Provinces, Cities, and Municipalities within the South Cotabato province

Cotabato

South Cotabato

Sarangani

Sultan Kudarat

General Santos City, South Cotabato: is an independent and chartered city within but not under the jurisdiction of the South Cotabato province within REGION XII (Soccsksargen) in the Republic of The Philippines

People of Region XII – Soccsksargen

• As of the 2020 Census, Region XII had a population of 4,901,486.
• In 2015, the region recorded a population of 4,545,276, reflecting a growth rate of approximately 7.8% over five years.
• Soccsksargen is home to diverse indigenous groups including the Blaan, Tboli, Manobo, Maguindanaon, and Tagakaulo. These communities have rich traditions in weaving, music, and oral storytelling, with ancestral domains spanning the mountains, lakes, and coastal areas of Mindanao.
• The major dialect spoken is Hiligaynon in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, while Cebuano and Ilocano are widely spoken in Cotabato and Sarangani. Indigenous languages such as Tboli and Blaan are still used in tribal communities. English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and national integration.

Location of Region XII – Soccsksargen

• Soccsksargen is located in the southern-central section of Mindanao. Its geographic coordinates center around 6.5°N latitude and 124.85°E longitude.
• The region spans a land area of 22,513.30 square kilometers, comprising four provinces—Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani—and two cities: General Santos (highly urbanized) and Cotabato City (independent component). The terrain includes coastal plains, river valleys, and mountain ranges such as Mount Matutum and Mount Busa. The climate is tropical, with a wet season from June to November and a dry season from December to May.
• The regional center is Koronadal City, located in Barangay Zone III. Most regional offices and administrative centers are based here.
• Most people reach the region via land, air, and sea. General Santos International Airport and Awang Airport in Cotabato serve domestic flights. Major seaports include the Port of General Santos and Port of Lebak. Bus terminals connect the region to Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga.

Tourist Attractions of Region XII – Soccsksargen

• Lake Sebu: A cultural and ecological destination in South Cotabato, home to the Tboli people and known for its waterfalls and tilapia farms.
• Asik-Asik Falls: A unique curtain-like spring waterfall in Alamada, Cotabato.
• Gumasa Beach: A white-sand beach in Glan, Sarangani, often dubbed the “Boracay of the South.”
• Kalilangan Festival: Celebrated every February in General Santos City, showcasing the multicultural heritage of the region through street dancing, rituals, and trade fairs.
• Hinugyaw Festival: Held every January in Koronadal City, celebrating the city’s founding and Ilonggo culture.

Economy of Region XII – Soccsksargen

• Soccsksargen’s economy is driven by:
  • Agriculture: The region is a top producer of rice, corn, banana, coconut, and tilapia.
  • Fishing: General Santos is the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines,” with a thriving export industry.
  • Manufacturing: Agro-industrial processing, food packaging, and logistics hubs are concentrated in General Santos and Koronadal.
  • Trade and commerce: Regional centers host malls, markets, and financial institutions.
• In 2024, Soccsksargen posted a nominal GDP of US$11.8 billion, with a per capita GDP of US$2,598, ranking it among the mid-tier regional economies in the Philippines.

Educational Institutions of Region XII – Soccsksargen

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Notre Dame of Marbel University: A Catholic institution in Koronadal offering liberal arts, education, and health sciences.
  • Mindanao State University – General Santos: Offers programs in engineering, fisheries, and business.
  • University of Southern Mindanao: A state university in Kabacan, Cotabato, specializing in agriculture and science.
  • Sultan Kudarat State University: Offers programs in education, technology, and criminology.
  • TESDA-accredited centers: Provide vocational training in electronics, welding, culinary arts, and other trades.

History of Region XII – Soccsksargen

• Region XII was originally known as Central Mindanao. It was created on July 7, 1975 through Presidential Decree No. 742 during the Marcos administration.
• The name “Soccsksargen” is an acronym representing its component areas: South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City. This collective identity was formalized in September 2001 through Executive Order No. 36 signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, which reorganized regional boundaries and renamed Region XII from Central Mindanao to Soccsksargen.
• The region has long been a melting pot of cultures—home to Christian settlers, Muslim communities, and indigenous tribes. Its strategic location and fertile lands attracted migration and investment, especially in agriculture and fisheries.
• Today, Soccsksargen is known for its dynamic economy, cultural diversity, and natural beauty. It continues to grow through infrastructure development, education, and regional cooperation.

Elected Officials of Region XII – Soccsksargen

• As of the 2025 elections, Region XII is led by:
  • Cotabato Governor: Lala Mendoza
  • South Cotabato Governor: Reynaldo Tamayo Jr.
  • Sultan Kudarat Governor: Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu
  • Sarangani Governor: Rogelio “Ruel” Pacquiao
  • General Santos City Mayor: Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles
  • Koronadal City Mayor: Eliordo Ogena
• For full election results and updates, visit: Soccsksargen Election Results.

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