South Cotabato, Philippines — South Cotabato bolstered its tourism industry with 46 hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tourism-related establishments receiving full accreditation from the Department of Tourism (DOT) as of March 2025.
Tourism Operations Officer I Francisco M. Cerbo Jr., of the Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Museum Unit (ACTMU), said most accredited establishments are in Koronadal City and Lake Sebu, two of the province’s prime tourism hubs. He emphasized that accredited businesses receive priority for tourism promotions, capability-building training, workshops, and government assistance.
“These accredited establishments include mostly hotels and Mabuhay accommodations in Koronadal and Lake Sebu,” Cerbo said.
Accredited hotels include Hotel De Viajera, Paraiso Verde Hotel, and Habi Hotel Koronadal, while prominent Mabuhay accommodations such as Punta Isla Lake Resort, Sa Balai Lake View Resort, and Dreamweaver’s Hill Resort continue to attract tourists seeking authentic South Cotabato experiences.
Resorts like SG Farm in Tupi, Dolores Lake Resort, and The Farm at Carpenter Hill further boost the province’s tourism offerings. Restaurants such as Gab’s Yard Steak House and Grill, TRIO Café, and Cerveza Café highlight South Cotabato’s diverse culinary landscape. The list also includes tourist shops, travel agencies, and even the Dr. Arturo P. Pingoy Medical Center.
Cerbo added that these establishments actively participate in local, national, and international tourism exhibitions, trade fairs, business matching events, and cultural festivals.
The ACTMU continues to encourage more tourism players to seek DOT accreditation to ensure quality service, safety, and the warm hospitality South Cotabateños are known for.
The South Cotabato Tourism Accreditation Team assists potential establishments and recommends them to DOT XII for final validation. Once approved, the DOT issues an official Certificate of Accreditation.
For the full list of accredited establishments, visit the South Cotabato Tourism Office.
