SOCCSKSARGEN (pronounced socks-sarjen), also officially known as Region XII, is a region in central Mindanao.
It is also known as Central Mindanao. The regional center is in Koronadal at the province of South Cotabato. It is to the south of Bangsamoro (formerly Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), the Muslim-majority region of Mindanao.
Provinces
[edit]
The name of the region is an acronym of its four provinces South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani; and an independent city General Santos.
| Cotabato Derived from Kota Batu, a Malay term for "stone fortress". |
| South Cotabato Split from Cotabato in the 1960s. |
| Sultan Kudarat Named after the former Maguindanaon Sultanate Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat. |
| Sarangani Named after Sarangani bay. |
Cities
[edit]- 1 General Santos — The tuna capital of the Philippines, known for the city's tuna industry
- 2 Isulan — The capital of Sultan Kudarat
- 3 Kidapawan — The best jumping-off point if you wish to climb Mount Apo, the Philippines' highest mountain
- 4 Koronadal — Home to ethnic Hiligaynons, which comprise 95% of the city's population
- 5 Tacurong — The commercial hub of the province of Sultan Kudarat
Other destinations
[edit]- 6 Lake Sebu — a town and the lake surrounded by Allah Valley, a pristine rainforest landscape recognized by UNESCO as an important cultural region
Understand
[edit]The region was called Central Mindanao until the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao were transferred to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Lanao del Norte was later transferred to Northern Mindanao. Saranggani, South Cotabato and General Santos were moved to Central Mindanao to form the present region.
The oldest inhabitants in the region are the nature-worshipping Lumads; the arrival of Christian Cebuano, Hiligaynon and Ilocano migrants drove the Lumads into the mountains. Muslim Maguindanaoans also inhabit the region, at the area bordering Maguindanao, especially in Sultan Kudarat province..
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]General Santos International Airport (GES IATA) is the main, and only airport with commercial flights. Despite its international designation, only domestic carriers fly here.
By bus
[edit]Get around
[edit]See
[edit]Do
[edit]Eat
[edit]- A46 Picnic Grove, (UK Peak) Aleosan, Cotabato Province. They serve snacks and burger with patties made of local meat.
Drink
[edit]Stay safe
[edit]- See also: Mindanao#Understand
The region borders Bangsamoro, and there is high risk of possible attacks from Islamic militants. Areas near the regional border are the most prone to terrorist and insurgent attacks, but attacks can occur anywhere. See the warning on the top of the page for further information.
Communist rebels also hide in the mountainous areas of the region, and are involved in extortion; nevertheless, they are less of a threat to the average traveler.
Go next
[edit]