SOCSKSARGEN REGION XII

SOCCSKSARGEN also known as Region XII is located in Central Mindanao. The name of the region 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. The region used to be called Central Mindanao. The regional center
is Koronadal located in the province of South Cotabato, and the center of commerce, industry, transportation
and the most populous city is General Santos.

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.

Land Area: approximately 22,786.08 sq. km.

Boundaries: 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.

Language: Boundaries: Hiligaynon, Ilocano, Maguindanao, Cebuano and Chavacano. Indigenous languages
are also spoken by the natives such as Hiligaynon, Maranao, or Maguindanaon. A number of people speak a
mixture of Ilocano and Cebuano.

Political Views: The region of Socsksargen is composed of 2 chartered cities namely as: General Santos
City and Cotabato City whereas Koronadal, Tacurong and Kidapawan are component cities. South Cotabato
has 11 municipalities and 1 component city. Cotabato has 17 municipalities and 1 component city. Sultan
Kudarat has 12 municipalities and 1 component city. Region 12 has a total of 45 municipalities and 1,192
barangays.

How to get there: SOCCSKSARGEN can be reached in three ways: Via General Santos City by plane,
Manila-GenSan, Cebu ,Gensan, Ilo-ilo Gensan; Another is via Davao City by plane, and by land (van or bus)
Davao-Kidapawan route; Davao-Digos-Gensan route; and last, via Cotabato City by plane thru Awang
Airport, Manila-Cotabato City flight. Local transportation in SOCCKSARGEN include jeepneys and
tricycles. Meanwhile, aircon and non-aircon buses and vans are the means of transportation from one city to
another.

PROVINCE OF SOUTH COTABATO

South Cotabato is a province in the Philippines situated in the SOCCSKSARGEN region occupying the

southern-central section of Mindanao.. Land of dream weavers. The patterns they use to weave are those that
came from their dreams. Home of the T’bolis. Before 20th century: the area where South Cotobato lies is
inhabited by Muslims, B’laans, Manobos, Tagabiils and other ethnic groups who migrated to this part of
Mindanao. February 27, 1939: Pioneers mostly coming from Luzon led by the late General Paulino Santos
arrived and laid the foundation for what was to become the progressive province it is today. July 18, 1966:
South Cotabato was formed as an independent province from Cotabato. Its capital city is Koronadal.

Land Area: 442 881 Hectares or 1709.97 miles

Boundaries: The Province of South Cotabato is bounded by the province of Sultan Kudarat in the north and
west, in the east and south by the city of General Santos and province of Sarangani.

Political Views: The Province of South Cotabato has 10 municipalities and 1 city. The total number
of barangays in the province is 199.

Capital City: Koronadal City

TOURIST ATTRACTION, FESTIVAL & DELICACY

TOURIST DESCRIPTION
ATTRACTION
Located at the boundaries of the
Municipality of Tupi, Tampakan and
Polomok in South Cotabato Province, and
Malungon in Sarangani Province.Has a
MT.MATUTUM height of 2,286 meters above sea level.
Stands as the landmark of the
SOCCSKSARGEN region. The name
Mount Matutum is derived from the local
Blaa'n tongue "Amyak Maleh" meaning
climb and plant. Indeed, all trekkers are
required to plant a tree while visiting the
Mountain.
 Punta Isla Lake Resort should without a
doubt be included in your bucket list in
visiting Lake Sebu. Punta Isla portrays an
important role in developing Lake Sebu as
PUNTA ISLA
South Cotabato’s premier nature sanctuary.
RESORT
It is situated less than a kilometer away
from the town proper of Lake Sebu and is
highly regarded as an ideal place for fun,
food and leisure. Furthermore, Punta Isla is
popular for its naturally sweet and luscious
tasting tilapia which will surely fuel your
appetite.

Lake Holon, also known locally as Lake

Maughan, is located in the Municipality of
T’boli, Province of South Cotabato,
Southern Mindanao. Lake Holon is a
LAKE HOLON caldera lake, nestled in the mountains of
South Cotabato, one of which is the
stratovolcano, Mt. Parker or locally known
as Melibengoy. The highest point is 1,756
meters above sea level. The Crown Jewel of
the South for the crown like appearance of
the crater surrounding the lake. The lake
‘Holon’ name in T’boli means “portal to
heaven”, which, beyond its captivating
natural beauty, pertains to a local legend. In
2003 and 2004, the national government
officially declared Lake Holon as the
cleanest inland body of water in the
country. Before you will reach the jaw-
dropping beauty of Lake Holon, you will
have to trek for about 2-4 hours, depending
on the trail you choose. Lake Holon is one
of the hidden gems in Mindanao and a
perfect destination for adventurers. It offers
a lot of activities including trekking,
swimming and kayaking in the lake, and
cultural immersion with the locals in the
indigenous community. There are two trails
going to Lake Holon: Kule and Salacafe.
The Salacafe Trail is the rather ‘easier’ trail
going to the lake. It will take you about 2-3
hours, depending on your pace. The second
trail is called the Kule Trail. It’s the more
 challenging one, and will probably take you
4-5 hours before you reach Lake Holon.

DELICACY DESCRIPTION

The Chicharon Tilapia is very

crunchy and fit for a meal viand
or for snacking. You can simply
CHICHAROM TILAPIA enjoy the splendor of Lake Sebu
while snacking on some
chicharon.

FESTIVAL DESCRIPTION

Hinugyaw Festival is one of the

festival in Koronadal City, the
center of the Province of South
Cotabato. It is one of the festival
that celebrate of the founding of
their city Marbel Settlement.
HINUGYAWAN FESTIVAL
Hinugyaw Festival is a colorful
merrymaking depicting the
evolution of the distinct cultures
of the B'laan,Maguindanaons and
Christians into a singular wave of
rythms. The festival shows the
festive spirit with street dancing
parade,talent shows and beauty
pageant,sports events and nightly
street parties.

PROVINCE OF COTABATO
Cotabato is a province in the Philippines situated in the SOCCSKSARGEN region occupying the southern-
central section of Mindanao. The original Cotabato Province known as the Empire Province of Cotabato used
to be the largest in the country in terms of land area. Its capital is Kidapawan City. Cotabato derives its name
from the Maguindanao word kuta wato (from Malay – “Kota Batu”), meaning “stone fort”, referring to the
stone fort which served as the seat of Sultan Muhammad Kudarat in what is now Cotabato City.

Land Area: 656,590 hectares representing 36 percent of the regional land area (1,815,500 hectares).

Boundaries: The province of Cotabato is bounded on the North by the Province of Bukidnon, on the
northwest by Lanao del Sur, on the East by Davao City, on the Southeast by Davao del Sur, on the West by
Maguindanao Province and on the southwest by Sultan Kudarat Province.

Political Views: The province of Cotabato is composed of seventeen (17) municipalities and one (1) city
with five hundred forty three (543) legally created barangays, with Kidapawan City as its Capital.

Capital City: Kidapawan City

TOURIST ATTRACTION, FESTIVAL & DELICACY

TOURIST DESCRIPTION
ATTRACTION

Admire the largest mosque in the

Philippines—the Grand Mosque also known
as the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid
partly funded by the Philippine Government
and the Sultanate of Brunei to whom the
Masjid was named (Sultan Hassanal
Bolkiah). This beautiful mosque is located
GRAND at Barangay Kalanganan II, Cotabato City.
MOSQUE Can accommodate around 15,000
worshippers at a single congregation and
does not discriminate other religion as it is
open to all, provided that visitors follow
proper attire (men wear abayas, and women
cover their head with a hijab).
 One of the tourist attraction of the city
which is rich in historical and cultural
legacy is the Kutawato Cave. Located at the
Barangay Poblacion I. Found at the foot of
the “Tantawan” or P.C. Hill, it is the only
cave in the entire country located in the
heart of the city. Featuring white walls with
beige and brownish shades that glitter in the
dark, the cave is reputed to be seven
kilometers long and made of formidable
solid rock. It was used by Filipino soldiers
KUTAWATO during the Second World War to outsmart
CAVE and fight the Japanese invaders. It had also
provided natives a sanctuary when the
Spaniards tried to convert them to
Christians. The cave has several entrances
scattered around the city, but only four are
open to admit visitors. It has four major
entrances namely, Provincial Capitol Cave,
Bagua Cave, Caverna Español, and the
Kuweba ni Satur, all of which offer various
natural attractions like rock formations,
saltwater ponds, underground rivers, and an
army of fruit bats. Each wide entrance offers
a unique experience to visitors.

Tamontaka Church
Tamontaka Church is situated nearby
to Headstart College of Cotabato Annex and
the police station PNP RSPB 12. It is also
known as the church of the Immaculate
Conception and was declared a National
Historical Landmark in 2004. This is the
TAMONTAKA
CHURCH oldest Christian church in Cotabato City. It
was built in 1872 by Spanish friars as can be
easily seen in its architecture and design.
Inside, you will find relics of the living past,
which together with the church housing
them stand in testimony that both the
Muslim and Christian religion can co-exist
harmoniously. One of the most interesting
features of the Tamontaka Church is its
underground passageway leading to a
catacomb which is part of a network of
caves for which Cotabato is named from.
 DELICACY DESCRIPTION

One of the delicacies in Maguindanao.

Tinagtag made from grounded rice then
cook in oil.Tinagtag came from the root
word “Tagtag” which means tapping. The
procedure of cooking implies its name
where it needs a great patience to produce
TINAGTAG
such a yummy food . It is made up of
ground rice and sugar with a little water
added which produce a thick mixture
placed over a coconut shell drilled with
small holes and fixed to a wooden stick
bind with a rope and tied to a pole. The
mixture filter on a pan of boiling oil as
the cook taps the stick while making a
circling motion that results to a round
form of crosscut brown strips when fried
totally. And the appetizing Tinagtag is
ready to serve.

FESTIVAL DESCRIPTION

This festival is celebrated every

December 15-19 in Cotabato. Celebrated
in honor of Shariff Mohammad
Kabunsuan, an Arab missionary from
Johore who planted the seed of Islam in
SHARIFF
KABUNSUAN Central Mindanao. On this event, certain
FESTIVAL 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.

PROVINCE OF SULTAN KUDARAT

The name of the province was derived from a Muslim ruler, the late Sultan Mohammad Dipatuan Kudarat of
the Sultanate of Maguindanao, who reigned from 1625 to 1671. He was a virtual leader who embodied the
idea of basic unity, oneness and freedom among the diverse people scattered throughout his Sultanate. He
was considered as one of the national heroes of the Republic of the Philippines not only because of his
virtues of leadership but also because of his patriotic exploit in repelling Spanish domination. For his honor,
Sultan Kudarat province was named after him. Sultan Kudarat was part of the former Empire Province of
Cotabato. Sultan Kudarat was made an independent province on November 22, 1973 by virtue of Presidential
Decree No. 341. Its capital city is the municipality of Isulan.
Land Area: 5,363.86 square kilometers or 2,071.00 square miles.

Boundaries: The province of Sultan Kudarat is bounded on the north by its sister provinces of Maguindanao
and Cotabato; on the south by the provinces of South Cotabato and Sarangani; on the east by Davao del Sur;
and on the west by Celebes Sea.

Political Views: Sultan Kudarat is composed of 11 municipalities and 1 city. The total number
of barangays in the province is 249.

Capital City: Municipality of Isulan

TOURIST DESCRIPTION
ATTRACTIONS

Balut Island is located in Brgy. Paril

Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat remains
sparsely inhabited. White sand beaches dot
the island surrounded by scuba diving and

BALUT ISLAND snorkeling sites. Locals call it Balut Island,

although it also goes by the name
Donauang Island, about an hour away by
motorized boat from the poblacion.
Because of its secluded location, it remains
one of the most preserved Sultan Kudarat
tourist spots. As you ride a boat to the
island, you’ll glimpse of rich marine
ecosystems such as colorful coral reefs. It’s
a perfect getaway for those who prefer less
touristy destinations.

Tres-Andanas Falls is one of the most

popular Sultan Kudarat tourist spots. It has
three layers with a beautiful catch basin
that will certainly invite you for an

TRES-ANDANAS invigorating swim. Lush forests surround

FALLS the waterfall, adding to the scenic view.

Locals love to come here for picnic and
other recreational activities. Adventurous
visitors can climb from one of the
surrounding cliffs and take a thrilling jump
to the deep pool. It is located at
Lebak,Sultan Kudarat.
 Baras Bird Sanctuary is one of the most
popular tourist spots in Sultan Kudarat. It is
located at Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat
Province. Baras Bird Sanctuary is home to

BARAS BIRD more than 20 000 migratory birds in the

SANCTUARY region. One of the largest bird and wildlife

sanctuary in the country. In August 2002,
the city government of Tacurong officially
declared the Baras Bird Sanctuary as eco-
tourisim destination. It was established in
2002 to protect the species. There were
only four birds then and to everybody’s
surprise, their numbers swelled very
rapidly. The sanctuary covers two hectares
consisting of swamps, wetlands, and
marshes. The commonly seen bird species
here are the great egret, the Rufus night
heron, and the intermediate egret

DELICACY DESCRIPTION

Esperanza is known for its delicious Halo-

Halo, the popular Filipino dessert which is
a mixture of shaved ice, evaporated milk,
HALO-HALO boiled sweet beans, caramelized plantain,
dried and fresh fruits, ube jam, leche flan
and other ingredients.

FESTIVAL DESCRIPTION

Kalimudan Festival Held every month of

November, the Kalimudan Festival
commemorates the founding anniversary of
KALIMUDAN the Province of Sultan Kudarat. The week-
FESTIVAL long festivities gathers the different tribes
in the province for thanksgiving, and
colorful showcase of the richness of their
cultures. Activities includes trade fairs,
pageantry, talent showcase, sports and
skills contest, celebrity shows and nightly
concerts, street dancing parade and many
more.
 PROVINCE OF SARANGANI

Sarangani is located at the Southernmost tip of Mindanao. Sarangani was once part of South Cotabato, but it
became an independent province in the year 1992. Early inhabitants of the province were called the
"MunaTo" which means "first people". People from this region have many dialects such as  Cebuano, Ilocano
and Ilonggo depending on the area. Chiongbian’s wife, Priscilla L. Chiongbian, was the first Governor of
Sarangani. They are known as the Father and Mother of Sarangani Province. Its capital city is the
municipality of Alabel.

Land Area: 360,125 Hectares or 45 square miles

Boundaries: Sarangani is bordered, clockwise from the North, by South Cotabato, Davao del Sur, Davao
Occidental, Celebes Sea, and Sultan Kudarat.

Political Views: Sarangani has 7 municipalities. The total number of barangays in the province is 141.

Capital City: Municipality of Alabel

TOURIST DESCRIPTION
ATTRACTION

Sarangani Bay covers a vast area of more

than 215,950 hectares, making it one of the
largest protected marine sites in the
SARANGGANI Philippines. Part of it is a massive coral reef
BAY expanse covering more than 2,293 hectares.
It hosts more than 411 reef species, 60 live
hard coral genera, and 11 species of seagrass.
Because of its thriving marine biodiversity,
the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources declared it as a Key Marine
Biodiversity Area.
 Lamlifew Village Museum is the first of its
kind in the Philippines. It showcases the rich
culture of the local tribes aimed for
appreciation and preservation. Here, you can
learn about the lives of the Blaan ethnic tribe
as it contains repositories of their traditional
LAMLIFEW
heritage, traditional weaving, and organic
VILLAGE
farming practices. the Lamlifew Village
MUSEUM
Museum is, at first encounter, a modest
undertaking, housed in a rectangular
structure of bamboo and thatch lashed
together with rattan. Following the
spatial configuration traditional to the Blaan
house design, a raised dais abuts three  of the
four interior walls. The Lamlifew women use
this well-lit space for collective
beadworking, child care, quiet talk. The other
surfaces are for antique Blaan garments,
weaponry, and domestic accoutrements.
You’ll see various styles of colorful beads,
headdresses, and hand-woven textiles. The
visitor entering this museum will find a
home-like environment, and a calm setting
that embodies many atypical layers of effort.
It is located at Barangay Datal Tampal of the
town of Malungon, Sarangani Province.

Gumasa Beach is one of the top Sarangani

tourist spots. It boasts of a long stretch of
powdery white sand beaches. Vast coconut
plantations line the beach and there is open

GUMASA BEACH grassland where you can play with your kids.
It’s often touted as the Boracay version of
Mindanao. It is located at Glan, Sarangani.
 DELICACY DESCRIPTION

Maitum’s most populardelicacy

is the Bangsi, a flying fish.
Bangsi is usually dried and salted
BANGSI then deep fried.

FESTIVAL DESCRIPTION

The Bangsi Festival celebrates

BANGSI FESTIVAL
the abundance of fish locally
known as “Bangsi” (flying fish),
a delicacy that is unique in
Maitum in the Province of
Sarangani. The Bangsi Festival
celebrates a year round abundant
catch that made dried fish a
thriving industry in the locality.
One of the highlights of the
festival is the Sugba-sugba sa
Bangsi sa Kadalanan. During this
event streets will be filled with
local folks lined while grilling a
ton of Bangsi for everyone who
wants to taste this sumptuous
delicacy. The festival also
features a festive street dancing
parade performed by
representatives coming from
different schools. Dance themes
portray marine life and the
dancers wear colorful costumes
symbolizing life in the sea.

GENERAL SANTOS CITY

General Santos, formerly known as Buayan City. It is located at the head of Sarangani Bay of the Celebes
Sea along the southern shore of Mindanao. It is known for the "Tuna Capital of the Philippines" for its
abundance of the yellow fin tuna and the fishing industry has greatly contributed to their economy. It is a
coastal highly urbanized city in the SOCCSKSARGEN region. Although administratively independent due to
its distinction as highly urbanized city. The city is named for General Paulino Santos, who directed the
pioneer settlement (mostly by Christian Filipino migrants) and development of the Koronadal Valley that
began in the mid-1930s. B’laan people were the original settlers of GenSan. B’laan people were called
Dadiangas during those times.

Land Area: 53 601 Hectares or 95 square miles

Boundaries: The General Santos City is bounded by municipalities of Sarangani Province namely Alabel in
the east, and Maasim in the south. General Santos is likewise bounded by the South Cotabato municipality of
Polomolok and Sarangani Province municipality of Malungon in the north, and the municipality of T'boli in
the west.

Political Views: General Santos has 26 barangays.

Capital City: General Santos City

TOURIST DESCRIPTION
ATTRACTION

Kalaja Karsts Eco-Tourism Park An

ecological preservation park located 15
KALAJA KARSTS
kilometres (9.3 mi) off the central business
ECO-TOURISM
district on the north-east side of city in
PARK
Barangay Conel. Klaja Karsts Land derived
its name from “Kalaha” (“frying pot”) as it
looked like one due to the surrounding
towers of karsts formation naturally formed
millions of years ago. It produced natural
waterfalls and caves.

Sanzches Peak One of the tourist attraction

in General Santos City. It is located at
Purok Balakayo, Brgy Olympog, General
Santos City, South Cotabato. The

SANZCHES PEAK magnificent view of the peak offers a

different level of tranquility especially for
city folks who love nature or who just want
to get away from the hustle and bustle of
the city. If you are fortunate, you can
witness a sea of clouds during early
mornings, most especially during the
Amihan seasons.You only need to hike for
3 hours to get there and be at the city’s
highest point. The cold breeze above is
definitely perfect for a cup of coffee while
bonding with your family or friends.
 Malyango Peak A great attraction in
General Santos has been gaining positive
reviews online. It is located at Purok
MALYANGO PEAK Sansapan Road, General Santos City, South
Cotabato. Offering a great trek and a
breathtaking view atop the hill, Malyango
Peak is a must-visit for every individual.
You can spend a night here where you
could experience bonfire as your bonding
experience, or watch the city lights.
Elsenot, you can just spend your time with
your loved ones and breathe one with
nature.

DELICACY DESCRIPTION

Tuna Kinilaw A local version of ceviche,

with fresh and clean flavors of premium
tuna highlighted by chili and vinegar. The
TUNA KINILAW raw tuna is slowly cooked by the vinegar,
and the color transforms from a deep red to
a pale orange. The simple dish is just
bursting with pure flavor, with the tuna’s
subtle briny sweetness kicked up by the
sharp notes of the vinegar and chili. One
bite, and you just know you’re in the
country’s famed tuna capital.

FESTIVAL DESCRIPTION
 In the heart of the fondly called Gen San
City lies the grand celebration of the Tuna
Festival where all things in tuna inspired
are visible within the colorful streets of the
city. Bringing within the title as the Tuna
Capital of the country, General Santos City
commemorates this one of a kind festivity
every first week of September. With the
plentiful bounty of yellow-fin tuna fish
abounding in its rich waters, it is well-
recognized to be the leading producers in
the tuna industry not only to the Philippines
but also globally. No wonder why the
TUNA FESTIVAL
locals of the area organized this grand
event. The Tuna Festival is normally
opened by the colorful Tuna Float parade
and Parada sa Dagat with festive and
ocean-themed floats that depict the richness
of the city’s culture. The locals dance with
lively and vibrant music showcasing the
province’s bountiful catch and their
energetic performances. After enjoying the
delightful street dances, the Sugbahan Sa
Dalan is done as a long line of grilled tuna
is displayed within the streets.