South Cotabato’s municipalities once again showcased excellence in population and development initiatives as Sto. Niño, Polomolok, and Tboli emerged as the top three winners in the 2025 Regional Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Awards (RMSKPA) municipal category. Of the three, Sto. Niño earned the right to represent Region XII in the national search.
Out of 45 municipalities in Region XII, the Municipality of Sto. Niño clinched 1st Place, followed by Polomolok in 2nd Place and Tboli in 3rd Place. The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region XII, in partnership with the Office of the Provincial Population Officer, awarded plaques of recognition to the winning municipalities for their exemplary implementation of Population and Development (POPDEV) programs.
Melanie Chiva, Provincial Population Officer, said the regional champion, Sto. Niño will represent Region XII in the national search.
“The municipality’s initiatives have shown strong impact on issues such as adolescent pregnancy, fertility management, and migration, while ensuring that development remains people-centered,” Chiva stressed.
The national shortlisting and evaluation will begin in September 2025 and will include both document review and field validation of shortlisted municipalities. The awarding ceremony is set for November 26, 2025, during Population and Development Week.
The RMSKPA recognizes municipalities that have localized innovative POPDEV programs to address pressing issues such as adolescent pregnancies, high fertility rates, and migration, while promoting sustainable development in their communities.
South Cotabato also excelled in other categories. The City of Koronadal bagged 1st Place in the City Category, while the Province of South Cotabato secured the Provincial Category award, further solidifying the province’s strong commitment to population and development.
“These achievements reaffirm South Cotabato’s leadership in advancing the legacy of Rafael M. Salas, the ‘Father of Population and Development,’” Chiva added. “They highlight our province’s dedication to community-driven initiatives that promote human development and inclusive growth.”
