South Cotabato, Philippines –As Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. prepares for his final term, his administration is laying out an ambitious agenda aimed at accelerating development and ensuring long-term progress for the Province of South Cotabato.
While previous years have seen major reforms in education, agriculture, and governance, Tamayo’s final term is expected to solidify and expand these initiatives, with a clear emphasis on what he describes as “total development” a holistic approach that targets multiple sectors rather than focusing on just one.
“I have noted that this plan aims to attract both public and private investors to boost economic activities, generate employment, and strengthen South Cotabato’s competitiveness in the province,” the governor said.
One of the central pillars of Governor Tamayo’s upcoming term is the expansion of investment opportunities across the province.
According to the administration, the investment agenda will target key industries such as agribusiness, tourism, small-to-medium enterprises, and potential large-scale industrial ventures.
“By providing a more conducive business environment, theI hope to stimulate a ripple effect that will benefit local communities, increase household incomes, and enhance overall economic resilience,” he said.
Tamayo has consistently emphasized that economic development must translate into real and tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
“The investment strategy includes support mechanisms such as streamlined business processes, expanded access to financing, and improved infrastructure that will enable investors and local entrepreneurs to grow side-by-side,” he stressed.
Education remains one of the cornerstones of Tamayo’s governance.
“ While the national government continues to face shortages in classroom buildings nationwide, our administration plans to intensify its efforts to fill this gap at the local level,” he said.
In the last two more years, the governor aims to fast-track the construction of new classrooms in elementary and secondary schools.
“This initiative is expected to benefit far-flung and underserved barangays where overcrowded classrooms and makeshift learning spaces have long been a challenge,” he pointed out.
Beyond construction, the administration is also looking into improving school facilities, providing better learning environments, and strengthening collaboration with national and local education agencies.
“The goal is not only to increase the number of classrooms but to ensure that students receive quality education supported by safe, functional, and modern school infrastructures,” he said.
Agriculture continues to be the lifeblood of South Cotabato, and Governor Tamayo is prioritizing the improvement of farm-to-market roads as a cornerstone of rural development.
In partnership with the Department of Agriculture, the provincial government plans to build and rehabilitate critical road networks that connect farming communities to trading centers.
The improvement of farm to market roads are expected to reduce transportation costs for farmers, minimize post-harvest losses, improve market accessibility, and encourage higher agricultural productivity.
“These road projects form part of a broader agricultural strategy aimed at boosting the production of basic commodities such as rice, corn, root crops, and high-value fruits and vegetables,” he said.
By enhancing mobility and access, the administration hopes to create a stronger, more competitive agricultural sector that can support both local consumption and larger markets.
