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Agriculture has always been the province's main economic boon. South Cotabato produces about 40% of the Philippines' total pineapple production, 90% of asparagus and about 23% of all corn yield. The province also has a fair amount of production from the rice, coconut and banana industries. Rich fishing grounds, particularly in Saranggani Bay, assures a steady income for the fishing community.
The province is being developed as the next tourist hub in the country. Already, it boasts of Lake Maughan, the crater lake in Mt. Parker has been a nature-lover's haven. Wild exotic flora abound in the province as well as endemic fauna including the rare specie of butterfly, Grphium decolor tigris found in the Mogocayo and lem-el-law areas. The area is also a treasure trove of extraordinary and imposing mountain ranges, natural caves, springs and lakes. The scenic Mt. Matutum, El Gawel Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary, Lake Sebu, Lake Maughan and Mt. Parker and the Seven Falls offers unrivalled vistas for all tourists and explorers.
With all the different attractions offered by the province, the same can be said about its people. In 1939, the government encouraged migration to the area. So people coming from different parts of the country flock to the province to settle in their new home. The result? - A cornucopia of cultures meshing together to further the province and yet keeping their distinct identity as a people intact. South Cotabato became a melting pot of customs, folklore and convention lavishly enriching the area's unique resource – its culturally diverse people.
South Cotabato has a tribal population that include the T'boli, Tagabili, B'laan, Ubo and Tasaday. The T'bolis in particular, is a highland tribe that has deep roots in the area. Making their home at Lake Sebu, a lake which they consider a god-given food basket , they have survived through the decades almost solely depending on the lake for everything they need. They are famous for the T'nalak, a colorful and beautifully woven fabric that they hand-made for months at a time. The local government hold the T'nalak Festival every July in honor of the tribe's contribution to our nation's heritage.
There are two ways for you to reach South Cotabato By air, via a direct flight from Manila to Gen. Santos City and travel by land to Lake Sebu for a 6-hour ride Or by sea, from Manila to General Santos City.
Images Courtesy of www.southcotabato.gov.ph
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