Proud Mindanaoan

07/05/2026

Sarangani Province and South Cotabato posted the highest number of same-day tourist arrivals in Region 12 in 2025, while General Santos City emerged as the region’s leading destination for overnight visitors, according to data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 12.

The DOT-12 report showed that Sarangani Province recorded the highest same-day tourist arrivals with 4,567,246 visitors, composed of 935 foreign tourists and 4,566,311 domestic travelers.

South Cotabato ranked second with 2,093,945 same-day tourist arrivals, including 4,986 foreign visitors - the highest foreign tourist arrivals among the provinces in the region - and 2,088,959 domestic tourists.

Sultan Kudarat followed with 1,488,261 same-day visitors, while Cotabato Province registered 1,469,957 arrivals. General Santos City recorded 1,168,868 same-day tourist arrivals, including 9,392 foreign visitors.

For overnight tourist arrivals, General Santos City led all areas in Region 12 with 910,502 overnight visitor arrivals, highlighting its growing importance as a business, trade, and tourism center in Mindanao.

Sarangani Province came next with 511,676 overnight tourists, followed by Cotabato Province with 201,542, South Cotabato with 171,615, and Sultan Kudarat with 125,280 overnight visitors.

Meanwhile, the Province of South Cotabato maintained strong tourism momentum in the first quarter of 2026, posting 486,300 same-day tourist arrivals from January to March.

Among the province’s most visited destinations were Lake Sebu, Tupi, and Koronadal City, which continued to attract tourists because of their eco-tourism attractions, cultural heritage sites, and adventure destinations.

Tourism stakeholders attributed the sustained increase in tourist arrivals across the SOCCSKSARGEN Region to intensified tourism promotions, improved infrastructure and accessibility, and the growing popularity of the region’s nature-based and cultural destinations.

Sarangani Province and South Cotabato posted the highest number of same-day tourist arrivals in Region 12 in 2025, while General Santos City emerged a

06/05/2026

South Cotabato continues to stand out as a model of inclusive and people-centered governance, posting one of the highest literacy rates in the country while steadily reducing poverty across its communities.

With a basic literacy rate of over 93 percent, the province ranks among the most literate in the Philippines - an achievement that reflects years of sustained investment in education. At the same time, poverty incidence has shown a consistent decline, signaling that economic gains are reaching more families on the ground.

For Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., these outcomes are the direct result of prioritizing human development, particularly through the province’s flagship free education program.

By removing financial barriers, the program has enabled thousands of students to stay in school and complete their studies, regardless of their economic background. This has strengthened not only literacy rates but also the long-term capacity of residents to secure better opportunities and improve their quality of life.

“Kapag inuna natin ang edukasyon, binibigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang bawat pamilya na makaahon sa kahirapan,” the governor has emphasized in previous statements, highlighting the role of education as a powerful tool against poverty.

Complementing this initiative is the province’s free hospitalization program, which shields families from costly medical expenses. Together, these twin programs address two of the most common drivers of poverty-limited access to education and the burden of healthcare costs.

The combined impact is evident across South Cotabato: more educated citizens, healthier families, and communities that are gradually moving out of poverty. Several municipalities have reported significant improvements in both literacy and income levels, reinforcing the effectiveness of the province’s development strategy.

Experts note that when education and health are treated as core public investments, the benefits multiply-creating a cycle where knowledge leads to opportunity, and opportunity leads to economic stability.

As South Cotabato continues to build on these gains, its experience offers a clear lesson: prioritizing education is not just a policy choice - it is a long-term investment that drives real, measurable progress.

29/04/2026

PROUD MINDANAOAN!

South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. has been named Outstanding Governor at the ALSWDOPI National Convention held in Zamboanga City on April 28, 2026.

This recognition highlights his strong commitment to people-centered governance and impactful social welfare programs that directly benefit communities across the province.

From the “Hospital without Cashier” program, providing free hospitalization, to “No Student Left Behind,” ensuring access to free education - Tamayo continues to deliver real, felt services for every South Cotabateño.

Beyond the province, he also leads on the national stage as:
• President, League of Provinces of the Philippines
• Chairman, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines
• Vice Chairperson, National Anti-Poverty Commission
• President, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas
• Board Director, Mindanao Development Authority

Guided by his mantra, “Para sa Tama at Maayos na Serbisyo,” Gov. Tamayo proves that genuine leadership creates real change.

Isa na namang karangalang hatid sa Mindanao!

Proud Mindanaoan

22/04/2026

BP - BILYONARYO PALA??? 🇵🇭

14/04/2026

Since 2022, Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. has carried not only the mandate of South Cotabato but also the collective voice of the country’s 82 provincial governments as President of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP).

The League, composed of all provincial governors across the nation, serves as a vital institution that unifies local leadership, advances policy reforms, and strengthens coordination between local governments and the national administration. Under Governor Tamayo’s leadership, the LPP has amplified the role of provinces in shaping national development strategies, disaster response frameworks, fiscal reforms, and local autonomy initiatives.

A Leadership Affirmed by Unity

In 2025, Governor Tamayo was re-elected unopposed as LPP President - an affirmation of trust and confidence from fellow governors nationwide. His renewed mandate extends until 2028, ensuring continuity in the League’s advocacy for empowered, responsive, and resilient provinces.

His unopposed re-election reflects more than political consensus; it underscores a leadership style anchored on collaboration, consultation, and concrete results. Fellow governors recognized his steady guidance in navigating national issues affecting provinces - from revenue allocation and healthcare expansion to infrastructure modernization and poverty reduction programs.

South Cotabato: A Model of Provincial Governance

Parallel to his national leadership, the Province of South Cotabato has steadily emerged as a model among the country’s 82 provinces in terms of good governance and effective delivery of basic services.

With a strong focus on healthcare expansion, education support, social protection, infrastructure development, and poverty reduction, South Cotabato exemplifies how sound fiscal management and people-centered policies translate into tangible outcomes on the ground. The province’s initiatives have become benchmarks for other local governments seeking to strengthen transparency, accountability, and service efficiency.

Governor Tamayo’s leadership in the LPP has created a synergy between national advocacy and local implementation - proving that strong provincial governance can serve as both inspiration and template for others.

Championing Stronger Provinces, Building a Stronger Nation
As LPP President, Governor Tamayo continues to push for:

- Greater fiscal autonomy for provinces
- Strengthened inter-provincial cooperation
- Enhanced disaster preparedness and climate resilience
- Expanded access to healthcare and social services
- Stronger alignment between local and national development goals

By fostering unity among governors from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, he has positioned the League as a constructive partner of the national government while firmly safeguarding local interests.

With his mandate secured until 2028, Governor Tamayo remains committed to steering the collective strength of the provinces toward inclusive growth, responsive governance, and sustainable development- demonstrating that empowered provinces truly build a stronger Philippines.

Since 2022, Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. has carried not only the mandate of South Cotabato but also the collective voice of the country’s 82 provincial gov

07/04/2026

06/04/2026

𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗣 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 👀

Former Cotabato Governor and NCIP Central Mindanao Commissioner Nancy A. Catamco officially took her oath of office this Monday, 6 April 2026, at the Cotabato Provincial Capitol.

She succeeds Dr. Marie Grace T. Pascua, CESO III, to become the 12th Chairperson of the Commission.

Read the full story: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EZrdnfZ9g/

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05/04/2026

South Cotabato has strengthened its position as one of the country’s education success stories, ranking among the top 10 provinces nationwide in literacy performance, according to the latest government data.

“Napakaganda ng literacy rate ng South Cotabato dahil pasok tayo sa top 10 sa buong bansa,” said Governor Reynaldo Sucayan Tamayo Jr in a press conference.

According to latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) - the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS), the South Cotabato recorded a 93.7 percent basic literacy rate and a 77.43 percent functional literacy rate, placing it among the country’s top-performing provinces.

At the core of this achievement is Governor Tamayo’s free education program up to college, which has significantly expanded access to schooling and ensured that financial limitations do not prevent students from completing their studies.

Equally crucial is the strict enforcement of the “no collection policy” in public schools, a measure that eliminates unauthorized fees and protects students and parents from added financial burden. This policy has helped improve school attendance and retention, particularly among disadvantaged families.

Governor Tamayo also cited the province’s firm stance on maximizing school days and minimizing class suspensions, ensuring continuity in learning and strengthening students’ comprehension and academic performance.

Basic literacy refers to the ability to read, write, and compute, while functional literacy goes beyond -measuring the ability to process, understand, and apply information in real-world situations.

With these combined strategies, South Cotabato has built an education system that not only produces literate individuals but also equips them with the skills needed for everyday life.

As other areas work to close the gap between basic and functional literacy, South Cotabato’s approach highlights a clear formula: remove barriers, invest in students, and protect access to education - leading to lasting and measurable gains in human development.

26/03/2026

📌𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐦 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭: 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠

The distant echoes of conflict in the Middle East arrive quietly in the Philippines—not as sirens or smoke, but as rising prices on fuel pumps, jeepney fares, and grocery shelves. As global oil supply tightens, the country — heavily dependent on imported fuel—absorbs the shock almost immediately. Transport costs climb, electricity rates follow, and small businesses begin to feel the squeeze. For ordinary Filipinos, especially wage earners and informal workers, each peso stretches thinner, turning daily survival into a delicate balancing act.

This ripple effect deepens existing socio-economic vulnerabilities. Inflation erodes purchasing power, while farmers and fisherfolk face higher production costs due to expensive fuel and logistics. Public services strain under increasing demand, and inequality widens as those with fewer resources bear the heaviest burden. The crisis exposes a structural fragility: an economy tethered to external forces, with limited insulation for its most vulnerable sectors.

From an 𝗲𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲, this moment calls not for passive endurance but for deliberate transformation. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲 — 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀, 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. Public transportation, food systems, and energy infrastructure should be treated as social goods, not merely profit-driven industries.

The roadmap forward lies in building resilience: 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀. By aligning economic policy with social justice, the Philippines can shift from reactive crisis management to proactive nation-building — where growth is not only measured by output, but by dignity, stability, and shared prosperity.