Soccsksargen’s Hidden Gem
Economic Strengths
- Agriculture (rice, corn, bananas)
- Mining (copper, gold)
- Tourism (Mount Apo, waterfalls)
- Small-scale industries (food processing, crafts)
Demographic Advantages
- Young population
- Growing workforce
- Strategic location
Key Attractions
- Kidapawan City (capital)
- Mount Apo (hiking, trekking)
- Asik-Asik Falls (tourism)
- Magpet (hot springs)
Opportunities
- Agricultural modernization
- Mining investments
- Eco-tourism development
- Infrastructure upgrades
Challenges
- Poverty reduction
- Environmental conservation
- Public health
- Conflict resolution
Why Invest in Cotabato?
Cotabato offers:
- Strategic location (Soccsksargen region)
- Rich natural resources
- Skilled workforce
- Government support
- Growing infrastructure
| Name | City/ Municipality | Population (2020) | Population (2015) | Annual Population Growth Rate (2015‑2020) | Area (km2) | Density (2020), per km2 | Brgy count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alamada | municipality | 68,659 | 64,596 | 1.29% | 787.50 | 87 | 17 |
| Aleosan | municipality | 41,944 | 39,405 | 1.32% | 225.44 | 186 | 19 |
| Antipas | municipality | 26,817 | 25,304 | 1.23% | 552.50 | 49 | 13 |
| Arakan | municipality | 50,558 | 48,228 | 1.00% | 693.22 | 73 | 28 |
| Banisilan | municipality | 46,995 | 43,677 | 1.55% | 577.22 | 81 | 20 |
| Carmen | municipality | 107,603 | 95,921 | 2.45% | 1,110.43 | 97 | 28 |
| Kabacan | municipality | 93,822 | 89,161 | 1.08% | 448.09 | 209 | 24 |
| Kidapawan | city (CC), capital | 160,791 | 140,195 | 2.93% | 358.47 | 449 | 40 |
| Libungan | municipality | 56,269 | 48,768 | 3.06% | 191.57 | 294 | 20 |
| Magpet | municipality | 53,800 | 49,201 | 1.90% | 1,044.69 | 51 | 32 |
| Makilala | municipality | 87,927 | 83,851 | 1.00% | 343.57 | 256 | 38 |
| Matalam | municipality | 81,355 | 79,361 | 0.52% | 476.00 | 171 | 34 |
| Midsayap | municipality | 165,376 | 151,684 | 1.84% | 290.42 | 569 | 57 |
| M’lang | municipality | 98,195 | 95,070 | 0.68% | 312.13 | 315 | 37 |
| Pigcawayan | municipality | 72,371 | 66,796 | 1.70% | 340.11 | 213 | 40 |
| Pikit | municipality | 164,646 | 154,441 | 1.36% | 604.61 | 272 | 42 |
| President Roxas | municipality | 52,512 | 47,575 | 2.10% | 618.25 | 85 | 25 |
| Tulunan | municipality | 60,978 | 56,513 | 1.61% | 343.08 | 178 | 29 |
| Cotabato Total | 1,490,618 | 1,379,747 | 1.64% | 9,317.30 | 160 | 543 | |
Economy
| Fiscal Year | Annual Regular Income | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1,201,286,722.68 | – |
| 2010 | 1,256,650,883.24 | 4.61% |
| 2011 | 1,362,837,448.21 | 8.45% |
| 2012 | 1,369,703,784.96 | 0.50% |
| 2013 | 1,545,503,896.10 | 12.83% |
| 2014 | 1,724,003,966.30 | 11.55% |
| 2015 | 1,969,680,378.92 | 14.25% |
| 2016 | 2,149,864,765.42 | 9.15% |
| End notes:Annual Regular Income = Locally Sourced Revenue + Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) Current Year + Other Shares from National Tax CollectionLocally Sourced Revenue = Real Property Tax (General Fund) + Tax on Business + Other Taxes + Regulatory Fees + Service/User Charges + Receipts from Economic Enterprises | ||
Tourism
Cotabato, often overlooked by tourists, holds the potential for cultural tourism. Its vibrant festivals, historical landmarks, and cultural diversity offer unique attractions for travelers seeking authentic experiences.
Visitors to Cotabato can immerse themselves in local traditions, savor indigenous cuisine, and participate in colorful festivals. The province’s potential as a cultural tourism destination is an exciting discovery for those looking to explore the heart of Mindanao’s diversity.
