188. PEP IN SoCCSKSarGen

 

PEP IN SoCCSKSarGen

Dr. Troy Alexander G. Miano

08 June 2024

I yearned to travel around Region 12, famously labeled as SoCCSKSarGen, a unique acronym for the Provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and the City of General Santos (GenSan), for so long a time and I was given this great opportunity upon the invitation of my colleague, Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director for Region XII, Nelia R. Arina and our Secretary by being a participant in the 8th leg of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), a national activity of the DOT and the Marcos Administration. My entry and starting point was the highly urbanized city of GenSan and I was billeted at the Greenleaf Hotel.

The last time I was at the region was during the Tourism Marketing Seminar on Regional Branding initiated by the DOT, University of the Philippines – Asian Institute of Tourism (UP-AIT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines held from December 4 to 6 in 2017 at the East Asia Royale Hotel in GenSan. In this workshop, Region 2 won as the best tourism brand: “Your Islands and Valley of FUN” which is still being used up to date. FUN stands for “Fun Up North”. This was during the watch of Regional Director Virgilio M. Maguigad.

SoCCSKSarGen region used to be named Central Mindanao. Prior to the creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), it comprised the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur. With the creation of ARMM, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao (excluding Cotabato City), and Sultan Kudarat were removed from the region, leaving Lanao del Norte and Cotabato, and Iligan, Marawi and Cotabato City as constituent provinces and cities. Lanao del Norte and Iligan were later transferred to Northern Mindanao, while Marawi became part of the ARMM. On December 18, 1998, Sultan Kudarat was transferred back to Central Mindanao through Republic Act No. 8744. In September 2001, Executive Order No. 36 was signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo transferring South Cotabato, Sarangani, General Santos (also known as the SocSarGen District), from Southern Mindanao to Region XII, and renaming the region, from Central Mindanao, to SoCCSKSarGen. By virtue of Executive Order No. 304 signed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Koronadal was named as the regional political and socio-economic center of SoCCSKSarGen on March 30, 2004. Regional departments, bureaus and offices were ordered to move from Cotabato City, the former regional center of the region. Traditionally resisting efforts for inclusion to the ARMM despite serving as the government center of the ARMM, the January 21, 2019 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region creation plebiscite resulted in the surprise ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in Cotabato City. This means the city may now formally serve as the capital of the region and the offices of the former ARMM will be retained for use by the Bangsamoro Regional Government and now formally no longer constitutes part of the SoCCSKSarGen Region. In addition to Cotabato City, 63 barangays in Cotabato province opted to join Bangsamoro, thus exiting the region as well.

On June 5, Wednesday, was the PEP’s Day 1 and started with the five in the morning visit at the 32-hectare GenSan Tuna Fishport Complex Experiential Tour in Barangay Tambler. The growth in the tuna industry has drawn not only local but also international travelers, making the complex one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Guests can witness how these massive tunas are hauled from the fishing vessels, taste and buy them fresh at the country’s second largest fish port.

After the complex, we went to Nagpan, Malungon town in Sarangani province at the Center for Community Transformation Malungon Retreat and Training Center (CCT-MRTC). The CCT-MRTC helps indigenous peoples in Malungon showcase their culture, traditions, and craftmanship of Blaans and Tagakaolos in the area. Here I bought my first Blaan art polo t-shirt. Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco formally opened the 8th PEP. I had my 1st ‘Pinagmulan ng Pangalan’ (PNP) blog (LGU Malungon) and had a photo with Mayor Maria Theresa Dadivas Constantino.

From Malungon, which is landlock and mountainous, the delegates proceeded to the other side of Sarangani province which is located along the Sarangani Bay at Gumasa Beach in the Municipality of Glan to have lunch at the Pacquiao private beach resort owned by world boxing champion and Senator Manny Pacquiao and wife, former Vice Governor Jinkee. The private beach resort has a main resthouse and two villas. It comes with 14 bedrooms which can accommodate both the Jamora (Jinkee) and Pacquiao clans. Here I had my 2nd and 3rd PNP blog (PLGU Sarangani & LGU Glan).

Sarangani Province was named after the Sarangani Bay and Sarangani Island (now part of Davao Occidental). An old legend reveals of Saranganing, an adventurous son of a Sangil family from the coast of Celebes off Indonesia. His voyages often brought him to the Sultanate of Buayan (now General Santos City), the stronghold of Maguindanaoans. The earliest civilization in the province can be found in Maitum, Sarangani, where the Maitum Anthropomorphic Pottery or Maitum Jars were found which dates to approximately 5 BC to 370 AD, one of the oldest in the entire Southeast Asian region and the Philippines. Sarangani was once part of Sultanate of Maguindanao and would eventually be under the Sultanate of Buayan until the American era. Before its inception in 1992, Sarangani was part of South Cotabato as the Third District of South Cotabato. On March 16, 1992, by virtue of Republic Act No. 7228, the Province of Sarangani was created.

The PEP participants went back to GenSan and proceeded to Pacquiao Mansion No.1 at Barangay Lagao. I was able to have souvenir selfie and groufie in all the rooms and corners of the mansion and its grounds. This first of the three Pacquiao mansions in the city is now uninhabited by the Pacquiao family but showcases memorabilia and large pictures of the eight-time world boxing champ and presidentiable.

The delegates had dinner at Plaza Heneral Santos in front of the City Hall where a grand cultural presentation and superb dinner was sponsored by the city government. Here I had my 4th PNP blog (CLGU GenSan).

The city was named after General Paulino Torres Santos (June 22, 1890 - August 29, 1945) who became the Commanding General of the Philippine Army in 1936. Upon his retirement, he served as a civilian administrator under President Manuel L. Quezon. A towering monument stands at the Plaza Heneral Santos in front of the city hall in GenSan in his honor. The nomadic B'laan people are the original inhabitants of present-day GenSan. Their name for the city, Dadiangas, is from the Ziziphus spina-christi tree that was once abundant in the area. On February 27, 1939, 62 Christian settlers from Luzon arrived in Alagao (now Lagao) under the National Land Settlement Administration (NLSA) program. On October 1, 1940, Lagao, known then as the Municipal District of Buayan under the jurisdiction of the deputy governor of the Municipal District of Glan became an independent Municipal District of Buayan. On August 18, 1947, President Manuel Roxas signed Executive Order No. 82 creating the Municipality of Buayan absorbing the Municipal District of Glan. On June 15, 1954, by virtue of Republic Act No. 1107, the Municipality of Buayan was renamed ‘General Santos’ as a tribute to the leading pioneer. On July 8, 1968, Republic Act No. 5412 converted the Municipality of General Santos into a city. On September 5, 1988, GenSan was declared a highly urbanized city becoming independent from South Cotabato province.

The June 6, Thursday, PEP activity commenced at four in the morning and we headed for the capital-city of Koronadal in South Cotabato. I met my SalDiwa-53 (CESB) batchmate who hails and works at Koronadal, Bebeth E Talembo of DSWD at the city hall while the delegates waited for the Secretary. I also got acquainted to a former colleague in the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) and a classmate in my Master in Development Management and Governance (MDMG) and Doctor in Public Administration (DPA) class, now City Vice Mayor Erlinda P. Araquil. We had a light breakfast and I had a selfie with Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena. I also had my 5th PNP blog (CLGU Koronadal).

The PEP participants travelled to the Municipality of Lake Sebu also in South Cotabato province and settled at the Punta Isla Lake Resort wearing a full T’boli regalia. We immediately rode the ‘owong’ (boat) in groups of five and reached the alluring Lotus Garden where we had numerous photos in different angles. We headed back at the resort and had breakfast and ended our stay with a program spearheaded by the LGU with the three national artists in attendance. The Secretary also awarded life insurance and kits to the local tour guides. I had my 6th PNP blog (LGU Lake Sebu) and a photo souvenir with Mayor Remie M. Unggol. I bought my T-boli jewelries; two necklaces with a gong as pendant, four bracelets, and four ID laces.

The area of what is now South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces used to be part of Davao province until 1914, when the reorganization of the districts in Mindanao took place, it became part of the then undivided Cotabato province. In the late 1930s, President Manuel L. Quezon instructed General Paulino Santos to lead the first of wave of settlers to settle in southern Mindanao. On July 18, 1966, South Cotabato was separated from Cotabato as an independent province. In 1975, President Ferdinand E. Marcos created regions and South Cotabato was grouped with Region XI, also known as Southern Mindanao. In 1992, the province of Sarangani was formed out of South Cotabato. On October 12, 1990, President Corazon C. Aquino issued Executive Order No. 429 relocating the regional offices to South Cotabato during the expansion of the newly created Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). On September 19, 2002, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued Executive Order No. 36 transferring South Cotabato from Southern Mindanao region to Region XII with the City of Koronadal as the regional center.

After Lake Sebu, the PEP crossed province to Sultan Kudarat and was received warmly at the Bansada Agri-Eco Adventure Park in Barangay Titulok, Municipality of Bagumbayan. The park is a sanctuary committed to preserving the pristine beauty of nature. The highlights of its attraction are the heart-racing ATV riding activity allowing the tourists to traverse the park’s varied landscapes. The fog-kissed viewing deck unveils breathtaking panoramic views of Sultan Kudarat province. Other adventure includes: zip lines, zip bikes, infinity pool among others. I had a selfie with Mayor Jonalette E. de Pedro and had my 7th PNP blog (LGU Bagumbayan). I also had the opportunity to take souvenir photos of two former colleague in the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) who are now Local Chief Executives: Mayor Frederick F. Celestial of Lebak town and Mayor Arnold H. Armada of the capital-town of Isulan.

From Bagumbayan, the delegation proceeded to the Provincial Capitol of Sultan Kudarat in Isulan and immediately attended the Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU) Coffee Laboratory talk where various types of coffee were showcased and brewed. The province is known for its coffee plantation and products. The provincial government hosted a colorful cultural presentation and sumptuous dinner in front of the capitol grounds for the Secretary and participants. I had a souvenir photo with Governor Pax Ali Mangudadatu and Congresswoman Princess Rihan Mangudadatu Sakaluran of the 1st District. I also had my 8th PNP blog (PLGU Sultan Kudarat) and a selfie with a former colleague in the PCL, Mayor Joenime B Kapina of Palimbang town.

The name ‘Sultan Kudarat’ which was given to the province was derived from the name of a Maguindanaon Muslim ruler, Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat (1581-1671) who began to assert his leadership in the year 1619 and reigned as the 7th Sultan of Maguindanao from 1625 to 1671. Through his leadership, Spanish forces were successfully repelled from encroaching the Cotabato region of south-central Mindanao. He also has a monument at the Tantawan Park in Cotabato City; at the Ayala Triangle in Makati City; and in front of the provincial capitol building in Isulan. Sultan Kudarat province was once part of the Sultanate of Maguindanao. On November 22, 1973, by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 341, Sultan Kudarat, which was part of the former province of Cotabato, was created into an independent province along with Maguindanao and North Cotabato.

After the dinner in Isulan, we headed back to Koronadal City and stayed overnight at the 12-hectare inland resort with picturesque surroundings - The Farm @ Carpenter Hill, Japanese Villas & Courtyard Hotel.

June 7, Friday was the third and last day of the PEP and we had breakfast at Sitio Maupot Family Resort in Barangay Pangao-an, Magpet town in Cotabato province. The Bali inspired resort is situated at the foot of the country’s highest peak, Mount Apo and is famous for its wellness and adventure offerings. I had my souvenir walk at the famous glass bridge and a thrilling pose on the swing at the far end. The Secretary also had breakfast with the owner of the establishment and I had my 9th PNP blog (LGU Magpet).

From Magpet, delegation proceeded to the province’ capital in Amas, Kidapawan City and we were welcomed by Governor Emmylou Jacolo Talino-Mendoza who I had a picture with. Governor Mendoza is the wife of my old-time friend, Deputy Speaker Atty. Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza, President of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP). After the PEP’s Closing ceremonies, we toured the Museyo Kutawato. The museum reckons Cotabato's history from the days of Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat who opened Mindanao to the flourishing East Southeast Asian trade. It celebrates Cotabato as the cradle of a lush cultural multiplicity, home to twenty-six ethnolinguistic groups, the most culturally diverse zone of Mindanao. The name Museyo Kutawato is deliberate - the Filipinized rendition of "museo", and the pre-colonial name Kutawato, the old fort of stone that was the genesis of the province's name. In the Magindanao language, ‘wato’ is ‘stone’. After the tour, we hopped on every booth of the trade fair in front of the Museyo and had my 10th and last PNP blog (PLGU Cotabato) in SoCCSKSarGen.

The name Kuta Watu in Maguindanaon (or Kota Batu in Malay) means "stone fortress". Cotabato was the capital of the old Maguindanao Sultanate. In 1860, the district of Cotabato was created. On July 15, 1903, by virtue of Act No. 787, the Moro Province was created incorporating Cotabato. In 1966, South Cotabato was created as a separate province. On November 22, 1973, by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 341, what remained of the old Cotabato was further divided into the provinces of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat. On March 7, 1984, by virtue of Batas Pambansa Bilang 660, ‘North Cotabato’ was simply named ‘Cotabato’.

The Philippine Experience Program highlights the Filipino brand and identity in all aspects of the travel and tourism experience, focused on heritage, culture and arts to enhance current tour and domestic circuit offerings with thematic experiences on food and gastronomy, pilgrimage and wellness, festivals, living cultures and heritage and the arts. SoCCSKSarGen offered it all. As I exited the PEP via the Francisco Bangoy Davao International Airport in Region XI, I smiled and exclaimed, “Love SoCCSKSarGen! Love The Philippines!