KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — South Cotabato’s tourism sector has emerged as a primary engine for local economic growth, recording a remarkable 74.4% expansion in workforce employment over a five-year period.
Official data from the Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Museum Unit (ACTMU) shows that total tourism-related employment rose from 2,972 personnel in 2020 to 5,184 in 2025. This growth reflects the opening of new business establishments and an escalating demand for accommodation, food services, transport, and eco-tourism across the province.
Argie Ryan Asaria, Senior Tourism Operations Officer at ACTMU, highlighted the ongoing collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to maintain professional hospitality standards.
“Our priority is ensuring that our growing workforce is fully equipped to deliver world-class service,” Asaria stated.
In partnership with the Department of Tourism, series of training on the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence Training for frontline workers across hotels, resorts, and eco-tourism destinations were conducted.
“Upskilling our tourism personnel ensures that every visitor experience genuine warmth, efficiency, and quality service,” Asaria said.
Asaria said that the office is also embarking on a partnership with the Department of Information, Communication Technology and the Office of the Provincial Agriculture on mainstreaming digital tourism and agriculture.
Tyronn Jann Villanueva, Head of the South Cotabato Economic, Investment, and Promotions Center (SCEIPC), emphasized how local fiscal policies encourage commercial expansion.
“We are aggressively positioning the province as a premier investment hub by strengthening tax incentives—both fiscal and non-fiscal—under our 2025 Investment Code,” Villanueva explained.
He pointed out that, “Equally important is our strong partnership with the private sector. Through the creation of the South Cotabato Federation of Local Chambers Coordinating Council, we are enhancing direct cooperation with local chambers of commerce. These initiatives allow us to maximize local business growth while firmly promoting South Cotabato as the regional MICE center.”
As the capital city, Koronadal continues to serve as the provincial centerpiece for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).
Elric Batilaran, City Tourism Officer of Koronadal, outlined the city’s operational strategy to accommodate national and regional gatherings.
“Koronadal City is aggressively building its capacity to serve as the premier MICE hub of the region,” Batilaran said.
The LGU is working closely with venue operators, transport cooperatives, and local businesses to streamline event logistics.
“We are heavily investing in digital advertisements to broaden our reach and actively participating in national trade fairs and exhibitions to showcase our readiness. By combining aggressive marketing with venue readiness, Koronadal is prepared to host delegations that spur economic activity across the entire province,” Batilaran said.
Crucial to this regional strategy is the rapid expansion of sports tourism infrastructure. Following the multi-million-peso rehabilitation of the South Cotabato Sports Complex in Koronadal City—which now features an upgraded standard rubberized track oval and modernized facilities—the province is positioning itself to host major athletic events like the SRAA Meet and Palarong Pambansa.
To decentralized sports tourism and accommodate more regional tournaments, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato is also pushing forward plans to construct a modern sports facility in the municipality of Surallah. This secondary sports hub will mirror the capabilities of the main provincial complex, opening further economic and tourism opportunities for the province’s upper valley area.
