Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Philippines | December 16, 2025 — Mayor Milliard S. Villanueva of the Municipality of Concepcion, Iloilo expressed strong inspiration and optimism following their official benchmarking visit to the Province of South Cotabato, citing the province’s progressive programs and people-centered governance as models that could be adapted and implemented in their own municipality.
Mayor Villanueva shared that the delegation from Concepcion was warmly welcomed during their visit to South Cotabato, one of the key destinations selected for their benchmarking activities.
“What inspired us most is that these initiatives started at the local level. It shows that even municipalities like ours can begin programs that prioritize health and education, as long as there is commitment and proper planning,” Mayor Villanueva said.
The visit aimed to study best practices in governance, social services, and economic development that could help further improve public service delivery in Concepcion.
One of the highlights of the trip, according to Mayor Villanueva, was learning directly from the experiences and leadership journey of South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr.
The mayor said he was particularly inspired by the governor’s stories on how he successfully implemented transformative programs during his tenure as mayor of the Municipality of Tupi before eventually becoming the provincial governor.
“Among the programs that deeply impressed us are the initiatives on Free Hospitalization and Free Education, which Governor Tamayo first introduced at the municipal level and later expanded province-wide,” he shared.
Mayor Villanueva noted that these programs demonstrated how strong political will and a genuine concern for public welfare could significantly uplift the quality of life of constituents.
He also also explained why South Cotabato was deliberately chosen as one of their benchmarking destinations.
He emphasized that the province has established a reputation for innovative and sustainable programs that are responsive to the needs of the people programs that Concepcion believes are adaptable to its own local context.
One of the key areas studied during the visit was the tourism industry, which Mayor Villanueva said is also a growing sector in Concepcion.
The delegation visited the Municipality of Lake Sebu, one of South Cotabato’s prime tourist destinations, known for its rich cultural heritage, eco-tourism attractions, and strong community involvement.
“We have tourism potential in Concepcion as well, especially with our coastal and marine resources,” the mayor pointed out.
“Our visit to Lake Sebu gave us valuable insights on how tourism can be enhanced while preserving culture, protecting the environment, and ensuring that local communities benefit from development.”
Mayor Villanueva added that observing how South Cotabato integrates tourism with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability provided practical lessons for Concepcion’s own tourism development plans.
He noted that strengthening tourism not only generates income but also creates employment opportunities and promotes local identity.
Another important area of learning was local governance, particularly the role of the Sangguniang Bayan in crafting responsive legislation. Mayor Villanueva highlighted the importance of effective local laws in supporting development programs and ensuring good governance.
“The legislative strategies and governance models we observed here will help guide us in strengthening our own local policies,” he explained.
The mayor siad that they wanted to make sure that their ordinances and programs are well-planned, inclusive, and beneficial to our constituents.”
The delegation also studied South Cotabato’s approaches to environmental solid waste management, recognizing its importance not only for environmental protection but also for public health and sustainable development.
Mayor Villanueva said that proper waste management is a critical component of building a progressive municipality.
In addition, the mayor underscored the importance of a reliable power and electric system, which he described as a basic requirement for attracting investors.
He noted that South Cotabato’s infrastructure readiness plays a significant role in encouraging business investments and economic growth.
“These basic services are essential if we want to invite investors and create more job opportunities for our people,” Mayor Villanueva said.
“What we learned here will help us improve our own systems back home.”
The mayor concluded by saying that the benchmarking visit reaffirmed their commitment to pursue inclusive and progressive programs for the people of Concepcion.
He expressed gratitude to the officials and people of South Cotabato for sharing their experiences and best practices, assuring that the lessons learned from the visit would serve as a guide in crafting policies and programs that would benefit the municipality in the long run.
“This trip was not just a learning experience,” Mayor Villanueva said. “It was a reminder that good governance, when done with sincerity and vision, can truly transform communities.”
