MINDANAO has long been a mesmerizing and mysterious beauty. Of the many picturesque destinations in Mindanao, I’ve always had a certain fascination with Soccsksargen. I’ve had the privilege of working with our esteemed stakeholders in the area to help them come up with a sustainable and strategic plan geared toward nurturing tourism and investment promotions.
Soccsksargen’s tribal culture matched with the pride and hospitality of the locals inspired me to advocate valorizing the region. It has been my mission to cast a larger spotlight on this region, ever since I was fortunate enough to set foot there.
However, despite its rich culture, teeming with craftsmanship honed through the generations and untainted by Western influences, this southernmost of our country’s three largest islands remains an underappreciated haven of artistry, history, genuine experiences. A spotlight that negates the bad light unjustly cast on this region is also one that highlights the good work propagated by the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Region 12, in partnership with local government units and members of the private sector.
Discovering treasures in travel and trade
Just this April, various government agencies from Region 12 came together to present the very best of what Soccsksargen has to offer. During the four-day expo called “Treasures of SOX: A Travel and Trade Expo” at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati, tour packages, export-standard products, processed goods, cultural crafts, fresh produce and investment projects from the culture-rich region were on display.
Interestingly, a side event of the expo, called Network Reception Sessions, hosted an Investment Matching Forum for potential investors. Here, no less than 18 tourism projects valued at over P900 million were presented.
According to a statement from the DoT Region 12 Director Nelly Dillera, these investment opportunities are among the elements previously identified by the DOT Region 12 as the result of tourism site development plans made by top tourism planners. These include majestic beach resorts in Sarangani, residential structures and livelihood projects in General Santos City, several attractions and beach resorts in South Cotabato, ecotourism sites in North Cotabato and commercial establishments in Sultan Kudarat.
A synergistic community on the rise
I have always believed in the intrinsic charm that people can gain from a pristinely preserved and authentic immersion experience. When I visited South Cotabato a couple of times in the past, I was able to take an intimate glimpse into the tribal lives of what I would like to call the “first Filipinos.” There was no pomp or circumstance, no attractions reliant on modern devices, nary a trace of the many foreign cultures that have influenced the rest of the country. All they had, and all they needed, were the true colors and vibrant identity of their land.
In this similar route of championing authentic experiences rather than generic tourist activities, several other places in Soccsksargen are following suit.
The T’boli municipality, for example, is continuing to establish additional facilities for the development of the Hidak Falls. A B’laan cultural village is also in development in the municipality of Tampakan. In the long run, local officials hope that this will serve as an entry point to the Susong Dalaga Mountain.
In order to showcase local specialties and to show the level of ingenuity and quality of these tourism products, a couple of other municipalities (like Polomok with their jam and Tantangan with their pottery) are also establishing sites where tourists can see these items made—and can even experience trying their hand at it.
An inclusive and thriving society
Being a region which many Filipino Muslims call home, the DOT recently stated that a halal certification for businesses is a must, and I couldn’t agree more. That’s why it’s with much excitement that the DOT announced that out of six enrollees for Halal certification in Soccsksargen for tourism-related establishments, four of them have already been certified.
An assurance, not only for Filipino-Muslims, but really for anyone looking for a globally respected sign of cleanliness, good practice, and high standards, Halal certification is a step towards being a more culturally sensitive society. This allows for more Muslim locals to feel at ease in their own region, knowing that establishments they frequent abide by the Shariah Law. It is also a plus for the increasing number of tourists from other Islamic countries who are flocking to Soccsksargen for the Islamic influence, as well as the affordable, yet top-class, tourism accommodations.
As the summer season is still in full swing, I hope that when the urge to go on an adventure hits you, opt for the road less traveled that allows visitors more room for self-discovery and greater appreciation of our culture and our roots. I hope that when the wanderlust amongst us kicks in, instead of having a ticket out of the country to be the first idea that pops up on our minds, let’s choose instead to unravel the mysteries and see the treasures of our charming and distinctively Filipino destinations like Soccsksargen.
Image credits: Trek Earth/Bubub Limbagan, DTI Region 12