Overview
Region XII, officially known as SOCCSKSARGEN, is located in South‑Central Mindanao and is composed of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City, serving as one of Mindanao’s most dynamic economic and cultural hubs.
Provinces
- South Cotabato — A highland province known for Lake Sebu, the T’boli culture, and cool mountain climates.
- Cotabato (North Cotabato) — A diverse agricultural province with vast plains, mountain ranges, and rich cultural heritage.
- Sultan Kudarat — A culturally vibrant province with strong indigenous traditions and expansive agricultural lands.
- Sarangani — A coastal province famous for pristine beaches, marine biodiversity, and the Sarangani Bay seascape.
Cities and Municipalities
Region XII includes a mix of highly urbanized cities, component cities, and municipalities spread across its provinces:
- General Santos City – Highly Urbanized City
- Koronadal City – Regional Administrative Center
- Kidapawan City
- Tacurong City
- Municipalities: Polomolok, Tupi, Surallah, Lake Sebu, Alabel, Glan, Kiamba, Maitum, Isulan, Lebak, Kalamansig, President Quirino, and more.
Administrative Divisions
Region XII is composed of:
- 4 Provinces
- 1 Highly Urbanized City
- 4 Component Cities
- 45 Municipalities
- 1,195 Barangays
Demographics
SOCCSKSARGEN has a diverse population consisting of Cebuano, Ilonggo, Maguindanaon, and T’boli communities, with a growing urban population centered in General Santos City and Koronadal City.
Geography
The region features mountain ranges, fertile plains, coastal zones, and inland lakes, including the iconic Lake Sebu and the expansive Sarangani Bay.
Economy
SOCCSKSARGEN’s economy is driven by:
- Agriculture — rice, corn, coconut, banana, pineapple
- Fisheries — tuna industry centered in General Santos City
- Manufacturing & Agro‑processing
- Trade & Services
- Tourism — eco‑tourism, cultural tourism, and coastal attractions
Infrastructure
Key infrastructure includes:
- General Santos International Airport
- Makar Wharf (GenSan)
- Koronadal–General Santos–Tacurong road networks
- Mindanao arterial highways
- Power generation facilities supporting regional industries
Tourism
Major attractions include:
- Lake Sebu – Seven Falls, T’boli culture
- Sarangani Bay – beaches, diving, marine sanctuaries
- Asik‑Asik Falls – Cotabato
- Baras Bird Sanctuary – Sultan Kudarat
- GenSan Tuna Festival
Related Pages & Guides
- Region IX
- Region X
- Mindanao Overview
- Province‑level pages for South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City.