Cotabato is poised to embark on an eco-biz-tourism initiative that aims to rebrand the province from a once conflict-stricken area to an emerging destination for business and sustainable tourism in the southern Philippines.
In a statement, Cotabato Vice Governor Rochella Marie “Ella” Taliño Taray said the local government unit will soon launch the flagship promotion campaign named “Choose Cotabato.”
Taray said the campaign aims to further boost investor confidence and the tourism appeal of the province.
According to the province’s website, some of the must-visit sites are Asik-asik Falls, the most popular destination in the region; the Paniki Falls eco-river park in Kidapawan City and the Museyo Kutawato , a public museum that aims to educate visitors about the cultural history of Cotabato’s “tri-people”: the Lumad, Christians, and Muslims and; Fort Pikit, a national historical landmark.
Every August, the province holds the Kalivungan Festival, from the Manobo word meaning gathering, which showcases the wealth of cultures and traditions in Cotabato through ethnic dances, rituals, native music, and games. The festival also commemorates the province’s founding anniversary.
Built in 1893 of stone masonry as part of the series of military fortification in Mindanao by the Spanish colonial government. It was used by the American colonial government in 1902 and in 1912-1945. It was occupied by the Japenese Imperial Army and recovered by the American forces in their advancement to liberate Eastern Mendanao during the World War II.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippine had declared Fort Pikit as a National Historical Landmark in March 2012.
On the investment side, Taray said the priority sectors are information technology-business process management, renewable energy, agro-processing, livestock and poultry, and manufacturing.She also highlighted the province’s potential for agribusiness as Cotabato boasts vast plantations of high-value crops such as durian, coconut, coffee, cacao, and oil palm.
