KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato | January 12, 2026 — Strengthening collaboration between the provincial government and national agencies remains a key priority of South Cotabato as Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. continues to lead efforts toward inclusive, people-centered development.
In a series of high-level meetings with the regional offices of the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region XII, Governor Tamayo discussed the continued and upcoming implementation of major social welfare, education, and healthcare programs across the province. The discussions highlighted the crucial role of local government units (LGUs) as frontline providers of services directly to communities.
“Our LGUs are at the forefront of service delivery. Strengthening our coordination with national agencies ensures that programs truly reach our people, especially those in far-flung and underserved areas,” Governor Tamayo said.
The governor expressed his appreciation for the consistent support of DSWD Field Office XII, noting that strong synergy between national government programs and provincial initiatives has significantly contributed to poverty reduction, effective disaster response, and long-term community development in South Cotabato.
“When national programs and provincial efforts move in one direction, the impact is felt immediately by our constituents. This partnership has helped us address poverty, respond better during emergencies, and build more resilient communities,” Tamayo added.
As part of the province’s commitment to strengthening education services, the Provincial Government formally turned over a Php 1.9 million service vehicle to DepEd Region XII. The vehicle is expected to enhance the department’s mobility, particularly for monitoring and field operations in geographically challenged and remote communities.
“This support for DepEd is about enabling our educators and education managers to do their work more efficiently. Improved mobility means better monitoring, faster response, and ultimately better learning environments for our students,” Governor Tamayo said.
Discussions with education officials also covered potential partnerships for the construction of additional school buildings to address classroom shortages, as well as updates on teacher promotions under the Expanded Career Progression Program—reflecting a shared commitment to supporting educators and improving education outcomes for South Cotabato learners.
Meanwhile, the provincial government continues to strengthen its people-centered healthcare initiatives under the leadership of Governor Tamayo. In line with the province’s flagship Free Hospitalization Program, the governor met with DOH Undersecretary Gregorio Murillo Jr., through the Health Facilities Enhancement Program Management Office, to advance plans for the improvement and expansion of health facilities across the province.
“Our goal is simple: accessible and quality healthcare for every South Cotabateño. By upgrading our health facilities, we make sure that no one is left behind when it comes to medical care,” Tamayo emphasized.
Through sustained collaboration with national agencies, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato reaffirms its commitment to delivering Tama kag Maayo nga Serbisyo—ensuring that development efforts remain inclusive, responsive, and centered on the needs of the people.
