region, from Central
Mindanao, to SOCCSKSARGEN.
Country Philippines
Island group Mindanao
Regional center Koronadal
Area
• Total 22,513.30 km2 (8,692.43 sq mi)
Population (2015 census)[1]
• Total 4,545,276
• Density200/km2 (520/sq mi)
Time zone PST (UTC+8)
ISO 3166 code PH-12
Provinces
4
Cotabato
Sarangani
South Cotabato
Sultan Kudarat
Cities
5
Cotabato City
General Santos
Kidapawan
Koronadal
Tacurong
Municipalities 45
Barangays 1,195
Cong. districts 6
Languages
Hiligaynon Kinaray-a Ilocano Filipino English Maguindanaon T'boli B'laan Cotabato Manobo
Tagabanwa others
 SOUTH COTABATO
South Cotabato, officially the Province of South Cotabato (Hiligaynon:
Bagatnan nga Kotabato; Cebuano: Habagatang Kotabato;
Maguindanaon: Kuta Wato Saut; Filipino: Timog Cotabato), is a province
in the Philippines located in the SOCCSKSARGEN region in Mindanao. Its
capital is Koronadal City, and it borders Sultan Kudarat to the north and
west, Sarangani to the south and northeast, and Davao del Sur to the far
northeast. To the southeast lies Sarangani Bay. “Breadbasket of the
South”

South Cotabato is becoming one of the fastest growing provinces

in the Philippines and is home to the ethnic group, T’boli. It has a
microclimate which makes it a whole lot of fun to go around. Marbel or
Koronadal, the provincial Capitol of South Cotabato can get quite warm.
Lake Sebu, on the other hand, has been described as “Little Baguio.” It’s
nice and chilly, and a good place for a breath of fresh, cool air.
FESTIVALS IN SOUTH COTABATO
The T’nalak Festival
• The T'nalak festival is celebrated during the foundation anniversary of the province of South Cotabato,
and is held in the month of July in the provincial capital of Koronadal City. This celebration kicks off with
the Dayana Civic Parade highlighted by a float and cheer dance competition and closes with the T'nalak
Parade or Madal Bel'. This colorful street dancing competition offers unique entertainment. Dancers
from around the province, dressed in native costumes of B'laan, T'boli and other tribal groups in
Mindanao, are performing on the streets of the city.

• These competitions shows the rich and colorful heritage of the several minorities in this area and are
just some of the activities to see in this event. They are also the spectacular highlights of the festival.
The T'nalak parade is a perfomance that is a feast for the eyes, together with the sound of a pretty
impressive tune that will keep you standing on your toes for a long time. The T'nalak festival puts
together all the historical and spiritual culture of South Cotabato. It is a great event to see and a great
way to see the Mindanao culture in action.. A visual expericience you will not want to miss, you can feel
the unifying power of this celebration and the irrepressibly festive spirit of the participants and
spectators.

• More activities organised for the T'nalak festivities include cultural shows an agri-trade fair, bazaars,
visits to various tourism attractions in the province. Concerts by local and national performers and a
breath-taking fireworks display competition. with plenty in store to keep visitors entertained.
 MAJOR CROPS/LIVELIHOOD
South Cotabato is the major producer of Pinapple, SOURCE OF LIVELIHOOD
Corn, Papaya, Abaca and Cassava in Region 12 Dole Tourism, Agriculture, Mining, Inland Fishing
Philippines Pinapple Plantation - Proof that South
Cotabato is a sound and stable location for business is
IMPORT/EXPORT PRODUCTS
the long-term presence of Dole Philippines Inc since
1963. Dole has one of the largest pineapple – Pineapple, Banana, Papaya, “pork-in-a-box”
plantations in the world with its undulating fields of RELIGION
more than 18,000 hectares that reaches to the foot of 64.66% Roman Catholic, other religion include
the majestic Mt. Matutum. Dole Philippines exports Protestants, Islam and Iglesia ni Cristo Source: 2010
an array of fruit products to the international market. Census
Kablon Farms - a Filipino family owned and managed
corporation provides its clients with the choice to ATTRACTIONS
bring home the best with its long list of delicious
Mt. Matutum, T’boli Museum, Lake Sebu, 7 Falls
products such as juices, jams, jellies, marmalades,
Zipline, Lake Holon, Siok Falls, Dole Philippines
preserves, tablea and spices. Blooming Petals -
Pineapple Plantation, Surallah Cultural Landmark,
Another thriving family-owned business in South
Linan Forest Park/Linan Tarsier Conservation
Cotabato is the Blooming Petals flower farm. In a
Sanctuary
month, it produces up to 15,000 dozens of
chrysanthemums, 2,500 dozens of anthuriums and POPULAR FOOD
2,000 dozens of roses which are delivered to other Pineapple, Tilapia Cuisine, Buko Halo-Halo, Special
cities in Mindanao and Metro Manila. Blooming Petals Buko and Egg Pie
has a total of 20 hectares of flower plantations in
different locations. It currently grows 18 varieties of
 TRADITIONS AND CULTURE OF SOUTH
COTABATO
• The T'boli culture is richly connected with and inspired by nature, their dances are a
mimick from the action of animals such as monkeys and birds. The T'boli have a rich
musical culture with a variety of musical instruments, but the T'boli music and songs
are not meant for entertainment only. The Tribal songs are a living contact with
their ancestors and a source of ancient wisdom. The T'boli believe that everything
has a spirit which must be respected for good fortune. Bad spirits can cause illness
and misfortune.

• The T'nalak, the T'boli sacred cloth, made from abaca is the best known T'boli craft
and is one of the tribes traditional textile, this cloth is exchanged during marriages
and used as a cover during births. The T'boli women are named dreamweavers,
another legend tells us that the T'nalak weaving was taught by a goddess named Fu
Dalu in a dream and that women learn this ethnic and sacred ritual, based on tribal
designs and cloth patterns through their dreams. These unique patterns are made
with centuries-old practices and passed down from generation to generation. This
typical T'boli textile is history held in the hands of their makers and the rich cultural
heritage can be seen through their creations, it shows the tribe's collective
 COTABATO
• Cotabato City, officially the City of Cotabato (Maguindanaoan: Kuta
Wato; Malay: Bandaraya Cotabato; Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Cotabato;
Filipino: Lungsod ng Cotabato), is a city in the Philippines in the
province of Maguindanao.
• Cotabato City had witnessed more history than any other place in Mindanao. Its history
dates back to the 15th century when Shariff Kabunsuan, an Arab missionary, landed along
the banks of the Rio Grande de Mindanao and introduced Islam to the natives. Islam was the
faith that moved the early settlers to communal life, and to establish the Sultanate of
Maguindanao with its golden age ushered in by Sultan Dipatuan Qudarat during the 17th
century the time when Cotabato City developed as the capital town of Maguindanao.

• In the nineteenth century, when Sultan Makakua ruled, roads and wharfs were constructed
which gave rise to the birth of modern day Cotabato. However, the then Municipality of
Cotabato was first organized at the later part of the 19th century when the Spaniards
established a military post at what is now Barangay Tamontaka, one of the earliest Christian
settlements founded south of the Phiippines. Cotabato was then officially founded in 1862
when the Pueblo de Cotabato was established; Christianity was introduced in the area in
around the year 1870.
TOURIST SPOTS
• Rio Grande de Mindanao – this is the largest river in the
Philippines and the longest in the whole Mindanao region.
With the estimated long of 182 kilometers and 96 meters
wide, this river is crisscrossing the whole area of the city.
This river is good for water sports and boat racing.
• Kutang Bato Caves – this is the only cave in the country
that is right in the heart of the city. It has various
entrances are all within the roads.
• Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid – this is the largest
mosque in the Philippines.
 FESTIVITIES OF COTABATO
• Shariff Kabunsuan Festival – this festival is celebrated every
December 15-19, which is celebrated in honor of Shariff
Mohammad Kabunsuan, an Arab missionary from Johore who
planted the seed of Islam in Central Mindanao. On this event,
certain presentations are performed such as dances. There
are also many recreational activities and sports. Highlights in
this festival are Dance Parade, Banca Race and the re-
enactment of Shariff’s arrival.
• Araw ng Kutabato (Cotabato Day) – celebrated every June 12-
25, this is the biggest celebration in all of the city’s festivals.
This festival is held to commemorate the city;s charter day.
• Manobo, the name may came from Mansuba from
man (person or people) and suba (river), meaning river
people. The first Manobo settlers lived in northern
Mindanao, at present Manobo tribes can be found at
the hillsides and river valleys of the northeastern part
of Cotabato.

• According to an oral tradition, the Manobo's were lead

by two brothers: Mumalu and Tabunaway, they lived
by the Banobo creek, which flowed into the Mindanao
River near the present site of Cotabato City. In the 14th
century Sharif Kabungsuan, a muslim missionary,
arrived from Johore, to convert the people of
Mindanao. Tabunaway did not want to convert to Islam
but told his younger brother not to reject the Muslim
Faith. Tabunaway and his followers moved up the
Pulangi River to the interior of Cotabato, they decided
to part ways and in the years to come established their
own tribes. These groups retained their indigenous
beliefs, practices and the name of their original site,
Banobo, which eventually became Manobo, the
descendant's of Mamalu became the Maguindanao.
 SULTAN KUDARAT
Sultan Kudarat was part of the former empire province of
Cotabato, until its creation as an independent province
(along with Maguindanao and North Cotabato) on
November 22, 1973, through Presidential Decree No. 341
signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos.[3]
The name Sultan Kudarat given to the province was
derived from the Muslim ruler, Sultan Muhammad
Dipatuan Kudarat who begun to assert his leadership in
the year 1619 and reigned in the Sultanate of
Maguindanao from 1625 to 1671. He is considered a
national hero, and in his honor the province was named
after him.
FESTIVITIES OF SULTAN KUDARAT
• Talakudong Festivalcomes from an Ilonggo word “kudong” which means a
“headcovering” worn by the early settlers of Sultan Kudarat. One of the
highlights of the Talakudong Festival is the streetdancing where contingents
showcase the Kudongs that are used prominently in their dance steps.
• Bansadayaw Festival was derived from "bansa" an Ilonggo word which means
in full view, and “dayaw” which refers to merrymaking. Activities during the
celebration includes sports and talent competitions, pageantry, agro and
trade fairs, celebrity concerts, street dancing and many more.

• KALIMUDAN FESTIVAL (TRIBAL FIESTA)

It is another tribal fiesta down in Mindanao, with just about every major ethnic group joining in
the fun. Cultural sharing is the theme here, its message clearly displayed in the timeless songs
and dances of these native folks. One need not be a Manobo, Tiruray or T’boli to take part in the
fun—all you need are the right clothes, the right moves, and a genuine desire to go totally tribal!
 Major crops/livelihood of sultan kudarat
• Major Products
• Rice, Corn, Coconut, Fish, Coffee, Palm Oil, Sugarcane,
Fruits and Vegetables

• Major Industries
• Agriculture: Farming, Fishing, Poultry and Swine Raising,
Cattle Fattening, Palm Oil and by Products
• Cottage: Handicraft, Manufacturing of Pre and Post Harvest
Facilities, Concrete Products, Furniture and Kalakat Making
• Construction: Housing, Roads and Bridges
 SARANGANI
• Sarangani is a province of the Philippines located in the SOCCSKSARGEN
region. Its capital is Alabel. With a 230 kilometres (140 mi) coastline
along the Sarangani Bay and Celebes Sea, the province is at the
southernmost tip of Mindanao Island, and borders South Cotabato and
Davao del Sur to the north, and Davao Occidental to the east.

• Sarangani is part of the South Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat-Sarangani-Gen.

Santos City (SOCCSKSARGEN) development cluster, and is linked by
paved roads to the international airport and harbor of Gen. Santos City.

• The province is divided into two parts, separated by the Sarangani Bay
and General Santos City, and it used to be part of South Cotabato until
it was made an independent province in 1992.
SARANGANI FESTIVITIES
• Munato Festival was dedicated to the undying spirit “of those who drove the first nails”
and “those who dared first” to jumpstart Sarangani’s independence from South Cotabato.
• The tribal council defined Munato not only to refer to the “first people” but to their tools,
musical instruments and other materials they used to defend themselves as well.
• The “first people” also refers to people who had lived around Pinol Cave in Maitum where
hundreds of anthropomorphic jars were recovered.
• Known as the “Maitum Jars”, the artifacts were found by Dr. Eusebio Dizon of the
• SARANGANI BAY FESTIVAL
• The festival pays tribute to the importance of the Bay which for years has sustained life
because of its rich marine resources. The festival is also a venue to inculcate to all
stakeholders the importance of protecting and conserving the bay through eco-tourism.
• Timpuyog Festival
• An Ilocano Word which means “gathering and working together towards one accord for
the common good, timpuyog festival is a weeklong celebration that showcases the
different cultural presentations.
•
 GENERAL SANTOS
• General Santos, officially the City of General Santos, (Cebuano: Dakbayan sa
Heneral Santos; Hiligaynon: Dakbanwa/Syudad sang Heneral Santos; Filipino:
Lungsod ng Heneral Santos, referred to as General Santos City, and
abbreviated as GenSan, is a 1st class highly urbanized city in Soccsksargen,
Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 594,446
people. Organized under the National Land Settlement Administration (NLSA)
of the Commonwealth Government headed by President Manuel L. Quezon,
General Paulino Santos led the relocation of 62 Christian settlers from Luzon to
the shores of Sarangani Bay aboard the steam ship “Basilan” of Compania
Maritima on February 27, 1939. The 62 pioneers (mostly agricultural and trade
graduates) were the first big batch of settlers to land in GenSan with the
mission to industriously cultivate GenSan’s fertile expanse of land. After this
first influx of pioneers, thousands more from Luzon and the Visayas have
subsequently migrated into the area. This started the displacement of some
native B’laan tribe to the mountains and lost their livelihood.
FESTIVITIES OF GENERAL SANTOS
 Festivities and culture
KALILANGAN FESTIVAL
February 22 – 27. Kalilangan is a Maguidanaon term meaning celebration, commemoration or
festivities. Coinciding with the City’s founding in 1939, it brings back memory an epic story of the
city’s metamorphosis from the doldrums of long ago, into a bustling agro-industrial center that it is
now. The week long affair highlights the city’s dynamic cultural life, showcases songs, dance, the city’s
diverse culture and heritage, whose beauty and richness are at par with other parts of the world.
YAMAN GENSAN CELEBRATION
June 23 – July 2. This is devoted for the celebration of the business month in General Santos City . The
undertaking is known as the YAMAN_GENSAN Celebration. At center stage during this period are
business conferences and meetings, trade fairs and exhibits. This is not only intended to showcase the
different products of Gnesan and Mindanao, as a whole; to give support to SMEs but also, and most
importantly, to develop and enhance the culture of entrepreneurship among the people.
TUNA FESTIVAL
September 1-5. The first week of September breaths life to the tuna industry In General Santos City.
The holding of the tuna festival is the people’s way of commemorating the city’s Charter Anniversary.
The fishing industry is the main engine of the city’s economy. Its steadily ascendingeconomic spiral is
attributable to the industry’s continuing bullishness; the reason why the city has been able to create a
prominent mark in the global economic landscape. The Tuna Parade and the various activities
featuring different processed Tuna products and food menus are the main highlights of the festival.
 MAJOR LIVELIHOOD/CROPS
The city's major economic activity is primarily anchored in two sectors namely the agro-industry and fishing
industry.

Agro-industry: Endowed with rich volcanic soil, ample and well distributed rainfall all throughout the year and a
typhoon-free climate, General Santos City produces export quality high valued crops such as corn, coconut,
pineapple, asparagus, banana and rice. It also yields quality exotic fruits, vegetables and cut flowers. The city is also
a top producer and exporter of quality livestock such as poultry, hogs, and cattle. But with the continuing growth in
population and economy in the passing of time, a number of the city's agricultural lands have gradually been
converted into built up areas in order to address the relatively growing need of dwelling and viable spaces.

Fish Port of General Santos City

Fishing industry: General Santos City is the largest producer of sashimi-grade tuna in the Philippines.Thus in as early
as 1970, the title "Tuna Capital of the Philippines" has become a tag to it. GenSan also accounts for the second
largest daily total catch of fish in the country after Navotas City in the National Capital Region. Locals in the city
boast that fishes and seafoods do not come fresher than what is found in their locality. The fishing industry in
GenSan yields a total daily capacity of 750 metric tons of fish catch alone and employs about 7,800 workers. Which
is why General Santos City is home to seven (7) tuna processing plants in the country. The Fishport Complex in
Barangay Tambler has a 750 metres (2,460 ft) quay and a 300 metres (980 ft) wharf for 2,000 GT reefer carriers. The
fishport is equipped with modern facilities that comply with international standards on fish catch handling.