KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) — The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Region 12, in partnership with various national line agencies, local government units (LGU), and other tourism stakeholders, hosted the 2024 Soccsksargen or SOX Tourism Summit here on Sept. 27.
The summit, focusing on “Tourism and Peace: Bridging Cultures, Bridging Understanding,” facilitated a collaborative effort to enhance the tourism industry in the Soccsksargen region.
It further aimed to discuss vital strategies for elevating the tourism sector and positioning the region as a premier investment destination.
Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, the Regional Development Council (RDC) chairperson, conveyed her strong support for the region’s tourism initiatives.
“We recognize the significant contribution of the tourism industry to our transportation, food, and accommodation industries, as well as to the livelihood of our locals who belong to the non-formal economy. And as we can see, we have some displays not just to showcase our destinations but the produce of our region,” Mendoza told participants and stakeholders.
She also urged the DOT, LGUs, the Department of Trade and Industry, and other national government agencies to collaborate closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration to promote the region as a prime investment and tourism hub.
“With the calibrated efforts to accelerate the tourism industry, having a good business climate, appropriate infrastructure, and stable peace and order situation, we can create demand most especially for international flights in GenSan Airport as Region 12’s main international gateway,” Mendoza added.
The official expressed optimism “that sooner we can see inbound and outbound flights to General Santos City from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Singapore, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and many more.”
The summit also featured a mini-travel and trade fair, where regional exhibitors showcased a variety of agricultural and local products.
Among the participants was Edwin Gonzales, a young entrepreneur from Norala, South Cotabato, who presented his coconut value-added drink.
“Malaking tulong po itong event upang ako po ay magkaroon ng exposures at malalaking opportunities to know different people na magiging part ng aking enterprise. At sa ngayon dahil po sa event na to ay nagkaroon po tayo ng mataas na sales kung saan ay malaking tulong para po magiging sustainable ‘yung ating business,” he said.
(The event offers valuable exposure and networking opportunities for my enterprise, leading to increased sales and business sustainability.)
Meanwhile, DOT Regional Director Nelia R. Arina led the launch of the Regional Tourism Comprehensive Development Plan, which was another highlight of the event.
The plan, she pointed out, will be implemented in collaboration with LGUs and various tourism stakeholders to boost the tourism industry in Region 12.
In her message, Arina conveyed her gratitude to individuals and organizations who have been supportive of the programs and projects of the Department of Tourism.
“All the RDs and ARDs of partner agencies, we would have not done this without all of you, the tourism officers of all the DOT initiatives, ATOs, the private stakeholders, the partner CPDOs, and all those who were awarded with certificates of participation. We greatly appreciate your presence and support,” she said.
Soccsksargen continues to emerge as a major tourist destination in the Philippines, offering stunning landscapes and a rich cultural experience for visitors. (PIA Region 12)
