KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — South Cotabato recorded the lowest inflation rate among the provinces and highly urbanized city in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region at 6.1 percent in July 2026, reflecting the province’s continuing economic resilience and stable market conditions.
Based on the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Regional Statistical Services Office XII, South Cotabato posted a lower inflation rate compared with the other provinces and city in the region. Sultan Kudarat recorded 7.1 percent, General Santos City 6.8 percent, Cotabato Province 9.7 percent, and Sarangani the highest at 10.1 percent.
South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. said the province’s performance reflects the continuing efforts of the provincial government and its partners to keep the local economy moving amid prevailing price pressures.
“Despite the prevailing inflation, the provincial government continues to work together with our local government units, national government agencies, farmers, producers, businesses, and other stakeholders. Through this collective effort, we can strengthen our local economy, support our producers, and help ensure that our people continue to have access to essential goods and services,” Tamayo said.
Meanwhile, Ricardo L. Lamorena III, Supply Officer II of the Office of the Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator – Research, Evaluation, and Monitoring Division, attributed South Cotabato’s relatively lower inflation rate to the continuing implementation of economic and development interventions in the province.
“The inflation rate of South Cotabato this year is much lower compared to July 2025, which can be attributed to the effective interventions and programs being implemented by the provincial government in terms of economic development. The increasing infrastructure development has also helped bring more economic activity into far-flung areas of the province, while livelihood programs and other initiatives that support our communities and local economy also contribute to maintaining a lower inflation rate compared to other provinces and cities in Region XII,” Lamorena said.
The PSA data showed that South Cotabato’s 6.1-percent inflation rate was the lowest in the region in July 2026, while the overall SOCCSKSARGEN inflation rate stood at 7.9 percent.
The provincial government continues to strengthen its coordination with local government units, national government agencies, businesses, farmers, producers, and other stakeholders to sustain economic activity and support programs that benefit communities across South Cotabato.
The latest inflation figure provides a positive indicator of the province’s economic performance and highlights the continuing impact of investments in infrastructure, livelihood, local production, and other development initiatives in bringing opportunities closer to communities throughout South Cotabato.
