REGION XII – SOCCSKSARGEN

I. INTRODUCTION

SOCCSKSARGEN is a region of the Philippines, located in central Mindanao, and is

officially designated as Region XII. SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII) is located in Central
Mindanao. The region is endowed with rich natural resources and it serves as the main
source of hydroelectric power for Mindanao. The name is an acronym that stands for the
region’s four provinces and one of its cities: South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat,
Sarangani and General Santos City. According to Philippine cities, the region is more
formally known by its older name Central Mindanao. The regional center is Koronadal City
located in the province of South Cotabato. Cotabato City, though geographically within the
boundaries of the province of Maguindanao, itself is part of SOCCSKSARGEN, and is
independent of that province. Maguindanao province is, in fact, a part of the Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which has its seat in Cotabato City. SOCCSKSARGEN
and the province of Maguindanao were once part of the original Cotabato province.

Administrative Divisions
Region XII comprises 4 provinces, 1 highly urbanized city, 1 independent
component city, 3 component cities, 45 municipalities and 1,195 barangays.

Province Capital City Municipality

South Cotabato Koronadal Banga, Lake Sebu, Norala, Polomok, Santo
General Santos Nino, Surallah, Tantangan, Tupi, T’boli
City
Magindanao Cotabato City Alamada, Aleosan, Antipas, Arakan,
Banisilan, Carmen, Template:Cotabato,
Kabacan, Libungan, M'lang, Magpet,
Makilala, Matalam, Midsayap, Pigcawayan
Pikit, President Roxas, Tulunan
 Sultan Kudarat Tacurog City Bagumbayan, Columbio, Esperanza, Isulan,
Kalamansig, Lambayong, Lebak, Lutayan,
Palimbang, President Quirino,
Senator Ninoy Aquino,
Sarangani Alabel Glan, Kiamba, Maasim, Maitum, Malandag,
Malungon Malapatan, Malungon,
Table 1. Administrative Divisions

II. HISTORY

The first province is South Cotabato, and its capital is Koronadal. Koronadal’s name
was believed to have been derived from the two B’laan words koron or kolon meaning
cogon grass, and nadal or datal meaning plain which aptly described the place to the
natives. Native settlers at that time were the B’laans and some of the Maguindanaos. It was
on August 18, 1947 when President Manuel Roxas signed the Executive Order creating the
municipalities in the entire province of South Cotabato, one of which was Koronadal. The
same order likewise mandated the official function of the municipal government which
began after the qualification and election of the first municipal official. Koronadal was
converted into a component city of South Cotabato, now known as the City of Koronadal by
virtue of Republic Act 8803 on October 8, 2000. At present, Koronadal is a fast-developing
growth center composed of twenty-seven (27) barangays including the four (4) zones in
the població n. Being the capital city of South Cotabato, it is the center of the province in
terms of political, cultural and socio-economic activities.

The second province is the Maguindanao and its capital is Cotabato City. 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.

The third province is the Sultan Kudarat and its capital is Tacurog City. The place
was originally called “Pamansang”, after a creek that flows from south to north of the area.
The name “Pamansang” was changed to “Talakudong”, the maguindanao term for head
covering which was worn by most of the early settlers and people in the area.

The fourth province that complete SOCCKSARGEN is Sarangani, it is the

southernmost province in the mainland of Mindanao and its capital is Alabel. It is cut
midway by the city of General Santos giving its two sections hammock-like shapes that hug
the mountains and Sarangani Bay. Sarangani is surrounded by the Celebes Sea, Sarangani
Bay, and the province of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Davao del Sur.

The island of Sarangani was named by Spanish explorer Ruy Ló pez de Villalobos in
1543 as Antonia, in honor of Antonio de Mendoza y Pacheco who commissioned the
Villalobos expedition to the Philippines. The early inhabitants who first inhabited
Sarangani were the indigenous natives, called MunaTo, a native term for "first people."

Furthermore, the last city that complete SOCCKSARGEN is the General Santos City.
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. The
Blaan people are the original settlers of GenSan which they
called Dadiangas during the time. The B’laans live a
nomadic way of life in and around GenSan. Evidence of
their early occupancy are the names of the places in the
city which were derived from their native terms. One
significant name is Dadiangas, their native call for a tree
which has thorns on its trunk and stems that abundantly
thrive in GenSan during the time. Under

Indigenous Peoples Right Act IPRA law RA 8371, these Dadiangas trees (Figure 1) are
Figure 1. Dadiangas Tree
now protected and it is proven under the Philippine jurisprudence of the Supreme Court. In
the present time, the B’laan tribe live side by side in harmony with the new generation of
settlers and other immigrants.

III. PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

A. Size of the Region

According to Philippine Statistics Authority, Region XII has a total land area of
2,278,608 ha. which is about 17% that of Mindanao. Among the four provinces of the
region, Cotabato has the biggest area at 9,008.90 sq. km. It is about 30.4% of the region’s
area. The smallest among the provinces is Sultan Kudarat with an area of 4,401.06 sq. km.
Among the five cities of the region, General Santos City has the biggest land area at
668.49 sq. km., with Tacurong City as the smallest at 161.96 sq. km.
 Province Land Area
South Cotabato  3,935.95 sq. km. 
Cotabato 9,008.90 sq. km.
Sulatan Kudarat 4,401.06 sq. km.
Saranggani 5,298.34 sq. km.
General Santos City 668.49 sq. km.
Total Land Area Approximately 2,278,608 ha.
Table 2. Land Area of Region 12

B. Territory of the Region

The region is bounded on the north by Northern Mindanao, on the east by the Davao
Region, and on the southwest by the Celebes Sea. The province of Maguindanao is situated
between Cotabato City, Cotabato province and Sultan Kudarat.

C. Map of the Region

Figure 2. Map of Region 12.

D. Topography

AKIPELAGO states that the region has extensive coastlines, valleys and mountain
ranges. Known for its river system, the region is the catch basin of Mindanao, particularly at
the Cotabato Basin, a large depression surrounded by mountain ranges on three sides.
Within the basin runs the Rio -Grande de Mindanao, the longest river in Mindanao and the
second longest in the Philippines. The river empties into the Illana Bay of the larger Moro
Gulf at the west of Cotabato City. At the south of the basin lie the Tiruray Highlands, a
moderately high mountain range blocking the basin from the southern coastline. Southeast
of the mountains lie the Sarangani Bay.

Figure 3. Rio Grande de Mindanao

IV. DEMOGRAPHICS

A. Population

AKIPELAGO states that the population of Region XII as of May 2015 stood at 4.24
million persons, placing it at 10th rank among the heavily populated regions nationwide.
Among the provinces, Cotabato (South) Province had the largest population with 1.227
million. South Cotabato placed second with 827,200; Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani came
into 3rd and 4th with 747,087 and 489,904 respectively. For the cities, General Santos City
recorded a 538,086 population (13% of Region XII’s total population), while Cotabato City
had the total population of 271,786.

Table 2. Population of the Region

Province Population
South Cotabato 915,289
Cotabato 1,380,747
Sultan Kudarat 812, 095
Sarangani 544, 261
General Santos City 594, 446
Total Population Approximately 4.24 million population

B. Famous People

Fu Yabing Dulo is one of the two

master designers left of the Blaan mabal tabih
– the art of ikat weaving. Fu is a term of
endearment for an old woman – lola to the
Tagalogs, babu to the Magindanaoan. She hails
from Brgy. Landan in Polomolok is the oldest
living master weaver of Tabih, the traditional
Blaan fabric made from Figure 4. Fu Yabing Dulo

abaca. The 97-year old weaver is “recognized for her commitment to the safeguarding and
promotion of the Blaan ‘mabal tabih’ (ikat weaving) tradition,” the proclamation read.

She is now the second GAMABA (Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan) or National Living
Treasure awardee from South Cotabato. The first awardee was the late Tnalak master
dreamweaver Lang Dulay of the Tboli tribe from Lake Sebu who passed away in 2015.
Lang Dulay

The country lost a national

treasure after the acknowledged master of
T’nalak weaving died on Thursday, about
two months after she suffered a stroke,
officials said. Born on August 3, 1928,
Lang Dulay was a T'boli princess from the
Lake Sebu region in South Cotabato. She
Figure 5. Lang Dulay
first learnt weaving at the age of 12 from her mother, Luan Senig.

She is known for maintaining the use of traditional motifs in T'nalak weaving amidst
commercialization of the craft which saw the introduction of more modern designs by non-
T'bolis. She notably had a mental repertoire of around 100 patterns and designs some of
these were based on her dreams, hence her description as a "dreamweaver".

Lang Dulay set up the Manlilikha ng Bayan Center workshop in her hometown to promote
the traditional art of T'nalak weaving and by 2014, five of her grandchildren had become
weavers. Lang Dulay fell into a coma in early 2015 and died on April 30 of the same year.

Ray Mudjahid

Ray Mudjahid Ponce Millan better known as

Kublai Millan or Kublai is a prolific artist from
Mindanao. He is known for his giant sculptures. Aside
from being a sculptor he is also an art photographer,
painter, digital artist and performance artist.
 Kublai was born on July 8, 1974 in Cotabato City.Kublai started his career when he
made all the artworks both inside and outside of his family's hotel; Ponce Suites.

Figure 6. Ray Mudjahid

Figure 8. Risen Christ Figure 9. Kampilan

Figure 7. Millans Durian
Monument

Mindanao, painting and sculpting subjects relating to the culture of his hometown.
He is responsible for two giant works; "Kampilan" by Sultan Kudarat in the city of Sultan
Kudarat, Maguindanao and the "Risen Christ" in the church of Tagum City. He is also
responsible for the giant durian monument in Davao International Airport, the giant eagle
and Bagobo children in People's Park, Davao City.

Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao-(Born December 17,

1978) is a Filipino professional boxer and
politician. He is the first eight-division world
champion, in which he has won ten world
titles, as well as the first to win the Lineal
Championship in four different weight
classes. He was named “Fighter of the
Decade” for the 2000s by the Boxing Writers
Figure 10. Manny Pacquiao
Association of America (BWAA), World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing
Organization (WBO). He is also a three-time The Ring and BWAA “Fighter of the Year,”
winning the award in 2006, 2008 and 2009, and the Best Fighter ESPY Award in 2009 and
2011.

On April 2012, Pacquiao dropped to number two in the rankings, behind Floyd
Mayweather, Jr. However, on May 7, 2012, The Ring declared the top position vacant and
jointly ranked Pacquiao and Mayweather in the number two spot.

Aside from boxing, Pacquiao has participated in acting, music recording and politics.
In May 2010, Pacquiao was elected to the House of Representatives in the 15th Congress of
the Philippines, representing the province of Sarangani.

Nonito Donaire Jr.

Nonito Donaire was born in Talibon, Bohol,

Philippines to Filipino parents, Nonito Sr. and Imelda
Donaire. He is the third among four siblings: Glenn,
Rosiel and Ermie.Back then, there was no electricity in
Bohol. He grew up in General Santos City, South
Cotabato, where he lived until age six and went to the
same school as boxing icon eight-division world
champion Manny Pacquiao. During his early career, he
had hated boxing. Due to excessive pressure, he had not
only never enjoyed boxing, but had even dreaded it
every day. Nevertheless, he did stick with it because he
Figure 11. Nonito Donaire Jr.
did not want to disappoint his father. Currently, he always fights for such people who
support him and believe in him, and finally for himself, so he loves and enjoys boxing.

Pax Mangudadatu

Hon. Pakung S. Mangudadatu, also known as Sultan Omar

Pax Mangudadatu of the Sultanate Royal House of Rajah Buayan is
a Filipino politician who is the provincial governor of Sultan
Kudarat since 2016. He also served the same post from 1998 to
2007 and was elected Representative of the 1st district of Sultan Kudarat with Tacurong
under the administration's Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) party in 2007.

He run as Provincial Governor of Sultan Kudarat in 1998. During his campaign for
governor, he and Rep. Angelo Montilla created the SK UNA political party. He defeated
Sultan Kudarat Vice Gov. Rose Jamison for governor of the province and making history as
the first Muslim governor of the Christian-dominated province. He served as provincial
governor for nine years from 1998-2007 due to his tangible achievements, sound abilities,
proven good governance and strong political will in the Province of Sultan Kudarat. He was
then called as the "Action Man" because he is a man of action and not a man of words.

Joemar Surmion “Farmer-Entrepreneur”

Joemar Surmion wants to change the pitiful farce of

farming. “Farming should be viewed as a business
enterprise and not just merely production”, says the young
Ilongo businessman from Koronadal City who has a
passion in farming. Toto Joemar, as he is fondly called by
his friends is a maverick who likes to try everything that
challenges his skills and wits. He applied the technologies
he got from his several trainings in aquaculture, livestock
and poultry raising, mango production and others in the
Figure 13. Jomar Surmion
farm. He planted mangoes on the sloping areas, made rice terraces on the other, and create
a fishpond for tilapia and hito. He utilized the spring water to provide water to his area
through gravitational irrigation, where he impounds the water from the spring and put
pipes directly to the fishponds, rice areas, and even to his house. He utilized everything
from his farm, like converting rice straws into organic fertilizer, utilizing animal manure to
fertilize his fruit trees and others. These experiences allowed him to save costs from farm
inputs.
Gerald Anderson

Gerald Randolph Opsima Anderson, Jr. was born to

Gerald Randy Anderson, Sr., a Caucasian American instructor
in the Philippine Navy who travels back and forth between
the United States and Zambales, and Evangeline Opsima, a
Filipina businesswoman from General Santos City, South
Cotabato, Mindanao, Philippines. When he was three years
old, he and his family moved to San Antonio, Texas. He has 2
older sisters and one younger brother. At age 14, Anderson
and his family returned to General Santos City. Anderson is
Figure 14. Gerald Anderson
multilingual, demonstrating oral fluency in both English and Tagalog through his work; he
also has some proficiency in Cebuano. Anderson has revealed in 2010 that he and Kim Chiu
had a romantic relationship for 5 years since 2006. Anderson has a passion for basketball.
When asked what he would be if he didn’t take up acting, Anderson stated that he would be
a basketball player. In 2011, inspired by his role in Budoy, Anderson organized a charity
basketball game event for the benefit of the kids with special needs.

Melissa Cantiveros
 Melai Cantiveros (born Melisa Bunayog Cantiveros on
April 6, 1988, is a Filipina actress, comedienne, host and fifth
female Big Winner of the reality show, Pinoy Big Brother. She
is currently one of ABS-CBN’s contract talents.Melissa
Cantiveros or Melai was born on April 6, 1988 at General
Santos City, South Cotabato, Philippines to Dionisio and
Virginia Cantiveros. She is the third of four siblings and the
only daughter. She studied at Mindanao State University –
Figure 15. Melai Cantiveros
General Santos.October 2009, Cantiveros entered the Big Brother house along with 25
other housemates.

C. Ethnic groups

B’laan Tribe

Among the tribes in the Philippines, the

B’laans in Sarangani and South Cotabato are
the most distict in Region XII as they
significantly played major historical roles in
the evolution on several towns and barangays
within the locality that have been named with
B’laan origin. The Figure 16. B’laan Tribe

B’laans have preserved their sacred lands, keeping them connected to the mother earth, to
their sacred sites in Lamifew, Malandag, Malungon Sarangani: Melai Bolul, Moleng, Bantay
and Macao.

T’Boli Tribe

T’Boli have their own story of

creation; they believed that the world they
lived, the trees, the rivers, lakes and
mountains has its own powerful being the Dwata/Mulu (God). Based on the history, T’Boli
are Proto-Malayan reserve and are found in the mountain ranges of South

Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat Province. T’Bolis of that time were among the lowlanders as
“tagabili” and the same derive from the word “Tao bili” which means man living in the hills
in their own native tongue. T’Boli tribe originated with two siblings named Mamalu and
Tabunaway. Tabunaway was a princess of the tribe. She decided to marry a sultan, she
asked her brother Mamalu to go for hunting to provide her a white deer “Uhu” for her
wedding. It was then said that Mamalu and Tabunaway were the ancestors of T’Boli tribe.

Teduray Tribe

One can easily tell a Teduray household in

any community because of the presence of their
traditional baskets. Traditional baskets is the
symbol of Teduray. It is a lasting display of their
artistry. The term for weaving is “monom”, which
includes all kinds of woven handicrafts. Teduray

Figure 18. Teduray Tribe people believe in katya (short prayer, orasyon),
murka (gaba), endagiton (sprits/soul) and supernatural powers. Teduray believed in the
existence of kuwek, busaw, fagad (kapre) and alagisi (higante). Their farming, planting and
harvest season is also affected by the formation of the stars. The appearance of these stars
signals the dawning of easterly winds dropping along the way thorns. This is one of the
identity of Teduray Tribe.

Manobo Tribe

The Obo-Manobo has a unique history and

culture. They have their own way of living, justice
system, festivities, wedding ceremonies that
clarify the Datu families and children from the
slaves and ordinary Manobo; burial system,
sacred ground, agriculture practices, territorial
defense system, songs and dances and rituals on

Figure 19. Manobo Tribe

all activities and occasion practiced even today, settling conflicts among tribe members and
many other practices that are still evident in the predominantly Manobo communities.

Maguindanaon

Long before the arrival of Shariff

Kabunsuan (1475) and the discovery of the
Philippines by Magellan (1521), there were
people already living near the mouth of
Pulangi or Maguindanaon River and in the
plains along its upper the tributaries in
what is now Datu Piang. In those days until
now, the Mindanao River overflows its bank Figure 20. Maguindanaon
from time to time, flooding the areas along its bank up to its mouth. These floodings are
termed “midsanao” by the Maguindanaons. Before the coming of the Spaniards, these
people of the flooded plains were characterized by strongly kinship association headed by
a Datu or Sultan. The Maguindanaon were modest in dress and soft spoken (Stewart, 1977).

D. Religion

According to Philippine Statistics Authority, As diverse as the Mindanao Island

Group can be, the same is true for the religions embraced by its populace. The island
registered a total population of 24,135,775 as of the 2015 Census of Population. Roman
Catholic and Islam are the two religions most widely spread across Mindanao. These two
denominations together cover the religious affiliation of more than half of the islands’
population.Around 57 percent of its citizens claim membership in the Roman Catholic
Church and about 23.4 percent declared Islam as their religious preference. 
 Table 3. Religions of the Region

V. Economy

SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII) is located in Central Mindanao. It is surrounded by the

abundant bays of Sarangani, Illana and Paguil, as well as the Moro Gulf and Celebes Sea.

According to Country Stat Philippines, the

region is endowed with rich natural resources
and it serves as the main source of
hydroelectric power for Mindanao. It is
famous for tuna production. General Santos
City is known as the tuna capital of the
Philippines. GROSS REGIONAL DOMESTIC
Figure 21. Hydroelectric Power
PRODUCT

Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) is the aggregate of gross value added
(GVA) of all resident producer units in the region. It includes regional estimates on the
three major sectors including their sub-sectors namely: Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry,
Industry Sector, Mining and Quarrying, Manufacturing, Construction, Electricity and Water,
Service Sector, Transport, Communication and Storage Trade Finance Ownership of
Dwellings and Real Estate and Private Government Services. There are two ways in looking
at the GRDP of a region. One is at Constant Prices wherein the influence of price increases
in the market is removed and another is at Current Prices wherein prices of commodities
are influenced by price increases in the market. Usually, GRDP at constant prices is lower
compared to that of GRDP at current prices.
 Philippine Statistics Authority cited that the economy of SOCCKSARGEN posted a 5.0
percent growth in 2016. The region shared 2.6 percent in the country's Gross Domestic
Product. Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing sector had 9.5 percent decline in
output. It comprised 22.9 percent of the region's total output. In 2016, palay production at
1,200,642 metric tons was 7.05 percent lower than the 2015 record. Area harvested at
315,690 hectares decreased by 7.13 percent. Corn production at 1,144,010 metric tons and
area harvested at 383,266 hectares were down by 7.69 percent and 7.96 percent,
respectively.

The region recorded a 9.55 percent drop in agricultural output in 2016. The decline
was attributed to the production decreases in crop subsector at 9.62 percent and fisheries
subsector at 20.72 percent. The crops subsector comprised the biggest share in the region's
agricultural output at 65.49 percent. On the other hand, output increases were noted in
livestock and poultry subsectors at 0.03 percent and 9.81 percent, respectively. Palay and
corn were the leading crops in SOCCSKSARGEN contributing 19.28 percent and 14.35
percent, respectively, to the agricultural output of the region. Banana and pineapple were
the other major crops with respective shares of 8.08 percent and 6.67 percent in 2016. The
region was ranked second in pineapple and third in corn and banana production.

VI. Language
A. DIALECTS

There are different dialects that region XII has been used for many years like Hiligaynon,
Cebuano, Iranun, Sarangani, T’boli, B’laan, , Tagabawa, Tiruray, Ilianen, and English.

B. SAMPLE PHASEOLOGIES

English Tagalog Local Dialect

Hiligaynon:

“Welcome” “Maligayang Pagdating” “Dayon”

“What’s your name?” “Ano ang iyong Pangalan?”

 “I’m from…..” “Galing ako sa….” “Ano imo ngalan?”

“Good Night” “Magandang Gabi” “Halin ko sa ….”

“Maayong Gab-i”

“Welcome” “Maligayang Pagdating” Cebuano:

“What’s your name?” “Ano ang iyong Pangalan?” “Maayong pag-abot”

“I’m from…..” “Galing ako sa….” “Unsa imong ngalan?”

“Good Night” “Magandang Gabi” “Taga……ko”

“Maayong gabii”

“Welcome” “Maligayang Pagdating” T’boli

“What’s your name?” “Ano ang iyong Pangalan?” “Maayong pag-abot”

“I’m from…..” “Galing ako sa….” “Unsa imong ngalan?”

“Good Night” “Magandang Gabi” “Taga……ko”

“Maayong gabii”

Table 4. Dialects and Phrases

VII. TRANSPORTATION

a. Land Transportation and Terminals

To get to Cotabato from

Manila, there are more
convenient way and cheapest
way to get there easily. From
Manila, it is recommended for
the tourist to travel with
different land transportations
 like bus, cars, to get to Batangas Port. In there, tourist need to board to a ferry to get
to Mindoro. Then another ride for Bus line to get to Mindoro port, passengers will
board for another ferry to get to Panay, passengers will take another Busline to
Negros to Domaguete and another ferry or ship line to get to Mindanao to Pagandian
straight to Cotabato City.

Figure 23, shows the local land terminal

of SOCCSKSARGEN such as Libungan Terminal,
Midsayap, Makilala, Isulan Integrated Public
Transport Terminal, Tacurog City Integrated
Public Transport Terminal, Yellow Bus
Terminal, and more.

Figure 23. Local Land Terminal.

Local Land Tranportation

Yellow Bus Line, Incorporated (YBLI) is a large

bus company in Mindanao. It operates bus
transport services in the Central and Southern
Mindanao with its headquarters in General
Santos City. Its company-owned terminals and
offices are located at General Santos City and

Yellow Bus Line is the first bus company and the

second largest in Mindanao with more than 200
Figure 24. Yellow Bus Line
units plying the routes in Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Maguindanao, North Cotabato,
Sarangani Province, and Davao. Their base of operations is located at the City of Koronadal
and General Santos City. Operating for 54 years, YBLI is the first bus company in the
Philippines to implement regular wage for its drivers and conductors. In year 2015 they
conducted NC III qualification exams for all their drivers and conductors.

Visitors to the city of SOCCSKSARGEN have a few forms of public transportation

available to them, which include jeepneys (the local city buses), taxis, and various other
chauffeured, motorcycle-based vehicles.

Jeepneys are the buses that make routes around the city of Cotabato, and are easily
identified by their bright colors. They are cheap, convenient, operate nearly 24 hours a
day, and with a total of 82 routes heading in both north and south directions, provide
access to most areas of the city

Taxis are readily available around the region, and are easily flagged down on the
sides of major roads. They are much more expensive than the jeepneys, but are still fairly
cheap when compared to much in the western world. Both air conditioned, and non-air-
conditioned units are available, with fares being slightly higher for the former. Fares can
be determined by meters, and also by negotiating

Tricycles (motorcycles with passenger seat area) are also available inside villages,
where no other transport except private cars and taxis are allowed.

b. Air Transports

To get to Cotabato and General

Santos City from Manila, there are
some airlines that are open for
everyday flights such as Philippine
Airline for 1hr 40 min and Cebu
Pacific for 1hr 50 mins.
 There are two airports in Region 12. The first airport is General Santos International
Airport, (stylized as General Santos City Airport) (Cebuano: Tugpahanang Pangkalibutanon
sa Heneral Santos, Hiligaynon: Pangkalibutan nga Hulugpaansang

Heneral Santos), (IATA: GES, ICAO: RPMR)

is an alternate international airport
located in the city of General Santos,
Figure 25. Manila to Cotabato by Airplane
Philippines serving the greater area of
SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII). Situated in
Park New Hondagua, Uhaw, Barangay
Fatima, the airport is the largest airport in
the island of Mindanao and is officially
classified an International Airport by the
Figure 26. Region 12 Airports
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), a government bureau which is
responsible in the management and operations of General Santos International Airport and
all other airports in the country except regular international airports.

And the other airport in SOCCSKSARGEN is the Cotabato Airport (Maguindanao:

Landing nu Kutawatu) (IATA: CBO, ICAO: RPMC) also known as Awang Airport is an airport
serving the general area of Cotabato City, located in the province of Maguindanao in the
Philippines. It is classified as a Class 1 principal (major domestic) airport by the Civil
Aviation Authority of the Philippines, a body of the Department of Transportation and
Communications that is responsible for the operations of all airports in the Philippines
except the major international airports.

Figure 27. General Santos City Airport Figure 28. Cotabato Airport
 a. Water Transport & Seaports

Figure 29. Region 12 Seaports

Many times, a reader will read “Cotabato Port” when it comes to shipping and many
of them will think of the great but now conflict-ridden city of Cotabato. They will not realize
that the “Cotabato Port” referred to is actually the Polloc port in Parang town in
Maguindanao province which is about kilometers from the city. The true Cotabato Port is
actually a river port near the mouth of Cotabato River hence it is shallow and can just
accommodate small and shallow-draft vessels.

Figure 30. Cotabato Seaport Figure 31. General Santos Seaport

 The fishing industry in Region XII, is primarily centered in General Santos City,
supporting thousands of jobs and generating millions in foreign exchange earnings. The
GSFPC, covering an area of 32 hectares, is strategically located at Brgy. Tambler, General
Santos City in South Cotabato. GSFPC which lies along the shores of Sarangani Bay is 17km
south of the city proper. Constructed and financed by Japanese Overseas Economic
Cooperation Fund under the Nationwide Fishing Ports Project Package II, the port complex
is the second largest fish port in the Philippines next to Navotas Fish Port Complex.

IX. FESTIVALS

SOCCSKSARGEN or SOX is a region of colorful and vibrant festivals. Every town here
has their own celebrations. This 2017, its time for you to discover and experience the best
of SOX - nature, adventure and culture through our various festivities.

The T'nalak Festival, South Cotabato, Philippines (July 12-18)

If the Filipino people have a reason for a

celebration, they will end up having a fiesta. It is a
well-known fact that Filipinos love celebrations,
this can be seen in the way they celebrate their
festivals and fiesta's. Festivals in the Philippines
are held throughout the country, these occaissions
are celebrated with great intensity, passion and
enthusiasm, with a a mixture of religion and
culture. Every
Figure 42. region,
T’nalak Festivalprovince and Citiy has
different kinds of festivities and events. When visiting a fiesta one can experience the
legendary Filipino hospitality and the vibrant nature of the Filipinos. There are many
popular festivals in the Philippines like the Aliwan Festival.

The Kabunsuan Festival of Cotabato

(December 15-19)
Shariff Kabunsuan Festival it is a colorful festival celebrating the arrival of Shariff
Kabunsuan via Rio Grande de Mindanao more than 500 years ago to introduce Islam to the
natives. The festival, be held from Dec. 15 to 19, will feature SK trade fairs, battle of the
bands, Mindanao business forums, cultural presentations, street dancing competitions, and
Kanduli (thanksgiving banquent). A celebration of Islam, the Shariff Kabunsuan Festival is a
display of Muslim religion and culture. Cotabato City's Sharif Kabunsuan Festival is very
popular among foreign and local tourists who visit their families and relatives during this
holiday season. 
Figure 43. Kabunsuan Festival
TALAKUDONG FESTIVAL: Sultan Kudarat Philippine’s
Most Celebrated Festival of Hats (September 18)
Among the many festivities held
every year in the City of Goodwill,
Talakudong Festival is the most
celebrated event. Not only because it is
celebrated alongside the commemoration
of the founding anniversary of Tacurong
but because it has the most historical
significance to the city and its people. A
neo-ethnic festival, Talakudong Festival
Figure 44. Talakudong Festival
is the city’s tribute to the most prized symbol of the Tacurong’s history – the kudong, a
head covering worn by early settlers of this city. Talakudong which comes from the word
kudong refers to something that covers the head against the sun and rain.

Kalimudan: Celebrating the Unity Among

the
People of Sultan
Kudarat (November
21)
 Manobos, Tirurays and T’Bolis of Sultan Kudarat gather to celebrate unity in
diversity amongst them.  The celebration is also their way of giving thanks for a bountiful
harvest. The event incldues numerous activities, agricultural and trade fairs, street dancing
parade, talent show, pageants, and a lot more. 

Sarangani Bay Festival (June 3-4)

Sarangani Bay Festival, likewise

Figure 45. Kalimudan
referred to local people as Sarbay
Fest, is a yearly occasion in Sarangani
Province. The celebration is hung on
each third seven day stretch of May.
Seemingly the most mainstream
shoreline occasion in the southern
area of Philippines', Sarbay
celebration is an unquestionable
Figure 46. Sarangani Bay Festival
requirement go to for some travelers. The celebration pulls in the two local people and
outsiders to an open-air occasion like no other.

Tuna Festival of General Santos City (September 3-5)

General Santos is known for having one

of the best Tuna in the world and hence it
comes as no surprise that this city would
celebrate the Tuna Festival. Tuna caught
in General Santos is fresh out of the sea
and it is one of the sources of income for
this progressive city. The Tuna Festival is
a culinary event that showcases the many
different dishes that can be made from
Figure 47. Tuna Festival
Tuna. This General Santos festival was an instant hit when it was first celebrated and today
the entire city celebrates this.
 Kalilangan Festival of General Santos City
(September 20-27)
The Kalilangan Festival is the second biggest
General Santos festival that has been celebrated
for almost two decades. The Kalilangan Festival
commemorates the foundation of this bustling
city and it is an event organized by the local
government in collaboration with civil society
groups. This General Santos festival is more than
just about merry making as it affords every
Figure 48. Kalilangan Festival
visitor the opportunity to learn about this city’s rich culture and heritage.

KIDAPAWAN FRUIT FESTIVAL (August 10)

The festival aims to exhibit the blasting

natural product industry in Kidapawan City.
Local organic products diplayed along the
primary roads and the city grounds features
the week-long festival alongside other fun
exercises including the buoy parade, social

introductions, fun run and different games

Figure 49. Kalilangan Festival
exercises, daily live band exhibitions and exchange fairs, among others. The celebration
begins off with a Fruit Float Parade, a standout amongst the most foreseen parts of the
festival. A huge number of individuals go to the glad capital in Cotabato to witness and to
take an interest in the festival of the rich reap of organic products in the City of Kidapawan.
X. PRODUCTS

The region’s major exports consist of

fresh/canned/frozen tuna and other fish products;
fresh/canned pineapples; frozen
octopus/shrimps; fresh bananas; coconut and
crude/cochin-type coconut oil; copra pellets;
cutflowers, asparagus, and okra; abaca pulp;
garments; aquaculture products; gifts and
Figure 50. Tuna
houseware products.

Kidapawan City

Kidapawan city also prides itself as the Second

Fruit Basket of the Philippines, after Davao
City. Exotic fruits like Durian, Mangosteen,
Lanzones, Marang, Singkamas, Rambutan,
Banana, and the like are grown and harvested
Figure 51.
in abundance Kidapawan
from Fruits
the rolling highlands of Mt. Apo, passing through the wide plains of the
rural communities of Kidapawan City, and down into the backyard of every household.

South Cotabato

T’nalak weaving, undoubtedly hailed as the

province’s ultimate cultural emblem is a
traditional masterpiece of geometric patterns
dreamt to life by T’boli women, uniquely
known as “Dream Weavers” who translate
their dreams into intricate patterns of
intensely colored abaca fibers.

Figure 52. T’nalak

 General Santos City

General Santos City is the largest producer of

corn, coconuts, copra, pineapples, asparagus and
rice and it also produces other high value crops
such as exotic fruits, potatoes, vegetables, cut
flowers and okra. The city also has the largest
total daily fish landings in the Philippines and is
the leading producer of sashimi grade tuna.
Figure 53. Corn, Asparagus, Coconut &
Pineapple

a. Delicacies with Sampling

  CHICHARON TILAPIA

As you visit Lake Sebu, you shouldn’t miss

the 50 different kinds of dishes mainly made of
tilapia! Some examples would be the Chicharon
Tilapia, you could enjoy the view of Lake Sebu as
you take a bite of this crispy Chicharon Tilapia
Figure 54. Chicharon Tilapia

   NILAGANG TILAPIA

               It’s a big bowl of soup with three tilapia that

you could enjoy with your friends! 

Figure 55. Nilagang Tilapia

 NILASING NA TILAPIA

           Another tilapia dish famous in the region

is the Nilasing na Tilapia. It’s just like the dish
nilasing na hipon, but with tilapia! I know that
the word “nilasing” would be enough to entice
most foodies to try it, but the reason they keep
ordering it is its taste. 
Figure 56. Nilasing Tilapia

BEEF SININA

Cotabato’s beef stew that you would

love. It has a twist that is different from other
beef stews because it is the Maguindanaoans
local version of Filipino beef stew! It is widely
served in Cotabato City.

Figure 57. Beef Sinia

FRIED CATFISH

VE-JR IHAW IHAW located in Tacurong City, Sultan

Kudarat. This restaurant is really famous because of its
delightful fried catfish dishes. The resto has their own
pond full of catfishes. You could choose from fried or
grilled catfish dishes. No worries, their catfish is really
fresh and clean.
Figure 58. Fried Catfish

MARANG
 If you don’t want the smell of Durian, the
Marang could be your next favorite fruit. It tastes even
sweeter than the Durian. A small piece is worth P15 to
P20 in Sultan Kudarat.

PASTEL
Figure 59. Marang
A steamed rice topped with flaked chicken,
beef, or tuna that is wrapped in banana leaves. It is
also best if paired with hardboiled egg. This
delicacy is loved by most locals in Cotabato City
and tourists of the province, and it is also sold at
bus stations. This is worth P8- P10, it’s really
affordable. Figure 60. Nilagang Tilapia

  GRILLED TUNA AND TUNA TACOS TOPPED WITH CHEESE

Since GenSan is known for being the tuna
capital of the Philippines, grilled tuna and tuna
tacos must be tried! You can get this from
BigBen Steaks and Grills for a unique
experience. It is one of the most favorite
restaurants in the province, located in
Robinsons Mall.
Figure 61. Grilled Tuna and Tuna Tacos Topped with Cheese
 CALDERETA RICE

Glutinous white rice cooked with Maggi Magic Sarap, liver spread, corn and peas. It
has a long cooking time, but it’s sure worth the wait. A must try for the adventurous foodie
in Region 12.

Figure 62. Caldereta Rice

TINAGTAG

It is made of ground rice

and sugar, mixed with a little bit
of water. This glutinous mixture
cooked then folded like a taco. It
is best eaten with either milk or
coffee or even a mixture of both!
Figure
You can find this in Brgy. Tuyan, Malapatan, 63. Tinagtag
Saragani.

B. Pasalubong and Crafts of SOCCSKSARGEN Region

Home to the “Pambansang Kamao ng Pilipinas,” Sen. Manny Pacquiao, where the
Philippines’ second longest river flows through, Region XII caters not only numerous
adventure trails to follow, but also rich culture overflowingly seen in every person in all
places in the region. The region is composed of 5 provinces namely: South Cotabato;
Cotabato Province; Sultan Kudarat; Saranggani; and General Santos City. 

Of course, a Pinoy adventurer always brings with him the memories he got from his
adventures. Hence, we give you these amazing pasalubongs you can bring home with you
from your travels in SOCCSKSARGEN Region.

SOUTH COTABATO T’nalak Fabrics and

T’boli Bead Works
 Recognized nationwide as one of the best weavers in the country, the T’boli’s thrive
in the province of South Cotabato and produce the best crafts in accessories and fabrics
(Figure 64). Necklaces, emblems and bracelets (Figure 65) made from natural resources
are hung on most of the souvenir shops in the
Figure
area. Also, 64. that
fabrics T’boliare
Bead Works
finely woven by the
natives are

Figure 65. T’nalak Fabbrics

 COTABATO PROVINCE Fresh Fruits 

Fresh fruits and produce can be bought

in most of the stalls in marketplaces in the
province. From apples, oranges, grapes to
pineapples, pomelo, durian, and more. It’s just
a matter of how much you can carry.

Figure 66. Fresh fruits

SULTAN KUDARAT Seafood 

The best seafood houses are in Sultan Kudarat,

wherein most of the population live in fishing
industries. Crabs, shrimps, milk fish, tuna, anything
under the sea, you can find them here at very
affordable prices.

Figure 67. Sultan Kudarat Seafood

SARANGGANI Shrimps and Milkfish

The Philippines’ National Fish, Bangus, thrive in the waters of Saranggani. These are
cultured and bred to perfection and most of the fishing companies export these to other
countries in Southeast Asia.

Figure 68. Shrimps and Catfish

GENERAL SANTOS CITY Kablon Farm
Products

Kablon Farms produce naturally made

products like natural fruit juice, coconut sugar,
etc. These are among the finest pasalubongs to
bring home after tours in the mansions of the
Pacquiao’s.

Figure 69. Kablon Farm Products