Koronadal City, South Cotabatom, Philippines | September 8, 2025 — Provincial and national leaders joined forces today in Tupi, South Cotabato for the groundbreaking of the Tupi IT Park, a PEZA-registered information technology zone set to generate thousands of jobs and position the province as a rising hub for the ICT and BPO industries in Mindanao.
In his message, Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. emphasized that the IT Park is more than just an investment in infrastructure but a solution to the growing need for employment among South Cotabato’s young professionals.
“We trained our youth not just to work as laborers but to find professional jobs. If we don’t start this project, who will? This endeavor will generate around 20,000 to 30,000 jobs for our young professionals. That is our direction and inspiration,” Tamayo said, acknowledging the risks and challenges faced by the Matutum Holdings and Development Corporation, which is spearheading the development.
The Governor also expressed hope that the project will create long-term opportunities: “Maybe this is the start. We pray that this project will be successful—not only for Tupi but for the whole of South Cotabato.”
Representing the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Regional Director Ibrahim Guiapar Jr. lauded the initiative as a transformative step for the province.
“This milestone is more than just the start of construction—it is the laying of a foundation for a future built on innovation, resilience, and shared prosperity. The Tupi IT Park will be a catalyst for digital transformation and inclusive growth,” Guiapar said.
He assured stakeholders that DICT will remain a steadfast partner in strengthening digital infrastructure, advancing cybersecurity, and nurturing digital skills to support startups, MSMEs, and locators within the IT zone.
From the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Area Management Office Chief Gerardo Ramon Cesar B. Reynaldo highlighted the IT Park’s impact on Mindanao’s overall development.
“South Cotabato is proving that it is ready to lead Mindanao’s digital transformation. Economic zones are not just parcels of land, they are platforms of possibilities—nurturing talent, catalyzing investments, and creating ecosystems where ideas flourish,” Reynaldo said on behalf of MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno.
He stressed that the project will provide opportunities for youth, graduates, returning OFWs, and local entrepreneurs: “Beyond jobs, this IT Park signals South Cotabato’s bold commitment to harnessing the power of IT and BPO industries to create futures.”
The ceremony gathered officials from the Provincial Government, the Municipality of Tupi, PEZA, DICT, MinDA, and private sector partners, including the Matutum Holdings and Development Corporation and Southeast Asian Institute of Technology (SEAIT).
The Tupi IT Park, once completed, is envisioned to link South Cotabato to global opportunities while fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth in the Soccsksargen region.
