Koronadal City, South Cotabato – South Cotabato took the spotlight during the recent familiarization tour of foreign ambassadors in Mindanao, with Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. presenting the province’s key programs, infrastructure achievements, and investment opportunities.
The tour, organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), brought together ambassadors and representatives from more than 20 countries, including Japan, France, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, South Africa, and Vietnam. The initiative aimed to highlight Mindanao’s progress and potential in trade, tourism, and socio-economic development.
Governor Tamayo assured the diplomats that South Cotabato is ready to welcome global investors, emphasizing the availability of skilled human resources and the province’s strong support systems.
“We can provide the manpower you need, and our healthcare services are free for our people,” Tamayo said in his remarks.
He also underscored South Cotabato’s infrastructure gains, citing the completion of additional 200 hundred of kilometers of provincial roads in the last five years. These projects, he stressed, were designed not only to connect communities but also to support businesses and enhance market access.
Tamayo invited the ambassadors to encourage their nationals to explore South Cotabato as a destination for investment and tourism, pointing to the province’s peaceful environment and the hospitality of its people.
“South Cotabato is safe, peaceful, and open for business. Our people are friendly and respectful, and our governance is centered on transparency and service,” he added.
As of press time, the peace and order council recorded three towns (Tampakan, Sto. Nino and Norala) as insurgence-free towns in the province. Meanwhile, the City of Koronadal, released a similar certification and is already at the city council level.
The visit also highlighted the province’s strong programs in social welfare and healthcare, including localized pension distribution for senior citizens and expanded primary healthcare coverage.
The ambassadors expressed optimism about future collaboration, noting South Cotabato’s commitment to inclusive development and its drive to become a major economic hub in the region.
