To lure potential investors to the Soccsksargen region, the Department of Tourism (DOT) 12 conducted an investment forum on June 9, 2024, at Diamond Hotel Manila. This event was part of the 'Treasures of SOX: A Travel and Trade Expo' held from June 7-9, 2024, at Midtown Atrium, Robinsons Place Manila.
DOT 12 Regional Director Nelia Arina said that the region has vast potential for both residency and business. The team is aggressive in attracting potential investors to the region.
They are conducting and participating in various tourism-related events throughout the country to promote awareness among tourists and investors about the potential of the Soccsksargen region.
RD Arina hopes to have an offshoot investment forum event from ‘Treasures of SOX’. This would be bigger and would expand abroad. She also highlighted the importance of sustainable investment and its social and environmental impact.
“By investing in sustainable tourism, we can create destinations that can thrive economically. That’s the goal we are striving for in our communities in Soccsksargen,” RD Arina said.
“Thank you, as we have truly ignited the curiosity and desire to visit SOX. Knowing that you are interested in visiting our region is more than enough for us in SOX,” she added.
“Today’s investment forum is a great accompaniment for the high value, high return Treasures of SOX. The way to highlight the immense potential of the tourism sector is the key economic driver, especially for the resource field areas such as Soccksargen,” said Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar.
The region’s commitment to integrating the halal concept into its tourism infrastructure is a strategic move. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, reflecting on post-pandemic travel trends, considers Soccsksargen an attractive destination for those seeking enriching, participatory, and culturally rich experiences.
She noted the DOT’s dedication to advancing the region’s food tourism, with an emphasis on diversifying its halal culinary options to appeal to Muslim tourists.
In the investment forum, local government units and members of the private sector from Soccsksargen participated in the event. They presented their investment opportunities, tourism products, and businesses.
Val Solivio-Li, the CEO of Punta Isla Lake Resort from Lake Sebu, said that the investment forum is “a good platform to connect directly with investors.” She added that it is “a great networking opportunity” and there is an assurance of a return on investment.
“I hope this event will bring more guests to SOX and inspire them to visit our region. The investment forum helps at least to erase the stigma of being unsafe that has been branded in Mindanao,” said Solivio-Li.
LGU GenSan also had the opportunity to present GenSan’s investment opportunities. Leonard Flores, the Head of the City Economic Management and Cooperative Office (CEMCDO), represented LGU GenSan and showcased what the city can offer potential investors.
“We need this kind of activity. This platform provides an opportunity to speak to investors, venture capitalists, and the like. Let’s take advantage of the opportunity that is given to us,” he said.
Flores also said that Soccsksargen has huge potential. It possesses vast resources that investors can examine and leverage. He highlighted that the region can be an “alternative investment destination,” especially for industry development and investment generation.
Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu graced the event, showing his support for the region’s tourism sector. He presented key investment opportunities in the province and highlighted the stable peace and order situation.
Soccsksargen, or Region 12, is composed of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City. The region’s strength lies in its agri-fishery industry, where major airport and seaports are located in General Santos.
The tourism sector takes advantage of these opportunities by showcasing the rich and diverse culture of the region, complementing Soccsksargen’s strengths.
According to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region 12, major developments are concentrated in the region’s key cities—General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, and Kidapawan—and the “emerging new urban areas,” such as Midsayap and Kabacan towns in Cotabato province, Alabel and Glan in Sarangani, Surallah and Polomolok in South Cotabato, and Lebak and Isulan in Sultan Kudarat.
These major developments are complemented by the ongoing road expansions and construction of vital infrastructure under the national government’s program.
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