ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat (PIA) — The province of Sultan Kudarat attracted over 3 million tourists in 2024, according to the Provincial Tourism Office here.
The tourism office accounted for some 3,387,191 tourists who visited Tacurong City’s Baras Bird Sanctuary, Columbio’s La Palmera Mountain Ridge and Pangadilan Falls, and Bagumbayan’s Bansada Eco-Park.
Last year, the province gained attention for hosting major events, including the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair in February, Miss Universe Philippines in April, and the Kalimudan Festival in November, which attracted over a million visitors.
Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu emphasized in earlier statements the importance of promoting Sultan Kudarat as one of the country’s premiere tourism destinations to improve its image and encourage investment.
“That has always been the problem for Sultan Kudarat, maraming natatakot sa Sultan Kudarat, sinasabi nilang magulo, madilim at may away ang iba’t-ibang tao (many are afraid of Sultan Kudarat; they say it’s chaotic and dark, and there are fights among different people),” he said.
“How am I going to ensure investors, local and abroad, will feel safe with their investment in Sultan Kudarat? Precisely, opening our doors and showcasing the beauty of Sultan Kudarat is the solution,” the governor pointed out, adding that when he travels around Sultan Kudarat and engages with MSMEs, “I hear the same problem—lack of investors.”
Despite some hurdles, Mangudadatu asserts that tourism significantly boosts a province’s visibility and appeal, attracting investors.
The governor pointed out that investing in tourism programs also often leads to job creation and economic growth, ultimately benefiting the communities.
He then highlighted that the province has peaceful and united communities. “Sultan Kudarat is not nakakatakot, ang Sultan Kudarat na ito ay tahimik, mapagmahal, marunong magsaya at nagkakaisa ang Muslim, Kristiyano at Lumad.”
(Sultan Kudarat is not scary but it is peaceful, loving, knows how to have fun, and the Muslims, Christians, and Indigenous Peoples are united.) (ORVR – PIA Sultan Kudarat)
