SOCCSKSARGEN
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| Regional center | Koronadal City, South Cotabato |
|---|---|
| Population | 3,222,169 |
| – Density | 170.3 per km² |
| Area | 18,925.7 km² |
| Divisions | |
| – Provinces | 4 |
| – Cities | 5 |
| – Municipalities | 45 |
| – Barangays | 1,194 |
| – Cong. districts | 6 |
| Languages | Tboli, Blaan, Cotabato Manobo, Tagabanwa, others |
SoCCSKSarGen is a region of the Philippines, located in central Mindanao, and is officially designated as Region XII. The name is an acronym that stands for the region's four provinces and one of its cities: South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City. The regional center is Koronadal City located in the province of South Cotabato. Cotabato City, though geographically within the boundaries of the province of Maguindanao, itself is part of SOCCSKSARGEN, and is independent of that province. Maguindanao province is a part of another special region called the ARMM which has its seat in Cotabato City.
CLIMATE Heavy rain during the months of June to October. There are dry spells from February to June. The two provinces are seldom visited by typhoons.
NATURAL RESOURCES Fishing is a major economic activity because of the rich fishing grounds of Iligan Bay, the Moro Gulf and the Celebes Sea. Its water resources include the Maria Cristina Falls, large and numerous rivers, lakes and streams.
It has rich mineral resources such as gold, copper, iron, chromium, silver, zinc, clay gypsum, limestone and phosphate. It is also the main source for hydroelectric power for Mindanao.
ECONOMY The major earners in the region are fishing, agriculture and forest- related products. Hydroelectric power is provided by the Maria Cristina Falls. Steel, cement and coconut oil are some of the important products of the region. Coconut, pineapple, rubber, sugarcane, rice, corn, banana and other fruits are the main agricultural produce.
Central Mindanao is part of three Area Development Zones (ADZs): Cagayan – Iligan Industrial Corridor, the Greater Cotabato – Illana Bay ADZ and the Panguil Bay- Mt. Malindang ADZ. The Cagayan – Iligan Industrial Corridor will be the center for heavy industry and bulk supplier of industrial inputs and finished industrial products. It is envisioned to be a trade center for processed agri-based products as well as for intermediate and finished products.
URBAN CENTERS The city of Iligan in Lanao del Norte serves as the urban center of Central Mindanao. Light to heavy industries, tourist facilities, and institutions of higher learning can be found in the area.
FACILITIES Maria Cristina Falls and other tourist attractions are found in the region. Electricity, water systems, transportation, telecommunication and postal facilities are also available.
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[edit] Geography
The region has extensive coastlines, valleys and mountain ranges. Known for its river system, the region is the catch basin of Mindanao. The system is a rich source of food, potable water and energy production. Cotabato contains the Rio Grande de Mindanao, which is the longest river in Mindanao and the second longest in the Philippines.
[edit] Political Divisions
| Province/City | Capital | Population (2000) |
Area (km²) |
Pop. density (per km²) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Cotabato Province | Kidapawan City | 958,643 | 6,565.9 | 146.0 |
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Sarangani | Alabel | 410,622 | 2,980.0 | 137.8 |
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South Cotabato | Koronadal City | 690,728 | 3,996.1 | 172.9 |
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Sultan Kudarat | Isulan | 586,505 | 4,714.8 | 124.4 |
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Cotabato City[1] | — | 163,849 | 175.99 | 931.0 |
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General Santos City[2] | — | 411,822 | 492.86 | 835.6 |
- 1. ^ Cotabato City is independent of Maguindanao province, which is part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The seat of the ARMM regional government is also in Cotabato City.
- 2. ^ General Santos City is a highly urbanized city; figures are excluded from South Cotabato.
[edit] Component Cities
[edit] Musical Heritage
The native Maguindanaon and other native Muslim/non-Muslim groups have a fascinating culture that revolves around kulintang music, a specific type of gong music, found in the SOCCSKSARGEN.
