REGION 12

SOuth Cotabato Cotabato Sultan Kudarat SARangani

GENeral Santos
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.

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
• Density 200/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

HIGHLY URBANIZED CITY: General santos city

GEOGRAPHY
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, North Cotabato province, and
Sultan Kudarat. The region has extensive coastlines, valleys and mountain
ranges. Known for its river system, the region is the drainage basin of
Mindanao, particularly at the Cotabato Basin, a large depression surrounded by
mountain ranges on three sides.[3][4] 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.[3] Southeast of the
mountains lie the Sarangani Bay.

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.
General Santos, located on the shores of Sarangani Bay, is the most populous
city in the region, but is governed independently from the province. The
province of Sarangani used to be part of South Cotabato until it was made an
independent province in 1992.
On July 2017, South Cotabato Police Chief Franklin Alvero sent a proposal to
the Provincial Government changing the name of the province to "Allah Valley
Province" which Governor Daisy P. Avance Fuentes is open with. The proposal
met both Criticisms and support from the citizens of the province.

Centuries ago, the area that would be the South Cotabato was sparsely inhabited by
Malay pioneers which later evolved into various ethnic groupings that still exist in the
province today. The Spaniards launched expeditions to subdue the area throughout the
colonial era but they never gained control of the region until the middle of the 19th
century after the Spaniards established a military post at what is now Barangay
Tamontaka, one of the earliest Christian settlements founded south of the Philippines, in
present-day Cotabato City. Spaniards already took with them Chabacanos and
Chabacano-speaking Muslims from Zamboanga and Basilan and Cebuanos. In the early
1960s as population, trade and industries grew in southern part of Cotabato, a clamor of
local self-governance arose. Thus, on July 18, 1966, South Cotabato was separated from
Cotabato as an independent province. At that time, the province consisted of 11
municipalities, namely: Banga, South Cotabato, General Santos (now a city), Glan,
Kiamba, Koronadal, Maitum, Norala, Polomolok, Surallah, Tantangan, and Tupi. These
municipalities were established long before the creation of the province. Other
component municipalities were formed after it fully functioned as a province.

With the creation of regions under Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, South Cotabato was grouped
with Region XI, also known as Southern Mindanao, in 1975.

FESTIVAL OF SOUTH COTABATO

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.
MAJOR CROPS / LIVELIHOOD

South Cotabato is the major producer of Pinapple, Corn, Papaya, Abaca and
Cassava in Region 12 Dole Philippines Pinapple Plantation - Proof that South
Cotabato is a sound and stable location for business is the long-term presence
of Dole Philippines Inc since 1963. Dole has one of the largest pineapple
plantations in the world with its undulating fields of more than 18,000 hectares
that reaches to the foot of the majestic Mt. Matutum. Dole Philippines exports
an array of fruit products to the international market
SOURCE OF LIVELIHOOD
Tourism, Agriculture, Mining, Inland Fishing
IMPORT/EXPORT PRODUCTS
– Pineapple, Banana, Papaya, “pork-in-a-box”
RELIGION
64.66% Roman Catholic, other religion include Protestants, Islam and Iglesia ni Cristo
Source: 2010 Census

ATTRACTIONS
Mt. Matutum, T’boli Museum, Lake Sebu, 7 Falls Zipline, Lake Holon, Siok Falls, Dole
Philippines Pineapple Plantation, Surallah Cultural Landmark, Linan Forest Park/Linan
Tarsier Conservation Sanctuary
POPULAR FOOD
Dole Philippines Pineapple, Lake Sebu Tilapia Cuisine, Apareja Buko Halo-Halo, AJ Haus of
Pies Special Buko and Egg Pie

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 imagination and
cultural meanings
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.
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.
Tradition of cotabato
Manobo harvest dance
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.
 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 and livelihood
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

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.
Festivities of sarangani
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, 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 GENSAN
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 CROPS/LIVELIHOOD

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.

General Santos City is the largest producer of sashimi-grade tuna in the Philippines, thus
earning the title "Tuna Capital of the Philippines".
The city is also known as “Dadiangas”, a native term used by the original settlers; the ethnic
tribe the Bla-an, for a tree which has thorns on it’s trunk and stems, at present only a few
Dadiangas trees can be found in the General Santos Park and surrounding farms in the city’s
rural barangays.