1. SOCCSKSARGEN[2]
(pronounced [sokˈsardʒɛn]) is a region of the Philippines, located in
central Mindanao, and is officially designated as Region XII. The name is anacronym that stands for the
region's four provinces and one of
its cities: SouthCotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City. The region
is more formally known by its older name Central Mindanao. The regional center isKoronadal
City located in the province of South Cotabato.[3]
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, hence it is also known as the Cotabato region.
Geography[edit]
The region has extensive coastlines, valleys and mountain ranges. Known for its
river system, the region is the catch basin of Mindanao. The system is a rich source
of food, potable water and energy production. Cotabato contains the Rio Grande de
Mindanao, which is the longest river in Mindanao and the second longest in the
Philippines.
The region used to be named kudaan. Prior to the creation of the Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao, these provinces comprised the region:
 Maguindanao
 Cotabato
 Sultan Kudarat
With the creation of ARMM, Lanao del Sur (excluding Marawi City) and
Maguindanao (excluding Cotabato City) were removed from the region, leaving
Lanao del Norte, Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, and Marawi City and Cotabato City
as constituent provinces and cities. Lanao del Norte was later transferred
to Northern Mindanao, while Marawi City became part of the ARMM.
With the addition of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat or the (SocSarGen
Province), transferred from Southern Mindanao, the region was renamed
as SOCCSKSARGEN. The "Central Mindanao" name lives on as a description to
the provinces populated by 65% Christians and 30% Muslim and 5% other Filipinos.

2. Cities[edit]
SOCCSKSARGEN has 3 components cities, 1 independent city and 1 highly
urbanized city, these cities are vital in the region's existence.
 Cotabato City - is the regional center of the Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao but the city is actually part of the SOCCSKSARGEN region and does
not belong to the ARMM.
 General Santos City - dubbed as the "Tuna Capital of the Philippines" because
of the bountiful existence of Yellow fin Tuna in Sarangani Bay, and as the Highly
Urbanized City it serves as the center of the Metropolitan and Regional Center of
trade and industry of SOCCSKARGEN.
 Kidapawan City - Kidapawan, the city hailed as “A Spring in the Highland”,
comes from the words “TIDA” which means spring and “PAWAN” meaning
highland. The city is found at the bottom of the majestic Mt. Apo, the country’s
tallest mountain making it a great spot and first-rate tourist attraction. Kidapawan
is situated at the southeastern section of Cotabato province, placed in the middle
of three other major cities of Davao, Cotabato, General Santos and Koronadal
 Koronadal City - a.k.a. Marbel is dubbed as the "Sports Mecca of the South"
because of hosting 2 Palarong Pambansa, National Schools' Press Conference
and the Mindanao Business Conference, It is the Political Regional Center of
SOCCSKSARGEN
 Tacurong City - is the only city of Sultan Kudarat and it is famous for its Bird
Sanctuary
Tourist attractions[edit]
 Mt. Apo in Kidapawan City - Several trails lead to the summit, coming from
Kidapawan, North Cotabato. An average hike requires 2–4 days. Various sights
include Lake Venado, one of the highest lakes in the Philippines, and the old
crater of Mt. Apo near its summit. In the classification system used by local
popular mountaineering website PinoyMountaineer.com, the difficulty of the hike
is 7 out of 9. The mountain may be climbed year-round.

3.  Lake Sebu in Lake Sebu - is a natural lake located in the municipality of Lake
Sebu, South Cotabato and within the Alah Valley region. The Philippine
government has recognized it as one of the country's most important
watersheds. Lake Sebu is one of the many bodies of water supplying important
irrigation to the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato.it is one of the
prime eco-tourism destinations in the Region. famous for its 2 km Zipline,
Longest in the Philippines.
 Baras Bird Sanctuary in Tacurong City - the most visited site in Tacurong, the
Baras Bird Sanctuary is truly a humbling experience. In an almost two hectares
of land lying by a river bank here, the crack of dawn offers a melodious harmony
of birds; thousands dot the skies also during sunsets, a pleasure for bird
watchers.
 Gumasa Beach in Glan - dubbed as the "Small Boracay in Mindanao" Barangay
Gumasa has a six kilometer-long crescent beach on Sarangani's eastern shore
and only about an hour's drive from General Santos City. Gumasa Beach, the
Small Boracay of Mindanao or Boracay of the South, whatever name herein is
the beauty of the beach. The white sand and fine crystal land makes your feet
comportable to walk around the beach.
 Fishport Complex in General Santos City - The tuna fishing industry had
never been this promising and lucrative since its birth on this side of the earth-
General Santos City. Lying at the head of the Sarangani Bay, the city has been
dubbed the “Boom Town City of the South,” and considered as one of the
fastest-growing cities in the Philippines. Had it not been for its strategic
geographical location and existence of other amenities needed by the fishing
industry, General Santos City could not have become South Cotabato’s heart of
commerce and trade. Boosted with the signs of prosperity sprouting
everywhere,” business has never been better,”. With the advent of the operation
of General Santos City Fish Port Complex, post-harvest technology equipment
needed to prolong the shelf-life of tuna and other species of fish, are made
available, thus playing a vital role for trading and other post harvest activities.
 Mt. Matutum in Polomolok and Tupi - Its characteristic irregular but imposing
cone shape dominates the landscape from General Santos to Koronadal City. It

4. is so grand in its rise that it literally beckons climbers passing by the road from
GenSan to Koronadal to climb it. Rising to 2293 MASL, it is considered an active
volcano. Realizing the need to protect the mountain, local officials have made it
an ecotourism spot, regulating hiking activity. An interesting feature is the
requirement for each climber to plant a seedling in a designated area in the
mountain (a good idea!). The motto is "Amyak Maleh Matutum! (Climb and plant
Matutum!)"
 Buluan Island features white sand beach and clear blue waters, with views of
the highlands of Zamboanga Sibugay. The privately owned island is not
developed but there are bamboo cottages and tables available to visitors at no
cost.
Musical Heritage[edit]
Main articles: Music of the Philippines and Kulintang
The native Maguindanaon and other native Muslim/non-Muslim groups have a
fascinating culture that revolves around kulintang music, a specific type of gong
music, found in the SoCCSKSarGen.
Government[edit]
Provincial Governors:
 North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou "Lala" J. Talino-Mendoza (Liberal)
 South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes (NPC)
 Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Suharto "Teng" T. Mangudadatu (Liberal)
 Sarangani Gov. Steve C. Solon (UNA)