With agro-industrialization and globalization on the way, South Cotabato has transcended to become one of the most promising provinces in the Philippines. With this, national and international conference organizers have chosen South Cotabato as the venue for their events. The tuna industry in General Santos helped the province surpass other provinces in terms of development.
Demographics
1. Population – 1,296,796 (as
of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 4,162.3 sq. km
3. Capital – Koronadal City
4. Language/Dialect – Hiligaynon, Cebuano, T'boli, Ilocano, Bilaan,
Maguindanao, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (2)
- General Santos City
- koronadal City
Municipalities (10)
- Banga
- Lake Sebu
- Norala
- Polomolok
- Santo Niño
- Surallah
- Tampakan
- Tantangan
- T'Boli
- Tupi
Lake Sebu
Location: Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
This lake, surrounded by hills and mountains is the sanctuary of the
T’boli tribe, one of the oldest tribes in the country.
T’nalak
This woven fabric is made by T’boli tribe. It takes several months
to create this hand-made product which possesses unique T’boli
geometric designs. The colors in the fabric are from natural dye which
comes from vegetables and fruits.
Mount Matutum
Location: Brgy. Landan, Polomolok, South Cotabato
This mountain is the main landmark of the province. At its foot are hot
and cold springs and pineapple plantation.
Tuna Industry of General Santos
City
Fishermen in General Santos City owes their livelihood and income to
the abundance of tuna in its shores. It is a common site to see fishermen
going down from their bancas or motorboats carrying tuna in their shoulders.
Cultural
T’boli Cultural Minority
Residence
Location: Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
Famous for their colorful costumes, brass instruments, and vowen fabric
called T’nalak, the T’boli tribe resides in the western part
of Lake Sebu. Other cultural minorities found in the are the Manobo Blit
and the Ubo or Tasadays, a cave-dwelling people who lived in isolation
in high caves
Man-made
Kalsangi Golf Course
Location: Polomolok, South Cotabato
The golf course is found at the base of Mt. Matutum. Managed by DOLE
Philippines, it has a restaurant, swimming pool, guests house. Inside
the compound is a housing project for DOLE executives and a school.
Makar Wharf
Location: General Santos City, South Cotabato
Considered as one of the best in the country, the Makar Wharf, managed
by the South Cotabato
Integrated Port Services Inc., has a 740-meter docking area which
serves as connection between destinations within and outside Manila.
Natural
Lake Sebu
Location: Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
Aside from being the residence of the T’boli tribe, the lake, approximately
354 hectares, has tilapia cages scattered all over it.
Lake Maughan
Location: T’boli, South Cotabato
Lake Maughan is the source of five big rivers in the province, including
Allah River. The lake is proposed to be developed as a provincial park
and wildlife sanctuary. As of now, wild flora and fauna are found here
as well as a rare specie of butterfly, Grphium decolor tigris
Mount Matutum
Location: Brgy. Landan, Polomolok, South Cotabato
At 7,600 ft elevation, the mountain can captive the hearts of nature
lovers with its looming height and eye-catching form. Trekking and mountain
climbing are common activities for tourists.
Hinugyaw Festival
Place: Koronadal City, South Cotabato
Date: January 3 – 10
A weeklong celebration of merry-making, drum beats, beer and food festivals,
celebrity concerts, seidewalk bargain shop, funfare and trade exhibits
and the most celebrated Hinugyaw Street Dancing Competition
Tinalak Festival
Place: Koronadal City, South Cotabato
Date: July 16 – 19
The capitol celebrates the foundation anniversary of South Cotabato by
venerating the T’nalak cloth as part of the cultural image of the
province.
Hebolong Festival
Place: Lake Sebu, South Cotabato
Date: second week of November
The festival showcase the different arts, culture, sports, and other
tribal activities of the T'boli tribe
