Regional Development Report (RDR) of SOCCSKSARGEN for 2015

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2015
i

2015 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT REPORT
ii
FOREWORD
The SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Development Report (RDR) 2015 is highly
significant because it presents an assessment of the targets of the penultimate year of
the targets of the Updated Regional Development Plan (RDP), 2013-2016. It also
provides information on the extent of the achievement of the final year targets of the
region’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which were estimated over a 25-year
period starting in 1990.
In more specific terms, the report highlights SOCCSKSARGEN’s pursuit for
inclusive growth and poverty reduction. It indicates that while the region has been highly
successful in expanding its economy as manifested by the sustained upward economic
growth, it has not been able to meet its poverty reduction targets. The region’s
performance, particularly in dispersing the benefits of its economic growth to the poor,
has been largely influenced by external factors, most of which were beyond its direct
control. These factors are mostly related to the continued uneasy peace and order
situation along the region’s peripheries, as well as climatic aberrations like the El Niño
phenomenon that adversely hit the production and employment in the agriculture and
fishery sector, a major resource of the region’s economy. It is noteworthy, however, that
the region has been resilient enough to overcome these external shocks and prevent its
economy from further deteriorating to a worst-case scenario. Given these hard lessons,
the region can face the coming years with more optimism and vigor.
The completion of the 2015 RDR was made possible due to the timely
submission of inputs of various socio-economic data sources. We would like to thank
our development partners from the local government units (LGUs), regional line agencies
(RLAs), the private sector, and other entities for their valuable contribution. We shall be
sharing the region’s accomplishments by disseminating copies of the report to various
stakeholders which they can use for research, policy formulation, and decision making.
We hope that our development partners and the general public will find this report useful
as we work together to achieve SOCCKSARGEN’s vision, goals, and objectives.
Kilos Abante, Rehiyon Dose!
ARTURO G. VALERO, Ph.D.
Acting Chairperson, RDC XII, and
Regional Director, NEDA XII
Republic of the Philippines
National Economic and Development Authority XII
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL XII
Koronadal City

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Table of Contents
Title Page
Foreword i
List of Tables iii
List of Figures vi
Acronyms vii
Executive Summary viii
Chapter 1 Regional Development Report Preparation Process and
Development Vision, Goals, Strategic Outcomes
1
Chapter 2 Inclusive Growth and Poverty Reduction 4
Chapter 3 Competitive Industry and Services Sector 10
Chapter 4 Competitive and Sustainable Agriculture and Fishery Sector 29
Chapter 5 Accelerating Infrastructure Development 35
Chapter 6 Towards a Resilient and Inclusive Financial System 45
Chapter 7 Good Governance and the Rule of Law 60
Chapter 8 Social Development 67
Chapter 9 Peace and Security 79
Chapter 10 Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation of the Environment
and Natural Resources
92

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List of Tables
Table
No.
Title
Page
No.
2.1 Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) by Industrial Origin and
Average Per Capita GRDP, Region XII, 2014 Actual and 2015 Target
Growth Rates, in percent at 2000 constant prices
5
2.2 Inflation Rate by Commodity Group, Region XII 2014 and 2015 (in
percent)
5
2.3 Poverty Incidence of Population and Families, Region XII, (Actual) CYs
2000, 2009, and 2012, and CY 2015 Target
6
2.4 First Semester Per Capita Poverty Threshold and Poverty Incidence
among Families, by Region and Province: 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2015
7
2.5 2015 Population and Annual Growth Rate 7
2.6 Labor Force Participation Rate and Employment Status, Region XII,
October 2014 and October 2015
8
2.7 Local Income Collections, Region XII, 2015 8
2.8 Tax and Internal Revenue Collection, Region XII, CY 2014 and CY
2015
9
3.1 Investments and Exports, Region XII, Accomplishment 2014 and 2015,
Target 2015
10
3.2 BOI Approved Investments by Province/City, Region XII, CY 2015 11
3.3 List of Major Investments by Province/City, Region XII, CY 2015
11
3.4 Key Accomplishments on MSME Development by Indicator Region XII,
2014-2015
15
3.5 Leading Industry Clusters, Region XII, 2015
16
3.6 Tourist Arrivals by Province/ Cities, Region XII for CY 2014 and CY
2015 20
3.7 Hotel Occupancy Rate by Area, Region XII, CYs 2014-2015
20
3.8 Science and Technology Indicators and Targets, Region XII, 2014-2015
22
3.9 Mining and Mineral Development Indicators and Targets, Region XII,
2014-2015
23
3.10 Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index, Region XII, 2015
27
3.11 Top 50 Performing Cities and Municipalities, Region XII, 2015
28
4.1 Palay Production (in metric tons) by Type of Area Harvested, Region
XII, CY 2014-2015
30
4.2 Corn Production, Area Harvested and Average Yield, Region XII, CY
2014-2015
30
4.3 Production (in metric tons) of High Value Commercial Crops by Type of
Crop, Region XII, CY 2014-2015
31
4.4 Livestock and Poultry Production Inventory Region XII, CY 2014-2015 33
4.5 Fishery Production (in metric tons) by Type, Region XII, CY 2014-2015 33

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List of Tables
Table
No.
Title
Page
No.
4.6
Key Accomplishments on Land Tenure Improvement by Indicators
Region XII, 2014-2015
34
5.1
Selected indicators of National Road and Bridge Project
Implementation, Region XII, 2014 and 2015
36
5.2
Status of Carryover Major National Road and Bridge Projects from
2014, Region XII, January 31, 2015 and December 2014
37
5.3
Status of National Road and Bridge Projects Implemented Region XII,
2015
38
5.4
Key Accomplishments by indicator, Water Resource Management
Region XII, 2014 and 2015
41
5.5 Major Programs/Projects/Activities Implemented in 2015 42
5.6 Status of Flood Control Projects Implemented, Region XII, CY 2014 42
5.7
Power Generation Projects (Pre-Development and Development
Stage), Region XII, As of 2015
44
6.1 Banking Institutions in Region XII, CY 2015 45
6.2 Number of Municipalities Without Banks, By Province, CY 2015 45
6.3 Banking and Financial System, Region XII, 2015 46
6.4 Loan Portfolio and Deposit Liabilities, Region XII, 2014-2015 46
6.5 Number of Monitoring Visits and Areas Monitored 48
6.6 Gawad Kalasag Awardees 2015 54
6.7
Technical Assistance on the Formulation of DRR/CCA-ENHANCED
PDPFPs (as of 31 December 2015)
58
7.1
Status of Transfer of Regional Agencies to Koronadal City, Region XII,
2014-2015
60
7.2
Summary of Legal Assistance/Services to Human Rights Victims and
Human Rights Policy Recommendations
62
7.3 Summary of Parole and Probation Services 63
7.4 Location of Jail Facilities with Inmates Population, Region XII, 2015 64
7.5 Inmates Population in BJMP XII Managed Jail Facilities, 11 April 2016 64
7.6 Congestion Rate in Jail Facilities, Region XII 65
7.7 Decongestion Program/Mode of Release Statistic, Region XII 65
7.8 Personnel and Logistical Situationer for Jail Management, Region XII 66
8.1 Selected Health Indicators, 2014-2015 68
8.2
Basic Education Core Indicators, SY 2013-14 and SY 2014-2015
Region XI
71
8.3
Selected Indicators on Technical-Vocational Education and Training
72

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List of Tables
Table
No.
Title
Page
No.
8.4
Higher Education Centers of Excellence and Centers of Development,
Region XII, CY 2015
73
8.5 Social Protection Core Performance Indicators, 2014-2015 75
9.1
Development Interventions in Support of PDOP by Project
Classification/Category, Municipality of Tulunan, Cotabato Province
81
9.2 Additional Peace and Development Activities of the AFP, CY 2015 82
9.3 Comparative Data on Crime Statistics, CY 2014 and 2015 86
9.4 Crime Prevention and Control Program, CY 2015 87
9.5 Police to Population Ratio, PRO XII, CY 2015 89
9.6 Critical Infrastructure Targets of the PNP, CY 2015 89
9.7 Accomplishments to Ensure Public Safety, CY 2015 91
10.1 Survival Rate of NGP Plantations from CY 2011-2013 97
10.2 Protected Area with corresponding approved resolutions 100
10.3 Status of Representative Reef Areas in Maasim and Maitum 102
10.4
Reef Status of Marine Sanctuaries/Strict Protection Zones in
Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape
103
List of Figures
Figure
No.
Title
Page
No.
1.1 Figure 1.1 SOCCSKSARGEN Development Vision 2
1.2 Figure 1.2 SOCCSKSARGEN Development Framework, 2013-2016
3
3.1 Location Map of the 12th
Paradise
19

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Executive Summary
The SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Development Report (RDR) 2015
presents an assessment of the region’s accomplishments during the year
compared to the corresponding targets set in the Updated Regional Development
Plan (RDP), 2013-2016. It consists of various sectoral strategic outcomes that
contribute to the attainment of inclusive growth and poverty reduction by end of
the plan period.
The report depicts in detail a mixture of regional performance in the
achievement of its various targets for 2015, including those against targets set for
a year or two years before. It provides a brief analysis of the proximate and
underlying factors for the region’s performance. It uses in large measure the
accomplishments of RLAs and LGUs in the analysis. The behavior and
responses of the private sector and other key stakeholders to government plans,
policies, strategies, programs, and projects were also given due consideration in
this report.
Steps to improve the general welfare of the region’s population did not fully
realize the targets set during the year. While the region’s maternal mortality rate
(MMR) increased by more than 13 percent, its infant mortality rate (IMR)
decreased by more than 1 percent during the year. Despite the assistance of the
national government on health infrastructure and training, health facilities
remained inadequate and health professionals continued to seek work outside
the country to earn higher income. The region’s performance to improve basic
education also fell short of its targets, but technical and vocational education
training produced a 51-percent increase of graduates. Social welfare services
were continued to be extended to the poor through conditional cash transfer.
However, its intended effect to raise the quality of life of the poor could be only
determined in the future.
In the face of a growing population and the slight increase in minimum
daily wages, the employment situation in the region has improved. More persons
were employed, which consequently lowered the unemployment rate. The most
significant accomplishment of the region in terms of employment, however, is in
reducing the number of the underemployed. This indicates that more employed
persons were satisfied with their employment and were not seeking more
rewarding jobs and the positive results of the various job fairs conducted in recent
years.
Fiscal administration likewise improved as local revenue collections from
business taxes, fees/charges, and operations of economic enterprises increased.
The better generation of local financial resources is tangible evidence that many
LGUs in the region will not be relying heavily on the Internal Revenue Allotment
from the national government in the future. The RLAs have implemented various
technical assistance to strengthen the capability and capacity of local government
units to generate their own funds and in lowering the cost of doing business. In
2015, several LGUs in the region were rated among the most competitive in the
country, thus encouraging the business sector to invest in them.

viii
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the most recent data showed that
investments in the region has declined by around 41 percent, from PhP7.7 Billion
in 2014 to almost PhP4.5 Billion in 2015, possibly due to sporadic disturbance to
peace and order and the rotational power outages experienced by the region.
These investments are largely infused by multimillion firms or corporations.
Investments in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), however, are on
the uptrend owing to the vigorous support and campaign of the national
government to expand the middle class. Despite the drop in investments, the
region is likely to reap in the near future the benefits of investments in the
previous years. Meanwhile, the region’s export earnings dropped by roughly 6
percent, from US$850.78 Million in 2014 to US$796.65 Million in 2015.
Despite the long dry spell that worsened toward the end of the year due to
the El Niño phenomenon, the region’s overall food crop production increased,
with palay production rising by 1.28 percent and corn production at 2.49 percent.
All high value commercial crop production levels increased, except for coffee
which experienced a decrease of roughly 3 percent. Fishery production also
expanded by almost 15 percent, mainly due to the 19.1-percent growth of
commercial fishing production, which covers around 80 percent of the region’s
total fishery production. In contrast, aquaculture production contracted by 3.19
percent due to the rehabilitation of freshwater pens. The national government,
through the Department of Agriculture (DA) XII and the Bureau of Fisheries and
Aquatic Resources (BFAR) XII, has sustained its technical assistance farmers
and fisher folks by providing them better farming and fishing methods and
equipment and better quality inputs to achieve higher production and productivity.
In line with objective to improve the region’s physical connectivity, support
major areas of population concentration, ensure resiliency against climate
change and disaster risks, the region’s major infrastructure development focused
on road construction, improvement, and rehabilitation, seaport and airport
improvement and development, establishment of more power generation
facilities, putting up of more housing settlements, and completion of flood control
infrastructure and drainage systems.
Port development activities were directed on the repair of damaged or
deteriorating portions, improvement of support facilities, and the expansion of the
Makar Wharf in Gen. Santos City. Varying improvement activities were also done
on the Kalamansig Port in Sultan Kudarat and Glan Port in Sarangani and in the
establishment of the Timako Port in Cotabato City. Activities for the improvement
of services of the General Santos City International Airport were continued with
the goal of ultimately converting the airport into an aerotropolis. The completion
of flood control and drainage projects was pursued to mitigate flooding in several
vulnerable areas in the region. Activities were undertaken for power projects to
open during the year to address deficiency in energy capacity. Efforts to provide
decent housing for the poor and the homeless, however, remained a big
challenge for the region as these were not enough to meet the demand due to
the creation of more households. Those in need for housing units, however,
could not afford the prohibitive costs and house financing through credit facilities

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are also difficult to access. This is further compounded by the much delayed
formulation or updating of local shelter plans.
The peace agenda of the updated SOCCSKSARGEN RDP is anchored on
the PAMANA Program PAMANA (PAyapa at MAsaganang PAmayanan) which is
the national government’s peace and development framework for empowering
conflict-affected areas in the country. To reduce vulnerability to security threats,
strategies were adopted by employing peace and conflict resolution mechanisms
and pro-active peace and order interventions, as well as undertaking
community/street-level crime prevention activities and campaign against other
forms of criminalities.
A sound natural environment provides a precondition to pursue
sustainable development. Various priority programs and projects were
implemented for the protection and conservation of the remaining and critical
natural resources and rehabilitation of the degraded ones in the region. Among
these interventions are the National Greening Program (NGP); forest protection
and management of protected areas, watersheds, ecotourism, and wildlife,
coastal and marine resources. To enhance the adaptive capacities of human
communities to natural disasters, the Regional Contingency Plan for Flooding
was completed. Flooding is the most probable disaster that may hit the region,
specifically in the low lying areas.
In conclusion, the region has to review and modify its development
strategies or identify new ones that can effectively and efficiently sustain its
economic growth and ensure that the benefits reach the poor. The various RLAs,
LGUs, the private sector, and other stakeholders in the region need to
synchronize their efforts to craft appropriate policies, programs, and similar
interventions to reduce the number of the poor and empower them to become
more productive of the region in the achievement of its vision.

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Acronyms
µg/Ncm Micrograms per Normal Cubic Meter
4 Ps Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program
AFP Armed Forces of the Philippines
ARBs Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries
ARCs Agrarian Reform Communities
ARD Assistant Regional Director
ARTA Anti-Red Tape Act
BFAR Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
BFP Bureau of Fire Protection
BIR Bureau of Internal Revenue
BOC Bureau of Customs
BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand
BPLS Business Permits and Licensing System
BSP Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
CADT Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title
CALT Certificate of Land Title
CAPE Consultancy for Agricultural Productivity Enhancement Program
CARP Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program
CBMS Community-Based Monitoring System
CCA Climate Change Adaptation
CCT Conditional Cash Transfer
CDA Cooperatives Development Authority
CDP Comprehensive Development Plan
CHED Commission on Higher Education
CIS Communal Irrigation System
CLOA Certificate of Land Ownership Award
CLUP Comprehensive Land Use Plan
CPT Cleaner Production Technology
DA Department of Agriculture
DAR Department of Agrarian Reform
DepED Department of Education
DILG Department of the Interior and Local Government
DOE Department of Energy
DOH-CHD Department of Health-Center for Health Development
DOJ Department of Justice
DOT Department of Tourism
DPWH Department of Public Works and Highways
DRR Disaster Risk Reduction
DTI Department of Trade and Industry
ECC Environmental Compliance Certificate
ELA Executive Legislative Agenda
EPP Export Pathways Program
FAPs Foreign Assisted Projects

xi
GOCC Government-Owned and Controlled Corporation
GRDP Gross Regional Domestic Product
Ha Hectare
HLURB Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board
ID Infantry Division
IPSP Internal Peace and Security Plan
KALAHI-CIDSS Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive Integrated
Delivery of Social Services
Km Kilometer
LGU Local Government Unit
Lm Linear meter
m³ Cubic Meter
MCLET Municipal Coastal Law Enforcement Team
MDG Millennium Development Goal
MEDAFC Macro-Economy, Development Administration and Finance
Committee
MFPC Multi-sectoral Forest Protection Committee
MGB Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau
MPEX Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program
MRF Material Recovery Facility
MSMEs Micro Small and Medium Enterprises
MT Metric Ton
NCIP National Commission on Indigenous Peoples
NEDA National Economic and Development Authority
NHA National Housing Authority
NIA National Irrigation Administration
NIS National Irrigation System
NNC National Nutrition Council
NSCB National Statistical Coordination Board
NSO National Statistics Office
OCD Office of Civil Defense
OFW Overseas Filipino Workers
PA Philippine Army
PAMB Protected Area Management Board
PDEA Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency
PDPFP Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan
PESFA Private Education Student Financial Assistance
PFPD Policy Formulation and Planning Division
PHIC Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
PhP Philippine Peso
PNP Philippine National Police
POA Permit to Operate
PPA Parole and Probation Administration
PRO Police Regional Office
PSA Philippine Statistical Authority
PWD Person With Disability

xii
RAP-LGU Resettlement Assistance Program to LGUs
RD Regional Director
RDC Regional Development Council
RDI Research and Development Institute
RDP Regional Development Plan
RDR Regional Development Report
RLA Regional Line Agency
RR Revenue Region
SCPPO South Cotabato Provincial Police Office
SLF Sanitary Landfill
SLGR State of Local Governance Report
SMI Sagittarius Mines Incorporated
SOCA State of the City Address
SOCCSKSARGEN South Cotabato, Cotabato Province, Cotabato City, Sultan
Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City
SOPA State of the Province Address
SSF Shared Service Facility
SUCs State Universities and Colleges
TVET Technical-Vocational Education and Training
TWSP Training for Work Scholarship Program
US$ United States Dollars
VPA Volunteer Probation Aide
WDP Wastewater Discharge Permit

1
CHAPTER 1
THE SOCCSKSARGEN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
REPORT 2015 / VISION, GOALS AND
STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
A. Background
The Regional Development Council (RDC) XII through its Secretariat, the
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office XII, annually
prepares the Regional Development Report (RDR). The report is a comprehensive
assessment of the performance of the regional economy during the year. It gauges the
extent the plan targets for 2015 have been achieved given the various interventions
implemented during the year as indicated in the strategies of different chapters of the
Updated SOCCSKSARGEN RDP, 2013-2016 and the Annual Investment Programs
(AIPs) over the same period. The plan targets and the priority programs and projects are
the commitment of the Regional Line Agencies (RLAs), State Universities and Colleges
(SUCs), and Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) to realize the
region’s development vision and to contribute to the attainment of the President’s Social
Contract with the Filipino people.
The accomplishments of the local government units (LGUs) are accounted for
through the State of the Province Addresses (SOPA), as well as the State of the City
Addresses (SOCA) of local chief executives. The integration of the accomplishments of
local government units (LGUs) recognizes their critical role in the attainment of the
vision, development goals, and strategic outcomes of the Updated RDP, 2013-2016.
B. RDR Preparation Process
The RDR for CY 2015 was prepared utilizing mainly the 2015 annual
accomplishment reports of the RLAs, SUCs, and GOCCs and the SOPA/ SOCA of local
chief executives
The sectoral planning specialists of the RDC XII Secretariat processed the data
and information from these reports and prepared an assessment report vis-à-vis the plan
targets. After a thorough review, the 2015 RDR was printed and disseminated to various
stakeholders during the 2nd
quarter regular meeting of RDC XII.
C. Development Vision
The development vision of the SOCCSKSARGEN region reflects its desire to
become a people of integrity and faith - communing with God and living out His laws, and
walking the paths of righteousness, justice, peace and respect for human rights and the
environment. The people of the region are empowered and are able to influence others

2
“By 2016, Region XII is the home of God-centered,
empowered, culturally diverse people: a provider of
world class high value crops, fishery, mineral and
tourism products and services, propelled by dynamic
and dedicated leaders, and living in a green and
healthy environment.”
as they are motivated by dynamic and dedicated leaders towards a self-reliant and a
productive way of life.
The socioeconomic development of the region is accelerated by the people’s
concerted efforts in harnessing the region’s natural endowments in a manner that is
sustainable. The region shall be known as provider of quality products and services,
particularly from the creative, innovative and responsible development of high value
crops, fishery, mineral resources, and tourism potentials.
It is likewise the vision of the people of the region to be living in an environment
where all its elements (land, water, air, climate and genetic resources) are healthy and
green providing them the needed care and attention for a sustained economy. The
sustainable management and utilization of its natural resources is the region’s legacy to
its future generation. Figure 1.1 Is the SOCCSKSARGEN Vision of Development
enunciated in the Updated RDP, 2013- 2016.
Figure 1.1 SOCCSKSARGEN Development Vision
D. Development Framework
Among the critical factors that could contribute to the over-all development goal
of inclusive growth and poverty reduction are the provision of quality and adequate basic
social services, resiliency of the people and communities to all types of disasters, and
the presence of effective infrastructure support and resilient financial system in the
region.
All these development interventions shall be realized with the framework of good
governance highlighted by the rule of law, transparency and accountability; green and
healthy environment; reliable energy supply; and stable peace and order condition.
Figure 1.2 provides the SOCCSKSARGEN Development Framework, 2013-2016.
From the development issues which were identified during the assessment of the
RDP for the period 2010-2012, the achievement of the following strategic outcomes is
expected to contribute to the realization of inclusive growth and poverty reduction:
a) Achieving stable regional economy;
b) Meeting the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) poverty reduction targets
by 2015;
c) Providing livelihood and employment;
d) Managing the population growth rate;
e) Enhancing productivity of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs);
f) Boosting investments and exports;
g) Increasing tourist arrivals;

3
h) Increasing productivity and production in agriculture sector towards the
attainment of food security;
i) Providing efficient and effective infrastructure facilities and services;
j) Ensuring adequate and reliable energy supply for socio-economic and
institutional development;
k) Establishing a resilient and inclusive financial system;
l) Maintaining good governance and the rule of law;
m) Strengthening the justice system;
n) Improving access to quality basic social services;
o) Sustaining peace and security; and
p) Maintaining a green and healthy environment.
Figure 1.2 SOCCSKSARGEN Development Framework, 2013-2016
E. Development Goals and Strategic Outcomes

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CHAPTER 2
INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND POVERTY REDUCTION
A. Stable regional economy achieved
a) Sustained high economic growth
The region’s economy as measured by the Gross Regional Domestic Product
(GRDP) was targeted to grow by 8.3 percent in 2015. Based on the low assumption for
the plan targets, the source of growth will mainly come from the Industry sector which is
expected to grow by 11.0 percent in 2015. This is followed by the Services sector which
will expand by 4.0 percent and the Agriculture, Hunting, Fishery and Forestry sector at
6.1 percent.
As of this report, the actual 2015 GRDP result for SOCCSKSARGEN is not yet
available since it is released in the third quarter of each year. In 2014, the economy of
Region XII continued to expand but at a slower pace from 8.4 percent in 2013 to 6.4
percent in 2014. The deceleration was attributed to the slower growths posted by the
Industry and Service sectors. The Services sector accounted for the largest share in the
regional economy at 37.7 percent in 2014, slightly higher than its 37.5 percent share in
2013. The share of the Industry sector also expanded from 34.0 percent in 2013 to 34.3
percent in 2014. The Agriculture, Hunting, Fishery and Forestry (AHFF) sector
comprised 27.9 percent of the region’s total economic output in 2014, lower than its 28.4
percent share in 2013.
While its share to the GRDP has decreased, the growth of the AHFF sector
accelerated from 3.5 percent in 2013 to 4.4 percent in 2014 due to the expansion of
Agriculture and Forestry subsectors, as well as the improved performance of the Fishing
subsector. The gross value added of Fishing jumped from 0.1 percent in 2013 to 15.4
percent in 2014. Agriculture and Forestry also expanded from 4.3 percent in 2013 to 2.2
percent in 2014.
The growth of the Industry sector decelerated from 11.6 percent in 2013 to 7.4
percent in 2014 as the gross value added of three of its four subsectors declined.
Construction registered the biggest drop from 17.9 percent in 2013 to 5.4 percent in
2014. Electricity, Gas and Water slowed down from 11.2 to 5.4 percent. Manufacturing,
which accounted for the bulk of the Industry sector, decelerated from 10.1 to 8.3 percent.
Mining and Quarrying managed to grow slightly from 4.4 percent in 2013 to 4.5 percent
in 2014.
The Services sector slowed down from 9.5 percent in 2013 to 7.1 percent in 2014
as the gross value added of four of its six subsectors slowed down. In particular,
Financial Intermediation fell from 14.7 percent in 2013 to 8.8 percent in 2014. Trade and
Repair decelerated from 12.8 percent to 8.3 percent. Transport, Storage and
Communication posted slower growth from 6.0 percent to 5.7 percent. Other Services

5
also decelerated from 8.5 to 2.9 percent. Meanwhile, Real Estate, Renting and Business
Activities accelerated from 7.5 percent to 11.5, percent while Public Administration and
Defense grew faster from 6.9 percent in 2013 to 7.5 percent in 2014.
Table 2.1 Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) by Industrial Origin and
Average Per Capita GRDP, Region XII, Actual Growth Rate (2014) and
Target Growth Rates (2014 and 2015), in percent at 2000 constant prices
Industry Sector/Subsector
2014
Actual
Target*
2014 2015
Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) 8.4 8.2 8.3
- Agriculture, Hunting, Fishery and
Forestry (in percent)
3.5 4.0 4.0
- Industry (in percent) 11.6 11.0 11.0
- Services (in percent) 9.4 9.0 9.0
Average per capita GRDP (in PhP) 41,996 48,750 50,460
Note: *Low assumption
Source of data: PSA XII
b) Stabilized inflation rates
For the remaining years of the plan period, the region’s inflation rates are
targeted to remain at single digits. In 2015, the rate of price increase of goods and
services in the region slowed to 1.4 percent, much lower than the inflation rate of 5.2
percent recorded in 2014.
By commodity group, almost all items posted lower inflation rates in 2015 vis-à-
vis the previous year. Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco and Education showed slight
increases at 0.7 percent and 0.1 percent, respectively.
Table 2.2 Inflation Rate by Commodity Group, Region XII, 2014 and 2015 (in
percent)
Commodity Group
Inflation Rate
Percentage
Point Change2014 2015
All Items 5.2 1.4 -3.8
Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages 6.6 1.9 -4.7
Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco 1.5 2.2 0.7
Clothing and Footwear 3.3 2.7 -0.6
Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and
Other Fuels
6.8 0.6 -6.2
Furnishing, Households Equipment
and Maintenance
2.3 1.1 -1.2
Health 3.4 1.9 -1.5
Transport 0.2 -1.2 -1.4
Communication -0.4 -0.4 0.0
Recreation and Culture 1.9 0.4 -1.5
Education 2.8 2.9 0.1
Restaurant and Miscellaneous
Goods and services
1.6 1.4 -0.2

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c) Equalized Development Opportunities
Meeting the MDG Poverty Reduction Targets by 2015. In line with the
Millennium Development Goals (MDG) of halving the proportion of people living in
extreme poverty between 1990 and 2015, the poverty incidence of the population of the
region was targeted to decrease from 46.8 percent in 2000 to 23.4 percent by 2015. The
poverty incidence of families will be reduced from 40.7 percent in 2000 to 20.4 percent in
2015. With the region’s increasing poverty incidence, the probability of reducing the 40.7
percent poverty incidence in 2000 by half 2015 is extremely low.
Table 2.3 Poverty Incidence of Population and Families, Region XII, Actual (1st
Sem of 2000, 2009, 2012 and 2015) and Target (1st
Sem 2015)
Indicator
Actual Target
2000 2009 2012 2015 2015
Poverty Incidence among
Individual Population
46.8 38.9 45.8 44.5 23.4
Poverty Incidence among
Families
40.7 31.1 37.5 37.4 20.4
2015 First Semester Poverty Statistics. The 2015 First Semester Official
Poverty Statistics report showed that three of the provinces in the region posted
increases in poverty incidence as compared to the first semester in 2009. The poverty
incidence among families in Cotabato Province increased from 24.2 percent in the first
semester of 2009 to 41.8 percent in the same period in 2015. In Sarangani, it increased
from 45.4 percent to 54.5 percent, and in Sultan Kudarat it rose from 44.2 percent to
47.4 percent. Only South Cotabato’s poverty incidence eased down from 26.8 percent in
the first semester of 2009 to 24.9 percent during the same period in 2015.
In the first half of 2015, Cotabato Province and South Cotabato posted
improvements in poverty incidence among families. South Cotabato posted the highest
poverty threshold among the four (4) provinces in the region at P11,041. A family of five
in Region XII in the first half of 2015 needed a minimum monthly income of P8,740 to
meet their food and non-food basic needs.
Sarangani was consistently included in the bottom (poorest) cluster of provinces
in the entire country during the first six months of 2009, 2012, and 2015. It posted the
highest poverty incidence, as well as the highest increment in poverty incidence from the
first semester of 2012 to the first half of 2015. About 62 for every 100 individuals in the
province were poor; roughly 17 individuals more than the regional average.
Among the 17 regions in the country, Region XI posted the highest improvement
in poverty incidence between the first half of 2012 and 2015. Seven regions continued
posting decreasing poverty incidence during the review period. In contrast, ARMM
posted increasing poverty incidence.

7
Table 2.4 Per Capita Poverty Threshold and Poverty Incidence Among Families,
Region XII (by Province) and Philippines: First Semester 2006, 2009,
2012 and 2015
Area
First Semester Per Capita Poverty
Threshold (in Pesos)
First Semester Poverty Incidence
among Families (in percent)
2006 2009 2012 2015 2006 2009 2012 2015
PHILIPPINES 6,703 8,448 9,385 10,969 23.4 22.9 22.3 21.1
Region XII 6,619 8,126 9,243 10,488 34.7 31.1 37.5 37.4
Cotabato 5,963 7,321 8,969 10,240 29.3 24.4 43.9 41.8
Saranggani 6,422 7,890 9,303 10,347 40.8 45.4 46.5 54.5
South
Cotabato 6,858 8,439 9,797 11,041 28.5 26.8 28.0 24.9
Sultan
Kudarat 6,925 8,508 8,642 10,234 51.9 44.2 41.6 47.4
Cotabato
Cityb/ 7,459 9,172 10,168 11,271 33.6 24.5 41.5 35.1
B. Population
The 2015 mid-decade census showed that the region’s population grew by 1.94
percent between 2010 and 2015, which is higher than the national growth rate of 1.72
percent. In 2015, the total population of the region reached 4,545,276 persons.
Cotabato Province posted the highest increase at 2.27 percent, while Sultan Kudarat
posted the lowest at 1.60 percent. Cotabato Province had the biggest share at
1,379,747 persons or 30.3 percent of the total population of Region XII.
Table 2.5 Total Population and Population Annual Growth Rate, Region XII (by
Province) and Philippines, 2000-2015
Area
Total Population Population Growth Rate (%)
2000 2010 2015
2000-
2010
2010-
2015
2000-
2015
Philippines 76,506,928 92,337,852 100,981,437 1.90 1.72 1.84
Region XII
(SOCCSKSARGEN)
3,222,169 4,109,571 4,545,276 2.46 1.94 2.28
Cotabato (North) 958,643 1,226,508 1,379,747 2.49 2.27 2.41
South Cotabato 690,728 827,200 915,289 1.82 1.94 1.86
Sultan Kudarat 586,505 747,087 812,095 2.45 1.60 2.16
Sarangani 410,622 498,904 544,261 1.97 1.67 1.86
Cotabato City 163,849 271,786 299,438 5.19 1.86 4.03
General Santos City 411,822 538,086 594,446 2.71 1.91 2.43
Sources of data: PSA XII
C. Labor and Employment
As of October 2015, the employment rate was placed at 97.6 percent, slightly
higher than the previous year’s 97.1 percent. In view of more employed persons and
improvement in work conditions, the region’s unemployment decreased from 2.9 percent
in October 2014 to 2.4 percent in 2015 and underemployment further improved from 21.8
percent in October 2014 to 18.6 percent in 2015. However, the labor force participation
rate declined to 63.8 percent in October 2015, lower than the 65.0 percent rate in 2014.

8
The increased investments in the region were among the sources of employment
growth in the region as reported by the Board of Investments (BOI) of the Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI). Among these investments were cold storage and blast
freezing facilities, diesel power plant, renewable solar energy, real estate low-cost
housing, and coco sugar production.
Table 2.6 Labor Force Participation Rate and Employment Status, Region
XII, October 2014 and October 2015
Indicator
October
2014
(Actual)
October
2015
(Actual)
2015
Target
Growth
Rate (%)
(Actual
2014-
2015)
Gap
(2015 Actual
vs Target)
Population 15 years and
over (‘000)
2,757 2,809 2,781 1.88 28
Labor Force Participation
Rate (%)
65.0 63.8 64.2 -1.20 -0.4
Employment Rate (%) 97.1 97.6 96.8 0.50 0.8
Unemployment Rate (%) 2.9 2.4 3.2 -0.50 -0.8
Underemployment Rate 21.8 18.6 17.5 -3.20 1.1
D. Stable fiscal management attained
a) Increasing local income
The Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) XII reported that LGUs
generated income from business taxes, fees and charges, and economic enterprises.
Collection from business taxes posted the biggest share at 56.9 percent, followed by
fees and charges at 29.9 percent, and local economic enterprises at 13.1 percent.
Table 2.7 Local Income Collections by Source, Region XII, 2015
Source Amount of Collection % Share
Business tax 1,116,689,383.05 56.91
Fees and charges 588,442,043.16 29.99
Economic enterprise 256,085,603.79 13.10
Total 1,862,085,603.79 100.00
Source of data: DOF-BLGF XII
General Santos City posted the highest collections from business taxes at
PhP818,590,460.600.00 as well as from economic enterprise at PhP1,009,421,115.49.
Cotabato Province recorded the highest collections for fees and charges at
PhP229,963,320.00

9
b) Intensifying collection of the Internal Revenue Tax
The Bureau of Internal Revenue-Revenue Region 18 (BIR-RR 18) registered a
growth of 30.34 percent in its internal revenue collection in 2015 against the 2014 target
and a 19.24-percent increase in its actual collections. Revenue District Nos. (RDN) 108
(Kidapawan City) and RDN 109 (Tacurong City) topped the list of revenue districts with
high growth in collections at 40.13 percent and 42.07 percent, respectively. However,
RDN 108’s collection growth rate in 2015 fell short of the previous year’s growth rate of
46.97 percent. The rest of the region’s RDNs suffered shortfalls in the internal revenue
tax collections due to the following: unstable peace and order condition that curtailed the
monitoring activities of revenue collection personnel; natural calamities that affected the
overall production and income of the region’s economic drivers; recurrence of power
outages that hampered operations, systems and processes; underspending in
infrastructure and social services that could otherwise pump prime the economy; taking
up of some large businesses by the bureau’s Large Taxpayers Service that resulted to
low collection; oil price hikes; lack of personnel; and lack of skills training for concerned
BIR personnel handling resolution of errors committed by income tax filers.
Among the major programs and projects implemented by BIR-RR 18 are the
following: monitoring of the resolution/closing of delinquent/receivable accounts cases;
monitoring of daily/weekly internal revenue collection across all channels, i.e., authorized
agent banks; operationalization of the online Certificate Authorizing Registration (eCAR)
and eLounge facility to provide easy access to various BIR’s services; Oplan Kandado to
strengthen BIR’s imposition of administrative sanctions and suspensions of operations
for non-compliant businesses pursuant to Section 115 of the Tax Code; and identification
and prosecution of high profile tax evaders.

10
CHAPTER 3
COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY AND SERVICE SECTOR
The economic productivity of the region has increased mainly due to the increase
in the competitiveness of its Industry and Services sectors. Among the factors that
complemented the competitiveness of the region were the enhanced selling power of
micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); the introduction of new technologies that
generated more economic activities; continual growth of the industry clusters; enhanced
promotion strategies for tourism; recognition of the region at the national level as a good
investment destination; and the strengthening of cooperatives.
A. Increased economic productivity
a) Investments
Total investments in the region reached PhP7.650 billion in 2015 compared to
PhP4.492 billion in 2014 or an increase of 70.3 percent. BOI-approved investments for
the region reached a total of Php4.8 billion in 2015.
BOI reported that investments in the region during the year included cold storage
and blast freezing facilities with a cost of PhP334.578 Million and employed 22 persons;
the 11.9-mega watt Koronadal Diesel Power Plant amounting to PhP1,115 million; low-
cost housing project in Koronadal City amounting to PhP542.763 and employed 229
persons; and a coco sugar manufacturing plant in Cotabato Province. Other investments
were for real estate activities (new developer of low-cost housing projects); renewable
energy by a developer of solar energy resources in South Cotabato; and cold storage
facilities operation (transportation and storage) in General Santos City.
Table 3.1 Investments and Exports, Region XII, Actual (2014 and 2015) and Target
(2015)
Indicator
Actual Target Growth Rate (Actual
2014-2015, in%)2014 2015 2015
Investments
(in PhP Million)
4,492.00 7,650.00 4,492.00 70.3
Export Earnings (in
US$)
850.78 796.65 1,176.9 (6.4)
Source of data: DTI XII

11
Table 3.2 BOI-Approved Investments by Province/City, Region XII, 2015
Province/City Investment Type and Details
South Cotabato
 Project : New Operator of 11.9 MW (7x1.7MW) Koronadal Diesel Power
Plant
Company Name : Supreme Power Corporation
Project Cost : P 1.115 B
Location : Purok Garfin, Brgy Paraiso, Koronadal City, South Cotabato
Employment : 24
Sarangani
 Project : New Export Producer of Cavendish Banana
Company Name: RP Bahrain Harvest, Inc.
Project Cost : P 83 M
Location: Purok 3, Brgy. Domolok, Alabel, Sarangani Province
Employment : 181
Industry/Sector : Transportation and Storage
General Santos City
 Project : New Operator of Cold Storage and Blast Freezing Facilities
Company Name : Geler Storage Corporation
Project Cost : P 334.58 M
Location : Cabu Tambler, General Santos City
Employment : 28
 Project : Solar Energy (GenSan Solar Power Project Phase I)
Company Name: Del Sol Energy CGS, Inc.
Location : Barangay Conel, Gen Santos City
Employment : 40
Industry/Sector : Electricity, Gas, Steam and Air Conditioning Supply
 Project : Solar Energy (GenSan Solar Power Project Phase II)
Company Name: Del Sol Energy CGS, Inc.
Location : Barangay Tambler, Gen Santos City, South Cotabato
Employment : 40
Industry/Sector : Electricity, Gas, Steam and Air Conditioning Supply
 Project : New Operator of Cold Storage Facilities
Company Name : Allforward Warehousing Inc.
Project Cost : P 331.21 M
Location: Purok Lansong Brgy. Calumpang General Santos City
Employment : 8
Sources of data: DTI XII, SOPA (South Cotabato and Sarangani), and SOCA (GSC)
Table 3.3 Trade Names, Location, and Capitalization of Major Investments by
Province/City, Region XII, 2015
Trade Name Address
Declared
capitalization
Academia de Tecnologia in Mindanao, Inc. Comm. Japal M. Guiani Sr. St., Cotabato City 80,000,000
NV Vogt Philippines Solar Energy One, Inc. Sitio Sta. Rita, Centrala, Surallah, South Cotabato 221,856,785
SAFI Foods, Inc. Purok. 8, Ladol, Alabel, Sarangani 15,000,000
RDEX Food International Phils. Inc. (prawn
producer)
San Nicolas, Lun Padidu, Malapatan, Sarangani 17,587,451
Sanacor Corporation San Nicolas, Lun Padidu, Malapatan, Sarangani 30,000,000

12
Table 3.3 continuation
Cities
Trade Name Address
Revised
Capitalization2
Banks/Financial Intermediary
Metropolitan Bank and Trust
Company
Santiago Boulevard, Barangay Lagao, Gen. Santos City 3,200,000,000
China Banking Corporation Santiago Boulevard, Barangay Lagao, Gen. Santos City 2,097,000,000
Security Bank Corp. Santiago Boulevard, Barangay Lagao, Gen. Santos City 305,523,500
One Network Bank
Santiago Boulevard, Barangay Dadiangas East, General
Santos
213,657,050
United Coconut Planters Bank
Santiago Boulevard, Barangay Dadiangas South, Gen.
Santos City
75,000,000
Development Bank of the
Philippines
Roxas Avenue, Barangay Dadiangas North, Gen. Santos City 72,572,566
Money Remittance Services, Money Transfer Services , Money Changer/Foreign Exchange Dealer
Sm City Gen. Santos Department
Store
Santiago Blvd. Corner San Miguel St., Barangay Lagao, Gen.
Santos City
177,109,759
Supervalue, Inc.
Santiago Blvd. Corner San MIguel St., Barangay Lagao, Gen.
Santos City
70,000,000
Radiowealth Finance Company
Leyva Building, Daproza Street, Barangay Dadiangas North,
Gen. Santos City
60,164,000
Banks/Financial Intermediary (Non Life Insurance)
Perla Compañia De Seguros, Inc
Laurel Cor. Sampaguita St., Barangay Dadiangas East, Gen.
Santos City
350,000,000
Charter Ping An Insurance
Corporation
Metro Bank Building, Santiago Boulevard, Barangay Lagao,
Gen. Santos City
55,900,000
Money Transfer Services, Money Changer/Foreign Exchange Dealer, Cold Storage, Real Estate Lessor (Shopping
Mall), Advertising Services
Sanford Marketing Corporation
Nuñez Street, Purok Malakas, Barangay San Isidro, Gen.
Santos City
42,000,000
Real Estate Lessor (Commercial) + Life Insurance (Financial Intermediary)
The Philippine American Life &
General Insurance Company
Pioneer Ave., Barangay Dadiangas South, Gen. Santos City 1,322,500,000
Cinema House – Amusement, Liquified Petroleum Gas (Lpg) Wholesaler, Non-Essential Products
(Wholesaler/Retailer), Essential Products - Wholesaler/Retailer, Kiddie Rides – Amusement, Beer Retailer , Services
(Contractor)
Sm Prime Holdings, Inc.
Santiago Blvd. Corner San Miguel St., Barangay Lagao, Gen.
Santos City
1,252,885,000
Processed Coconut Fruit Products/Coconut Beverage/Coconut Shell Producer/ Exporter (B.O.I. Registered)
Century Pacific Agricultural
Ventures Inc.
Purok Lansong, Barangay Tambler, Gen. Santos City 600,868,160

13
Trade Name Address
Revised
Capitalization2
Cylinders, Stove & Accessories (Dealer), Industrial Gases (Manufacturer), Liquified Petroleum Gas
(Dealer/Distributor)
Pryce Gases, Inc. Bo. Obrero, Barangay Dadiangas North, Gen. Santos City 600,000,000
Transportation
Rural Transit (Mindanao), Inc. National Highway, Barangay City Heights, Gen. Santos City 250,000,000
Real Estate Lessor (Shopping Center), Cocktail Lounge (Amusement), Coin Operated Machine (Amusement)
Veranza Jose Catolico, Sr. Ave., Barangay Lagao, Gen. Santos City 500,000,000
Softdrinks, Real Estate Lessor – Commercial, Cinema House - Amusement
Robinsons Land Corporation Jose Catolico, Sr. Avenue, Barangay Lagao, Gen. Santos City 417,000,000
Boxes (Manufacturer), Services (Contractor)
Dole Phil., Inc - Cobox Division Dole Wharf, Barangay Calumpang, General Santos City 391,155,570
Cold Storage (Contractor)
Igloo Storage Complex Corp. Ngilay, Barangay Tambler, Gen. Santos City 375,023,000
Marine Products Processor
Prime Katsuobushi Philippines,
Inc.
Banisil, Barangay Tambler 249,135,848
Fish Producer, Ice Plant, Cold Storage, Public Scale
San Andres Fishing Industries, Inc. Barangay Tambler, General Santos City 57,500,000
Domingo Teng Fishing Industry Sitio Cabu, Barangay Bawing, General Santos City 37,611,159
Rd Tuna Ventures, Inc. 1st Road, Barangay Calumpang, General Santos City 37,500,000
Celebes Canning Corporation Bo. Cabu, Barangay Tambler 30,000,000
Pescarich Manufacturing
Corporation
Espina Industrial Estate, Barangay Labangal 30,000,000
Hotel, Convention Center & Facilities (Contractor) , Cocktail Lounge (Amusement) , Restaurant, Swimming
Pool(Amusement Place), Foot And Body Spa – Contractor, Real Estate Lessor- Commercial
Greenleaf Hotel Gensan San Miguel Street, Barangay Lagao, General Santos City 240,000,000
Hotel, Function Room Facility
Microtel Inn & Suites
Valley High, National Highway, Barangay City Heights, Gen.
Santos City
147,982,197
Roadhaus Economy Hotel Block 0, Corner Aparente Avenue, Barangay City Heights 57,000,000
Stonewood Hotel National Highway, Barangay City Heights 36,000,000
Ellis Arcade & Suites, Inc.
Aparente St. Corner Yumang St., Barangay San Isidro, Gen.
Santos City
36,000,000
Essential Products (Dealer)
Cargill Philippines, Inc. Makar Wharf, Barangay Labangal, Gen. Santos City 235,810,401
Pharmacy
Mercury Drug Santiago Boulevard, Barangay Bula, Gen.l Santos City 124,000,000
Animal Feeds/Corngrits & Other Essential Products (Manufacturer)
P.G. Ang & Sons, Incorporated Purok Maunlad, Barangay Apopong, Gen. Santos City 84,000,000
Hybrid Seeds (Producer)
Syngenta Philippines, Inc. Conel Road, Barangay San Isidro, Gen. Santos City 60,000,000
Real Estate Lessor
Primera Casa Propriedad, Inc. 93 Apitong Street, Balite, Barangay Lagao, Gen. Santos City
80,000,000
Leonardo J. Salazar Realty
Development Corporation
Purok 15, Barangay Lagao, Gen. Santos City 75,000,000
Terravue Inc.
Natasha Bldg., J. Catolico Sr. Avenue, Barangay Lagao, Gen.
Santos City
62,500,000
Gensan Green Heights Realty, Inc. San Miguel St., Barangay Lagao, Gen. Santos City 50,000,000

14
Real Estate Lessor (continuation)
Alliance MHI Properties, Inc. Purok Banualan, Barangay Tambler, Gen. Santos City 40,000,000
Firenzo Property Development,
Inc.
Unicar Bldg., National Highway, Barangay Lagao,
Gen. Santos City
39,200,000
Damosa Land, Inc.
Valley High, National Highway, Barangay City Heights,
Gen. Santos City
38,826,261
Real Estate Developer
HLC Construction and
Development Corporation
Tri-Star Building, Santiago Boulevard, Barangay Dadiangas
East, Gen. Santos City
45,000,000
8990 Housing Development
Corporation
Dr. 3, Eca Bldg., National Highway, Barangay City Heights,
Gen. Santos City
40,000,000
Mabuhay I.T. Park National Highway, Barangay Lagao, Gen. Santos City 37,500,000
Asphalt Concrete Batching Plant (Manufacturer)
KCC Property Holdings,Inc. New Bohol, Barangay Calumpang, Gen. Santos City 42,925,000
Packaging Materials
Genpack Corporation
Purok Bio, National Highway, Barangay Tambler,
Gen. Santos City
75,000,000
Printing Services
Dole Philippines, Inc. - Dole
Printing Plant
Dole, Barangay Calumpang, Gen. Santos City 75,000,000
Cigars And Cigarettes (Manufacturer)
PMFTC INC. Rajah Muda, Barangay Bula, Gen.l Santos City 62,000,500
Tin Can (Manufacturer)
Rowell Can Corporation
18-A, Purok Villanueva, Barangay Calumpang, Gen. Santos
City
54,136,374
Mineral Exploration -(Producer) Office Only
Tampakan Mineral Resources
Corporation
Bula-Lagao Road, Barangay Lagao, Gen. Santos City 60,000,000
Educational Institution
Cronasia Foundation College, Inc.
Dimalanta Bldg., Pioneer Ave., Barangay Dadiangas West,
Gen. Santos City
50,000,000
Car Service Center
Toyota General Santos, Inc. National Highway, Barangay City Heights, Gen. Santos City 46,500,000
Power Generation/Distribution (Producer)
Soenergy International
Philippines, Inc.
New Society Substation, Barangay Apopong, Gen. Santos
City
34,400,000
b) Exports
From US850.78 million in 2014, the region’s export earnings dropped to US796.645
million in 2015 or a decrease of US54.135 million or by 6 percent. Processed fruits posted
the highest contribution to the region’s total export amounting to US$ 431,857,212 with
canned pineapples overtaking canned tuna, the top exported commodity in the region for the
past two years. Export receipts from canned pineapples reached $136,586,501.99 from a
volume of 14,616,687.13 metric tons during January-August 2015. The export volume of
canned pineapple, however, declined from a monthly average of 2,281,564.13 MT in 2014
to 1,827,085.89MT in 2015.
Total receipts from tuna exports experienced a significant drop from
US$163,584,657.60 in 2014 to US$91,194,635 in 2015 or a decrease of 44.3 percent.

15
Crude coconut oil was the third largest export revenue earner for the region with a value of
US$77,162,418.62.
The decline in tuna catch can be attributed to the recurring El Niño phenomenon
during the period as tuna species migrated to lower depths to avoid warm ocean surface
waters. Fishing ground restrictions in the Indonesian waters and overall decline of tuna
stocks in the local tuna catch allowed pineapple exports and other processed fruit products
to surpass the export earnings of tuna in the region.
c) MSMEs
DTI XII being the lead agency for (Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs) MSME
development, undertook bold steps in helping MSMEs become sustainable and promote
inclusive growth through the implementation of national programs/projects, such as the SME
Roving Academy (SMERA), Negosyo Centers, Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program
(CARP) and Share Services Facilities (SSF), Bottom-Up Budgeting (BuB) and locally
conceptualized projects such as Treasures of Region 12 Trade Fair, paired with the delivery
of other business development services, such as business consultancies, financing
facilitation and product development, which benefitted 4,376 MSMEs in the region. In
addition to these development interventions, a total of 18,827 jobs were generated, made
possible through the support and strengthened partnership with NGAs and CSOs.
Table 3.4 Key Accomplishments on MSME Development by Indicator
Indicator
Accomplishment
2015
Target
Growth
Rate (%)
Gap
2015 Actual
vs Target2014 2015
Number of jobs generated 17,751 18,872 17,200 6 1,076
Number of MSMEs assisted 4,742 4,372 3,986 -8 -390
Number of Shared Service
Facilities (SSF) established
and maintained
63 108 76 71 45
MSME domestic sales
(PhP million)
1,123.23 1,326 1,236 18 203
Number of exporters assisted
7 35 - 400 28
Number of investors assisted
50 56 12 6
Number of MSMEs assisted in
availing loans for capital
investments
21 54 50 138 29
Proportion of LGUs that have
adopted the streamlined BPLS
(in %)
100 100 100 0 0
Source: DTI XII
d) Industry Clusters
The industry cluster strategy was continued to be adopted due to its benefit of
providing convergence for addressing the needs of existing establishments, as well as
making the region more attractive to new or complementary investments.

16
Fishery (Tuna/Milkfish/Aquamarine). The total export value of the fishery industry
amounted to US$93,297,306.7 in 2015. The major export products of the industry were
frozen milkfish, canned tuna, frozen whole tuna, pouched tuna, frozen tuna, fish meal,
smoked fish, fresh tuna, and frozen tuna loins.
In order to sustain the competitiveness of the fishery industry in the region, Joint
Department Order No. 1, Series of 2015 otherwise known as the "Rules and Regulations
Governing the Employment and Working Conditions of Fishers Employed in Fishing Vessels
Engaged in Commercial Fishing Operation" by the Department of Labor and Employment
(DOLE) XII, gave commercial fishing employers in the region a platform to resolve issues
concerning the fishery industry, particularly that of the welfare of fishermen. The Joint
Department Order aimed to harmonize laws and regulations in giving decent work to
fishermen and doing business with ease in the fishing industry.
In addition to the establishment of healthy working relationships between employers
and employees in the fishing industry, DA XII distributed around PhP1.4 Billion worth of farm
and fishery equipment, as well as financial grants for various priority agriculture-related
projects in the region. BFAR XII released an estimated PhP152 Million worth of livelihood
projects along with fishing boats and other fishing gear to fisher folks in the region.
Table 3.5 Accomplishments of Leading Industry Clusters, Region XII, 2015
Industry
Cluster
Value of
Exports (US $)
Bottom lines (DTI – monitored)
Domestic
Sales
Jobs
Generated
MSMEs Remarks
Processed
Fruits
431,857,212 211.48 3,629 886 Export products to include canned
pineapple, fresh pineapple, fresh
Cavendish banana, pineapple
silage, banana chips)
Tuna 91,194,635 233 1,120 94 Export products to include canned
tuna, frozen whole tuna, pouched
tuna, frozen tuna, fish meal,
smoked fish, fresh tuna and frozen
tuna loins
Coconut /
Coco Coir
164,255,771 86 749 34 Export products to include crude
coconut oil, copra expeller cake,
coconut water, coco peat
Oil Palm 5,450,000 151 771 85 Export product : crude palm oil
Milkfish/
Aquamarine
2,102,671.72 43.486 1,962 286 Export product : frozen milkfish
Source: DTI XII
Coconut/ Coco Coir. Crude coconut oil posted the highest contribution to the
region’s coco product exports amounting to $158,959,232.61 from 150,484.793 metric
tons. Coco water drink followed with $21,988,618.17 from 19,888.154 metric tons. Copra
meal came in third with an estimated value of $7,454,303.30 from 37,549.597 metric
tons. Coconut sap sugar and coco coir fiber recorded the least contributions at
$379,606.77 and $97,325.51 respectively.
Sarangani had the most number of bearing coconut trees at 9,331,687, followed
by Cotabato Province with 4,262,562 trees, Sultan Kudarat with 3, 982,537 trees and
lastly, South Cotabato with 2, 584,774. Sarangani also had the largest coconut plantation
area at 105,619.11 hectares or 42.15% of the total 250,603.74 hectares of coconut
plantations in the region.

17
Organic Agriculture Cluster. DA XII, through its Organic Agricultural Program,
targeted 5 percent of the agricultural land in the entire region to be converted into
organic farming. Organic agriculture refers to agricultural interventions and systems that
promote ecologically sensitive, socially acceptable, economically viable and technically
feasible production of food and fibers. In its implementation in the region, these systems
significantly reduced and discouraged the use of external inputs, such as chemical
fertilizers, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. For a farm to be certified organic, it has to
be inspected and evaluated by the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines, a non-
stock and non-profit organization tasked to set the standards for such certification.
Bamboo. In June 2015, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato
established a bamboo hub inside the Surallah National Agricultural School to position the
province as the leading producer of engineered bamboo, in the province, the region, and
eventually nationwide. The bamboo hub was able to produce about 1,000 chairs that
were distributed to various public schools in the province. The potential of bamboo as an
alternative to existing lumber and wood products is high as bamboo trees are seen to be
more resilient to drought and continue to thrive despite heavy harvesting.
Tourism. DOT XII partnered with the LGUs in the region in organizing new local
events capitalizing on the tourism strengths and potentials of the area. These are
classified as SOX Summer, Flavors of SOX, and SOX Celebration of the First People.
Festivals by LGUs were made more vibrant, colorful and unique which called the
attention of travelers nationwide.
The hosting of international events helped in improving the image of the region.
Foremost was the International Paragliding World Cup held in Maasim, Sarangani.
Promotional campaigns of airlines with flights between General Santos City and Iloilo,
Cebu, and Manila also encouraged travels to the region. Bloggers and tourist players
hosting and family tours (famtours) also worked well for media bloggers, airlines, and
travel magazines.
The efforts of stakeholders in marketing of the region, utilizing the region’s new
brand image “the 12th
Paradise” which was strengthened by #Hello Paradise campaign,
reached the target markets.

18
Figure 3.1 Location Map of the 12th
Paradise
Source of data: DOT XII
Figure 3.1 shows the strategic location of the region’s 12th paradise, as well as
its enhancers. Each province showcases more than one tourism site. With this
promotional packaging, tourists visiting the area enjoyed more than what they spent.
Every aspect of the value chain of tourism industry in the region is connected with
one another in the tour packages of DOT XII. The 12th
paradise brand depicts 12
different experiences a tourist may enjoy in the region, namely:
1) Float in Paradise - drifting in the lakes, rivers, and bays.
2) Shower in Paradise - frolicking under the mist and blissfulness of the water
falls.
3) Dip in Paradise - diving, snorkeling, and engaging in other water sports in
beaches, and marine parks.
4) Immerse in Paradise - bathing in waters flowing out of steaming hot and cold
springs and immersing in unique cultures through homestay accommodation.
5) Wear in Paradise - dressing up and being in the company of the princes and
princesses of various indigenous peoples.
6) Dance in Paradise- dancing the distinctive steps of the local culture and
mishmash during street dancing of festivals.

19
7) Create in Paradise- creating one’s masterpiece by observing actual rituals,
cultural dances, and visual arts.
8) Delight in Paradise- delighting in the sights of the various indigenous peoples
(T’boli/B’laan) and the Muslim tribes in their colorful attires as they lead
interesting traditional lives in farmlands and the seas.
9) Marvel in Paradise- marveling at the hidden mysteries and secrets of unique
natural caves, ornate jars, traditional houses, historical churches, and other
infrastructure.
10) Play in Paradise- experiencing paragliding, boxing, mountain and water sports,
golf, and arnis.
11) Savor in Paradise- tasting the various delicacies, particularly tuna.
12) Explore in Paradise- exploring the beauty inside the caves, natural parks, and
rainforests.
e) Tourist Arrivals
DOT XII targeted to attract at least 2.6 million tourists at the end 2015. This target
was surpassed as a total of 3,151,566 arrivals of both overnight and day tourists were
recorded in 2015. General Santos City posted the most “day and night tourist arrivals”
with 1,204,459 followed by Sarangani Province with 608,423 and South Cotabato with
437,343.
Day tourists are those who visited tourism sites but were unable to spend a night
in the hotels, lodging houses, and similar accommodations in a given tourism site. These
tourists could have gone home, stayed with relatives, or travelled to areas outside the
said tourism sites for overnight accommodation. Night tourists are those who visited
tourism sites in the region and spent at least one night in the accommodation facilities
within the said sites.
Domestic tourists are those Filipinos working abroad with temporary or
permanent residence/nationality abroad, while foreign tourists are those with foreign
nationalities.
To be counted, tourists should stay overnight in the region as required in the
count and ranking system of the DOT. DOT XII generates its analysis on tourist arrivals
from data provided by LGUs which were gathered from establishments with overnight
accommodation facilities in their areas, such as hotels, inns and resorts, and from log-
in/entry at specific tourist destinations, e.g., resorts and parks.
Although the majority of LGUs in the region were not able to accomplish their
2015 targets, actual occupancy rates nonetheless improved compared to 2014. One
factor attributed to the failure to meet occupancy rates is the operation of new
establishments providing additional rooms for tourists which lowered the density of
tourists staying in an establishment. Another factor is the flaw in collecting and reporting
data by establishments. Re-tooling sessions on basic tourism statistics were conducted
on a regular basis to support the mechanism of DOT to LGUs and establishments to
address this concern.
The impressive improvement in terms of tourist arrivals was due to the
improvement in facilities, products and activities in the region coupled with marketing and
promotion activities jointly undertaken by stakeholders (DOT, LGUs, private sectors and
other government agencies). Ensuring media mileage in every major tourism
undertaking also contributed in increasing awareness of the target markets. As such,

20
Gen. Santos City has been favorably considered as venue of big national events, such
as conventions.
Table 3.6 Tourist Arrivals by Province/ Cities, Region XII, Actual (2014 and 2015)
and Target (2015)
Province/City
2015
2014
Actual
Growth (%)
Actual
(2014-2015)
Gap
Actual vs.
Target (2015)
Actual Target*
Sultan Kudarat 89,452 46,723 75,193 18.96 42,729
Cotabato
Province
251,175 386,989 162,457 54.61 (135,814)
Sarangani 608,423 495,672 643,729 94.52 112,751
South Cotabato 437,343 254,946 384,296 13.80 182,397
Cotabato City 203,176 189,155 59,577 241.03 14,021
Kidapawan City 154,548 176,736 229,350 -32.61 (22,188)
GenSan City 1,204,459 818,935 860,249 40.01 385,524
Tacurong City 131,970 114,776 105,062 25.61 17,194
Koronadal City 77,415 97,510 59,492 30.13 (20,095)
Region XII 3,151,566 2,581,442 2,576,405 22.57 570,124
*adjusted based on previous year’s performance
**combined day & overnight tourists
Source of data: DOT XII
Table 3.7 Hotel Occupancy Rate by Area, Region XII, Actual (2014 and 2015) and
Target (2015)
Province/City
2015 2014
Actual
Growth (%)
Actual
(2014-2015)
Gap
Actual vs.
Target (2015)
Actual Target*
Sultan Kudarat 23.95 38 0 - -14.05
Cotabato Prov 20.46 40 32.07 -36.20 -19.54
Sarangani 47.57 45 20.9 127.61 2.57
South Cotabato 27.71 35 23.91 15.89 -7.29
Cotabato City 63.97 55 51.7 23.73 8.97
Kidapawan City 47.97 45 0 - 2.97
GenSan City 40.08 50 35.46 13.03 -9.92
Tacurong City 25.66 35 34.61 -25.86 -9.34
Koronadal City 38.92 40 30.45 27.82 -1.08
Source of data: Department of Tourism (DOT) XII (*combined day and overnight tourists)
f) Science and Technology
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) XII was able to intensify its
promotion of science and technology, and innovation in the region. It further
strengthened the implementation of its encompassing S&T Program on Halal, rollout of
DOST-developed technologies, as well as diffusion and transfer of appropriate
technologies region-wide through the DOST-Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading
Program (DOST-SETUP). These advocacies are in line with the department’s national
leadership’s 5-Point Program which includes developing solution to pressing national
problems, developing appropriate technologies to create growth in the countryside,

21
harnessing technology to improve industry competitiveness, using S&T to enhance
delivery of government and social services, and harnessing emerging technologies to
boost national competitiveness.
DOST XII initiated and conducted the Philippine Halal Assembly 2015 in Pasay
City under its Philippine Science and Technology Program for the Development of the
Halal Industry. This international conference and expo provided a platform in charting the
region’s course toward a stronger approach on tapping the growing Halal market.
In support of disaster preparedness, DOST XII installed 45 automated rain
gauges (ARG), 12 water leveling monitoring systems (WLMS), 4 automated weather
systems (AWS), and 10 Agromet in strategically identified municipalities and cities in the
region’s 4 provinces.
As part of the Dengue Vector Surveillance Website (DVSW), DOST XII
conducted Reorientation and Seminar-Workshops on the Sustained Nationwide DVSW
through Ovi/Larvicidal (OL) Trapping for DepEd XII supervisors, principals, and teachers
of the sentinel schools in the region’s 4 provinces. DOST XII also delivered 24,444 OL
Trap kits to 873 classrooms of 25 Secondary Schools and 27,888 OL Trap kits to 996
classrooms of 25 Elementary Schools region-wide.
Through the DOST XII’s interventions under the Community Empowerment
through Science and Technology (CEST) Program, the Manobo-Dulangan community in
the municipality of Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat has helped the said community
in improving the living conditions of its members.
A total of 35 projects in South Central Mindanao were assisted through the
DOST-SETUP with an overall estimated project cost of PhP53,207,000.00. For the 839
existing and 349 start-up firms assisted, DOST XII has provided 1,978 interventions
through provision of technological assistance in the form of equipment, trainings,
consultancy services and other S&T interventions, which consequently enabled these
firms to increase their volume of production, sales, and employment generation. DOST
XII was also able to conduct 64 technology trainings attended by a total of 2,059
participants and benefiting 668 firms. A total of 173 technologies were diffused through
the trainings and was adopted by 100% of the total participants.
To carry out policies and implement programs to strengthen collective efforts in
R&D through proper coordination among member agencies, DOST XII, being the chair/
lead agency, sustained the operation of established research consortia in the region,
namely: the Cotabato Region Industry and Energy Research and Development
Consortium (CRIERDC), Laboratory Consortium (LabCon) XII, Health Research and
Development Consortium (HRDC) XII, Information and Technology E-Commerce
Consortium (RITECC) XII, Nutrition and Communications Network (NutriComNet) XII and
Halal S&T Consortium. These have been placed under an umbrella known as the Region
XII S&T Mega Consortium. A total of 11 research proposals amounting to Php3.1 million
as endorsed by the HRDC XII Governing Board to the DOST-Philippine Council for
Health Reasearch and Development (PCHRD) were funded under the Regional
Research Fund Program (RRFP).
Sustained international linkages and networking allowed for a necessary means
of resource generation with over 3000 established connections internationally with new
ones such as Japan and turkey. Established networks such as with the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Malaysia, and Pakistan opened
opportunities for possible collaborations concerning Halal endeavors in the region

22
DOST XII achieved another milestone on quality management/governance and
competitiveness for the period as its Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories
(RSTL), specifically for Chemical and Microbiological Testing Laboratories, have been
awarded with FDA Accreditation.
Table 3.8 Key Accomplishments on Science and Technology by Strategic
Intervention, Region XII, Actual (2014 and 2015) and Target (2015)
Strategic Intervention/
Output Indicator
2015
2014
Actual
Growth
(%)
Actual
2014-
2015)
Gap
2015
(Actual
vs.
Target)
Actual Target*
Technology Transfer and Commercialization
No. of technology interventions
1978 1500 2665 74.22 478
No. of firms assisted (existing and
start up)
1,188 750 756 157.14 438
No. of employment generated/
man-months
7733 4500 15100 51.21 3,233
Science and Technology Services
Consultancy services
No. of firms/other entities served 2296 1400 1044 219.92 896
Source: Department of Science and Technology (DOST) XII
g) Mining and Quarrying
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Mines and Geosciences
Bureau (DENR-MGB) XII remained as the region’s steward in promoting sustainable
mineral resource development. The bureau’s intensification of activities such as geo-
hazard education at the barangay level through the clustering of nearby municipalities
provided better communication and information dissemination helped resolve issues
pertaining to mining.
Vulnerability Risk Assessment (VRA) seminars were conducted in various
locations in the region to update flood hazard maps though available spatial data sets
and high resolution remote sensing data to provide a flood risk map in correlation to
population and update maps with changes due to climate change.
Field mapping and survey at a 1:10,000 scale was conducted to determine the
extent of erosion and accretion process and its effects to coastal areas where human
settlements exist. Ground resource assessments were also conducted by the Bureau to
determine the groundwater quality to generate information and data base on ground
resources and serve as baseline data in making decisions regarding the protection and
management of ground water resources.

23
Table 3.9 Mining and Mineral Development Indicators and Targets, Region XII,
2014-2015
Indicator
Actual
Target
2015
Growth
(%)
Actual
2014-
2015)
Gap
2015
(Actual
vs.
Target)
2015 2014
National Mineral
Reservation
Program
Establishment of
New Mineral
Reservations
1 1 1 100 0
Mineral Land
Administrations
Issuance of mining
contracts/permits
including areas
within mineral
reservations and
other related permits
Issuance of Permits/ Contracts
a.) Agreements/ Contracts/
Permits 1 1 100 0 1
 FTAA
 MPSA
 EP
 ISAGP
 MPP
 Others
b.) Ore Transport Permit
 OTP 2 2 0
 Certifications 20 23 111 -3 18
c.) Others
 Accreditations 1
 CEMCRR
 CoE 1 100 1 1
 DMPF 1 100 1 1
d.) Mineral Ore Export Permit
(MOEP) issued/validated
 MOEP Issued (No.) 1
 MOEP Validated (No.) 3
Use it or Lose it
Policy
a.) Mining applications with final
action (no.)
8 8 100 0 8
b.)Mining Permits/Contracts
reviewed/endorsed for
cancellation (no.)
8 8 100 0 8

24
Table 3.9 Continuation
Indicator
Actual
Target
2015
Growth
(%)
Actual
2014-
2015)
Gap
2015
(Actual
vs.
Target)
2015 2014
Approval of SHES
Programs (in No.)
EPEP/FMRDP/PEIR endorsed
to MRFC
 Annual EPEP approved 1 1 0 2
Assistance to
P/CMRB/LGUs
other
stakeholders (in
No.)
 SDMP/CDP approved 5 5 0 1
 Annual SDMP approved 1 1 0 2
 Annual Safety and
Health Programs
approved
6 6 7
 Environmental Work
Program endorsed to
MMD
1 1 1
 NGP Monitoring
Reports Submitted
4 4 0
 Provinces Inventoried
for Small Scale Mining
Sites
4 4 4
Minahang Bayan Sites
Identified 2 2 67 0 3
 Minahang Bayan Sites
endorses to DENR
through MGBCO
1 1 33 0 3
 P/CMRBs
operationalized
 Meetings
Conducted/Participated
5 5 100 0 5
 P/CMRB Regional
Consultations
Conducted
16 16 100 0 16
 Permit areas/ projects
monitored
1 1 100 0 1
 Work Program 8 8 100 0 8
 Safety, Health,
Environment and
Socials Programs (No.
of permits/contracts)
8 8 100 0 8
 Safety, Health,
Environment and Social
Programs (No.. of
Monitoring
8 8 100 0 8
 Mining Forest Program 2 2 1 0 2

25
 Multipartite Monitoring
Teams (MMT) of mining
projects with permits
issued by MGB
Operationalized
1 1 100 0 1
Table 3.9 Continuation
Indicator
Actual
Target
2015
Growth
(%)
Actual
2014-
2015)
Gap
2015
(Actual
vs.
Target)
2015 2014
Number of
Complaints/Cases/Conflicts
investigated/resolved (No.)
1. MGB 14 14 100 0 14
2a. Panel of Arbitrators 1 1 100 0 1
2b. Quarterly
Accomplishments/Inventory
Report of the Panel of Arbitrators
(No.)
4 4 100 0 4
3. Complaints/Charges filed with
the Provincial/City Prosecutors
Office (No.)
1 1 100 0 1
Illegal mining sites with Ceased
and Desist Order (CDO) issued/
implemented (No.) 2 2 100 0 1
Source: MGB XII
h) Cooperatives Development
For 2015, the Region posted 1,206 registered cooperatives, 911 of which were
operational as reported by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) XII. These
cooperatives generated 25,034 employment opportunities which is about 3 percent of the
total employed persons in the region. Savings generated from the cooperatives in the
region amounted to PhP 938.43 million with PhP 8.8 billion in assets and a total
membership equity of PhP 906.27 million. Total membership of the total registered
cooperatives in the region was 358,286.
The strengthening of the role of cooperatives in the region was supported by the
following activities: a) registration of new cooperatives, particularly in areas without
organized cooperatives; b) amendments to the articles on cooperation and by laws for
cooperatives registered for 10 years or more; c) authorized branching/establishment of
satellite offices of cooperatives, with secured authority to branch out to areas with no or
few registered cooperatives; d) pre-membership education seminars for new members or
those who wanted to join cooperatives in partnership with local government units.
With regard to the regulation aspect of the registered cooperatives, CDA XII
provided the following: a) technical advisory services to cooperatives; b) accreditation of
external auditors; c) accreditation services for cooperative mediators, conciliators and

26
arbiters; d) accreditation of training service providers; and e) conduct of regular
monitoring of cooperatives.
B. Competitiveness in terms of Economic Dynamism
In 2015, the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) made improvements on its
competitive indexing of local government units by ranking them according to 4 categories
namely: Highly Urbanized Cities, Component Cities, 1st
and 2nd
Class Municipalities,
and 3rd
to 6th
Class Municipalities. A different approach was also observed for the
indexing of provinces. For qualified provinces, the score is calculated as the population
and income weighted average of the LGUs covered.
With the improvements of the competitive indexing methods, more LGUs were
covered and providing equal opportunities for recognition. Among the four provinces in
the region, South Cotabato Province managed to rank 4th
in the National Overall Top
Performing Provinces. For the cities, General Santos City ranked 9th
in terms of
economic dynamism in the country.
For component cities, Cotabato City ranked 4th
among the top 10 competitive
component cities. For the municipalities, three municipalities in the region were able to
be included in the top 10 overall top performing municipalities. The following
municipalities are Kabacan at 4th
place, Midsayap at 8th
place, and Polomolok at 10th
place.

27
Table 3.10 Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index, Region XII, 2015

28
Source: NCC
Table 3.11 Top 50 Performing Cities and Municipalities, Region XII, 2015
Source: NCC
C. Consumer Welfare Awareness
The Consumer Welfare Index for Mindanao in 2015 was posted at 53 percent
compared to 50.25 percent of the previous year. This indicated that about 53 percent of
the total number of consumer in Mindanao are aware of their rights, proper pricing
mechanisms and consumer safety. In line with pushing for MSE development, DTI XII as
the lead agency for consumer protection and awareness conducted a series of
consumerism activities and other consumer welfare activities in 2015 such as: a)
Strengthening of consumer welfare desks and prompt resolution of consumer complaints
and (CWDs); Establishments that uphold the rights of consumer and practice responsible
business are recognized through the DTI Bagwis Program; b) Intensified price
monitoring to ensure stability of prices and the monitoring of establishments for their

29
compliance to various fair trade laws such as Price Tag Law, Price Act, Product
Standards, etc. and appropriately penalizing violators thereof; c) Roll out of “diskwento”
caravans in the different parts of the region offering affordable prime and basic
commodities to the public.
CHAPTER 4
COMPETITIVE AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
AND FISHERY SECTOR
While the share of the agriculture and fishery sector to the region’s total production
output is decreasing, the sector continues to play an important role in sustaining food
security and providing for employment since majority of the employed persons in the region
are engaged in agriculture and fishery activities. Manufacturing activities also derived inputs
for processing from the AHFF sector. Enhancing the sector’s competitiveness is expected to
ensure the region’s sustained food security, as well as the availability of raw materials for
the region’s processing activities, including those for exports. Improving the
competitiveness of the sector can be achieved by increasing its efficiency through the
provision of basic infrastructure and logistics support as well as the adoption of new farming
techniques to adjust to changing weather patterns especially with the presence of the El
Niño phenomenon during the period.
A. Increase productivity and production in agriculture
and fishery sector towards the attainment of food
security
For the year 2015, the Department of Agriculture (DA) XII continued its
implementation of the following four strategies for the contribution of agri-fishery sector to
the economic growth of the region, to wit: (a) increase irrigated area for palay production, (b)
reduce post-harvest losses by providing post-harvest machineries/facilities, (c) provision of
farm machineries that led to efficient land cultivation and good crop stand, and (d)
implementation of technologies to increase production yield of rice.
a) Palay Production
SOCCSKSARGEN region remained as the top rice producer in Mindanao and
ranked second nationwide in CY 2015. However, total palay production decreased to
1,291,644 metric tons, lower by 5.3 percent than last year’s production. The total production
was harvested from 339,938 hectares of rice field. Total harvest produced from irrigated
area was about 1,069,446.00 tons posting a 4.12 decrease from its CY 2014 production level.
Rainfed areas, meanwhile, experienced 10.9 percent decrease in production.
The decline in palay production was largely due to the early onset of dry spell in
February 2015 which intensified during the rest of the year due to the El Niño phenomenon.
The long drought was a result of the 40-percent below normal rainfall the region received
annually. The conversion of some rice areas into banana plantation, housing and crop
shifting to other plantation crops also contributed to the overall decrease in the region’s rice

30
production. The closure of NIA-ARIS Dam 2 and the rehabilitation of lateral canals also
affected the production of irrigated rice.
Table 4.1 Palay Production (in metric tons) by Type of Area Harvested Region XII,
2014- 2015
Type of Area
Harvested
Actual Target
2015
Growth Rate
2014-2015 (%)
Gap (2015
Actual vs.
Target)2015 2014
Irrigated 1,069,446 1,115,486 1,115,486 (4.13) (46,040)
Rainfed 222,198 249,363 249,363 (10.89) (27,165)
Total palay
production
1,291,644 1,364,849 1,364,849 (-5.36) (73,205)
Source of data: PSA XII/DA XII
Despite climatic aberrations, the region sustained its organic rice exports which
started in 2012. The region was able to export to Hongkong and USA black (unpolished),
brown and red (unpolished) organic premium rice. The Agri Pinoy Rice Program was
continued in the region and resulted in the distribution of certified seeds, public hybrid and
high yielding seeds to farmers. In support of rice production, the construction/rehabilitation
of small water impounding projects (SWIPs) and diversion dams (DD) were implemented
outside of NIA regular projects.
Modern pre-harvest machineries were distributed to farmers and irrigators
association, such as: four-wheel drive tractors with accessories, four-wheel drive tractor with
backhoe, hand tractor trailer, floating tiller, combine harvester with hauler and farm
machinery pool. The total amount allocated for the pre-harvest facilities was about P87
Million. Modern post-harvest facilities and processing centers were also provided to reduce
production losses, which amounted to P142 Million. Facilities, such as multi-purpose drying
pavement (MPDP), palay shed, mechanical dryer with MPDP, warehouse, mini-warehouse
with MPDP, and rice processing center were made available. In turn, the farmers/irrigators
association and cooperatives provided lot area and site development as their counterpart.
b) Corn Production
SOCCSKSARGEN has remained the top producer of corn not only in Mindanao but
nationwide. Almost 80 percent of the region’s production was devoted to yellow corn, a raw
material in producing livestock and poultry feeds. Total corn production during the period
totaled to about 1,316,809 metric tons, but registered a slight decline of about 1.5 percent as
compared to 2014. The decrease was attributed to the onslaught of the El Niño
phenomenon that damaged the crop.
Table 4.2 Corn Production, Area Harvested and Yield, Region XII, Actual (2014
and 2015) and Target (2015)
Indicator
Actual Target
2015
Growth Rate
2014-2015
(%)
Gap 2015
Actual vs.
Target2015 2014
Production (MT) 1,316,809 1,338,065 1,415,282 (1.59) (98,473)

31
Area Harvested
(ha.)
340,888 428,556 358,567 (20.45) (17,679)
Yield (MT/ha) 3.86 3.93 3.95 (1.78) (0.09)
Source of data: PSA XII/DA XII
The long dry spell that affected 44 local government units in the region caused the
delay in planting, subsequently resulting to a slight decline in production despite the region’s
excellent performance nationwide. The region’s average yield per hectare likewise declined
from 3.93 metric tons per hectare in 2014 to 3.86 metric tons per hectare in 2015.
c) High Value Commercial Crops (HVCC) Production
Banana and coconut continue to be the region’s leading HVCCs, posting production
levels of 860,854 and 1,075,146 metric tons, respectively. Banana production, however,
declined by 28.46 comparted to the volume produced in 2014.
In the implementation of the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), DA
XII distributed 987,133 pieces of genetically superior planting materials of assorted industrial
crops, such as rubber, coffee and cacao that were planted in 1,060 hectares, and 184,200
pieces of assorted fruit trees planted in 269 hectares.
For the past four years, the region is the country’s top coffee producer and is a
contender for the title “coffee capital” of the Philippines. However, coffee production in 2015
declined by 3.7 percent compared to its 2014 level, and lower by about 5,348 metric tons
compared to its 2015 production target. Coffee farming in the region still produced a low
yield at only 300-500 kilograms per hectare. The planting of low quality seedlings through
old inappropriate technologies, low quality beans and inadequate postharvest facilities were
still apparent in the region. As such, DA XII provided quality planting materials or coffee
clones, conducted training on coffee production and management, and provided postharvest
facilities such as dehuller, depulper and roasting facility to coffee farmers. The region has
huge potential for the expansion of coffee production since it is planted either as an
intercrop or plantation type and used as a mitigating component in addressing the adverse
impacts of El Niño.
Tapping of rubber trees was stopped in some areas because of the minimal latex
production and very low market price. Most rubber trees have dried up due to the long dry
spell. To address this issue, the DA continued conducting training for rubber production and
proper management and established nurseries to provide good quality and high yielding
planting materials.
Table 4.3 Production of High Value Commercial Crop By Type of Crop, Region XII,
Actual (2014 and 2015) and Target (2015) in metric tons
High Value
Commercial Crop
Actual Target
2015
Growth Rate
2014-2015
(%)
Gap
2015 Actual
vs. Target2015 2014
Coffee 26,958 28,000 33,348 (3.7) (6,390)
Banana 860,854 1,203,369 1,379,570 (28.46) (518,716)
Rubber 95,104 173,977 202,586 (45.33) (107,482)

32
Oil Palm - 156,352 143,178 - -
Coconut 1,075,146 1,063,746 1,075,795 1.07 11,400
Pineapple 794,244 806,640 874,082 (1.53) (12396)
Sources of data: PSA XII, PCA XII, DA XII
Cotabato Province distributed high quality budded rubber seedlings during the year
from its National Rubber Budwood Garden, a 3-hectare area inside the provincial capitol
compound provided by DENR for the production of high quality clones rubber bud eyes and
bud sticks. The province has 54,000 hectares of rubber and planned to expand it by 307
hectares in 2015.
Region XII is also the second highest producer of pineapple nationwide. Production
was about 794,244 metric tons in 2015, with a drop of 1.53 percent over the last year’s level.
The bulk of production was contributed by the Dole Phil, Inc. in South Cotabato.
In terms of coconut production, the region posted production level at 1,075,146
metric tons in 2015, which is 1.07 percent higher than the production level in 2014. For the
year, the region was able to expand areas planted to coconuts and replaced senile and
unproductive trees by planting 470,500 coconut seedlings in 4,705 hectares of farmlands by
3,898 farmer beneficiaries. This was undertaken through PCA XII’s Coconut
Seedling/Seednut Dispersal Program (CSDP).
The Coconut Fertilization Program, however, was suspended due to the lack of salt
fertilizer supply. The inadequate supply of this fertilizer was mainly due to some delay in its
procurement through the Philippine International Trading Center (PITC), which the PCA has
no control. Hence, only 28,000 bags of Coconut Coir-Based Organic Fertilizer (CCBOF)
were procured and delivered.
The PCA is also implementing the KAANIB Enterprise Development Project (KEDP).
This is a promotion of coconut-based enterprise through an integrated resource service
convergence approach to increase farm productivity. The project has four (4) components
such as the Coconut Intercropping Project (CIP), Coconut Coffee Based Enterprise
Development (COCOBED), Coconut Cacao Enterprise Development (CCEDP) and
Community/Household Level Coconut Processing (CHLCP) which were availed by Coconut
Barangay Organizations (CBOs).
d) Livestock and Poultry Production
Overall livestock and poultry production dropped in 2015. The decline in the use of
draft animals for farming remained a contributing factor in the reduction of carabao stocks.
The decrease in the inventory of goats was largely due to lesser number of backyard raisers
and deaths caused by heatstroke. Cattle, however, experienced an increase in production
because of its higher price which attracted more raisers.
Another contributory factor to the decrease was the slaughtering in abattoir and at
household level. Despite the efforts of some local government units in the region to disperse
small and large ruminants to qualified farmers and beneficiaries, a decrease was noted in
livestock inventory.
A respiratory disease caused by the new castle virus due to irregular weather
patterns, (i.e., the short span on the period of the occurrence of La Nina and El Nino

33
phenomenon that caused abrupt changes in temperature) struck the poultry industry.
Despite the threat to the production of poultry, a positive growth was still posted.
Table 4.4 Livestock and Poultry Production Inventory, Region XII, Actual (2014 and
2015) and Target (2015)
Livestock/
Poultry
Actual Target
2015
Growth Rate
2014-2015 (%)
Gap
2015 Actual vs.
Target2015 2014
Livestock
Hog 2,397,623 3,234,557 3,234,557 (2.58) (836,934)
Cattle 788,622 779,700 779,700 1.14 8922
Carabao 848,988 871,431 871,431 (2.57) (22,443)
Goat 921,445 930,864 930,864 (1.01) (9,419)
Poultry
Chicken 6,355,004 6,214,860 6,214,860 2.25 140,144
Duck 4,511,980 4,400,001 4,400,001 2.54 111,979
e) Fishery Production
The total fish production in the region was estimated at 302,607 metric tons, which
was 8.28 percent lower than last year’s level of 328,868. Commercial fishing which
accounted for almost 80 percent of the region’s fish production also dropped by 2.23
percent along with the other fishery categories shown in Table 4.5. This was due to the
stringent protection policies, such as the ban on Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) imposed by
the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC). Commercial fishing
increased due to more unloading of foreign vessels for canneries located in the area. Seven
out of six tuna canning factories in the country are in the region, specifically in General
Santos City. It was also noted that more seasonal species were available in the commercial
fishing grounds.
Another contributory factor to the decrease was the limited fishing trips and reduced
fishing grounds due to restriction of fishing activities in the Indonesian waters and the
scarcity of fish in the Moro Gulf due to warmer seawater which caused the fishes to stay in
the lower depths of the sea. Production of municipal marine and inland production declined
because of less appearance of most of fish species because of hot weather conditions in the
municipal waters of due to the El Niño phenomenon.
Table 4.5 Fishery Production (in metric tons) by Type, Region XII, 2014-2015
Type of
Fishery Area
Actual
Target
2015
Growth Rate
2014-2015 (%)
Gap
2015 Actual
vs. Target2015 2014

34
Commercial 254,284 260,104 314,740 (2.23) (60,456)
Municipal 21,909 47,019 36,534 (53.40) (14,625)
Aquaculture 17,863 21,745 45,106 (17.85) (27,243)
TOTAL 301,607 328,868 396,380 (8.28) (94,773)
Source of Data: BAS XII
f) Equal Access to Land and Land Rights
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) XII continued to carry out its mandate for
the improvement of land tenure and access for SOCCSKSARGEN region. A total of 6,951
hectares were distributed in CY 2015 comprises 21.65% or one fifth of the national
component. This accomplishment has propelled the department as the national topnotcher
for land distribution for five years.
The 6,951 hectares is composed of 740 landholdings which was distributed to 6, 905
Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs). Among the provinces nationwide, four of the three
provinces in the region were able to be included in the top ten (10) provinces in terms of
land distribution. Cotabato Province was the top performer, distributing 3,298 hectares.
Sultan Kudarat came in fourth place distributing 2,262 hectares, while South Cotabato
landed in eighth place with 974 hectares.
In 2015, 2,380 agrarian cases were resolved, with 1,409 agrarian related conflict
cases processed. Region wide, there are 85 Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) with the
bulk of support services concentrated within these areas, however, the assistance was
extended to ARBs in non-ARC areas.
The number of ARBs trained were 28,006, with 19,688ARBs in Arcs and 8,318 ARBs
in non-ARC areas.
Table 4.6 Key Accomplishments on Land Tenure Improvement by Indicator
Indicator 2015
Actual
2015
Target
2014
Actual
Growth Rate
2014-2015
(%)
Gap
2015 Actual
vs. Target
Land Survey
New Lands for acquisition and
distribution during the current
year
9,176 9,275 23,443 (60.86) (99)
Number of hectares of
collective lands surveyed and
approved
12,305 20,739 14,719 (16.4) (8,434)
Certificate of Land
Ownership Award
Number of hectares covered
by CLOA
6,951 17,368 15,231 (0.54) (10,417)
Number of hectares for
leasehold
2,009 2000 1,279 1 9
Agrarian Justice Delivery
No. of Adjudication Cases
resolved
417 306 93 348 111
Agrarian- Law Implemented 1,963 1,092 137 1333 871

35
Cases
Agrarian Reform
Communities
No. of ARB Trained 28,006 23,196 15,162 85 4,810
No. of ARBs assisted 567 584 132 330 17
No. of ARBs provided with
micro-finance services
2700 1,960 2,269 19 740
Sources of data: DAR XII and NCIP XII
Chapter 5
ACCELERATING INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
The development of infrastructure is crucial in enhancing connectivity and
linkages of key production areas, improve market efficiency, access to basic services in
urban and rural areas, and mainstream disaster risk reduction. Infrastructure investments
can raise economic growth, productivity and land values, while also providing significant
positive spillover to areas such as economic development, energy efficiency, basic social
services, and minimizing risks.
A. Integrated and effective transport system
a) Land Transportation
Roads and Bridges. The CY-2014 approved infrastructure program of the
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has a total budget allocation of P
5,553,354,000.00. The budget allocation were distributed to all approved infrastructure
projects that includes national arterial/ secondary roads, national arterial/secondary
bridges, flood controls & drainages.
The target length for the road upgrading of national arterial/secondary roads is
76.198 kilometers; for the rehabilitation/reconstruction of deteriorated pavement along
arterial/secondary roads is 20.124 kilometers; and for road widening of the existing
national arterial/secondary roads is 29.74 kilometers.
Likewise, bridges have its target length of 144.73 linear meters for the
construction of national arterial/secondary bridges; and 815.34 linear meters for
rehabilitation/replacement of damaged national arterial/secondary bridges.
Considering that some areas within Region XII experienced flooding and erosion,
the DPWH has its target to build up about 8 projects for flood control and drainage.
There are also 81 projects under the Various Infrastructure including Local
Projects (VIILP) and 1 Foreign Assisted Project (FAP) to be implemented.

36
There are a number of road sections that await widening to ease traffic
congestion in the region. Some road sections are still unfinished while some are on-
going construction. Delay in the completion continue to be besieged with non-release
and non-allocation of funds and tedious requirements for procurement. To fast-track the
completion of unfinished road sections, there is a need to facilitate the preparation of
bidding requirements for procurement, allocate funds for critical road sections, and
release project funds on time.
Table 5.1 Selected indicators of National Road and Bridge Project
Implementation, Region XII, 2013 and 2014
Indicator
(1)
2015
Actual (2)
2015
Target (3)
2014
Actual(4)
Growth
(%)
(2) v (4)
Gap
(2) v (3)
1. Rehab/Reconstruction
of Deteriorated
Pavement along
Arterial/Secondary
Roads (km)
- 35.018 - (135.018)
2. Road Upgrading
(gravel to concrete) of
National Arterial/
Secondary Roads
(km)
127.456 274.124 72.87 174.92 (146.659)
3. Concrete/Widening of
existing National
Arterial/Secondary
Roads (km)
45.941 83.24 13.993 328.314 (37.299)
4. Construction/
Improvement of
National Bridges (Lm)
2 projects. 4 projects 3 projects -
(2
projects)
5. Rehab/Replacement
of Damaged Nat’l
Arterial/Secondary
Bridges (Lm)
1 project 5 projects - -
(4
projects)
6. Flood Control
Drainage (No. of
Projects)
14
projects
15 projects 8 projects - (1 project)
7. Foreign Assisted
Projects (FAPs)
- - 1 project - -
8. Tourism Road
Projects
5 projects 9 projects 6 projects - 4 projects
9. Road pavement ratio 1,541.252 1,541.252 1,541.252 - 1,541.252
Source of data: DPWH XII
As of January 2015, carryover projects are in various stages of completion while
others are awaiting the issuance of notice to proceed. By the end of December 2015, all
carryover major national road and bridge projects were completed.

Regional Development Report (RDR) of SOCCSKSARGEN for 2015

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