1. RDC XII Conducts 46th
Regular Meeting Amidst
Cotabato Empire’s
Centennial Celebration
The Official Publication of Regional Development Council XII
Volume 12, Issue No. 2: April - June 2014

2. Editor-in-Chief
RD ARTURO G. VALERO
Associate Editor
ARD NOEL E. QUIRATMAN
Contributing Editors
JULIE ESPERANZA B. CHUNG
PHLORITA A. RIDAO
MARIA FELICIDAD R. GUERRERO
ROSA D. LEMANA
MA. LULU E. VALENCIA
RDU Focal Persons
HELEN L. VESTAL
LALAINE M. SAJELAN
EDEN F. RIDAO
LIBERTY B. ARUMPAC
APOLLO Y. MANLAWE
Photographers
APOLLO Y. MANLAWE
ROMEO A. SALAC
Layout Artist
APOLLO Y. MANLAWE
Contributors
PIA XII
DOLE XII
Local Government of Cotabato City
EDITORIAL BOARD
The Regional Development Updates
(RDU) is published quarterly by the Regional
Development Council (RDC) XII with
editorial office at the National Economic
and Development Authority Regional Office
XII, 2nd and 3rd Floors, RML Building, Jose
Abad Santos Street, Koronadal City, South
Cotabato, with Telephone No.: (083) 520-0009,
Fax: (083) 520-0007. The Editorial Board
reserves the right to edit the manuscript for
reasons of space and clarity. RDU assumes
no responsibility on the unpublished and
unsolicited materials.
HOW TO REACH US
Do you have questions, comments or
suggestions? Send your letters with complete
name and address to our editorial office
mentioned above, or email us at nedaxii@
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The Official Publication of the Regional Development Council XII
Contents
RDC XII Conducts 46th Regular
Meeting Amidst Cotabato
Empire’s Centennial Celebration
DPWH XII is best performing
public works and highways office
in the PH
RPMC XII Recommends Solution
to GSC Circumferential Road
Issues
3
5
6
RPMC XII Monitors Projects
Implemented Based on the GPB
Approach
7
SOCCSKSARGEN is 2nd top corn
producer in the Philippines 8
DOLE South Cotabato Kalayaan
Job Fair records 22.70% HOTS 9
SOCCSKSARGEN Records
Sterling Economic Performance,
GRDP growth 8.4%
10
About the Cover
On our cover is the 46th Regional
Development Council Meeting held at the
Provincial Capitol, Kidapawan City on June
25, 2014. The meeting was hosted by the
Provincial Government of Cotabato led by
Governor Emmylou “Lala“ Taliño-Mendoza.
Thereafter, the Centennial Celebration
followed with singer/composer Maan Millan
and Miss Universe Philippines 2014-Mary
Jean Lastimosa in attendance.
2 Inventions from
SOCCSKSARGEN Qualify in
National Tilt
11
3
5
6
8
12
Vol. 12, Issue No. 2: April-June 2014
2 | Regional Development Updates | April-June 2014
55th Araw ng Cotabato ends with a
Grand Celebration 12

3. RDC XII Conducts 46th Regular Meeting Amidst Cotabato Empire’s Centennial Celebration
by Apollo Y. Manlawe, DRD/NEDA XII
The Regional Development Council (RDC) XII held its 46th Regular Meeting on 25 June 2014 at the Provincial Capitol, Amas, Kidapawan City, Cotabato Province, with Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño- Mendoza as host.
In her welcome remarks, Gov. Mendoza thanked the Council members for attending the meeting in her province which is leading the celebration of Cotabato Empire’s 100 years. The empire encompasses the area now subdivided into the provinces of Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Sarangani, and the cities of Cotabato and Gen. Santos.
An orientation on the salient features and the significant milestones of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) was given by Atty. Armi Beatriz Bayot, member of the Legal Team of Government of the
RDC XII . . . page 4
Philippines (GPH) Negotiating Panel, during the early part of the meeting. This was followed by a briefing of the Development Academy of the Philippines on its Public Management Development Program (PMDP), an intensive program that provides comprehensive and multi-modal learning opportunities for public managers to foster careers in government and promote stability in the bureaucracy by producing a corps of public managers that embody competence, integrity and commitment. The development thrusts and directions of Cotabato Province were likewise presented.
RDC XII passed a total of 26 resolutions which included the endorsement of support to the 23rd Mindanao Business Conference on September 1-3, 2014 in Gen. Santos City and the conduct of the Region XII Summit on Governance in the 3rd week of September, in time for the RDC Week celebration. The Council also endorsed the DRR/CCA-enhanced Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) of Cotabato Province to the Board of Commissioners of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) for ratification, the first in the region to reach that level. The body also recommended
In picture (L-R): Congressperson Jose I. Tejada of Cotabato Province 3rd District, RDC XII Acting Chairperson Arturo G. Valero of NEDA XII and Governor Emmylou J. Taliño-Mendoza during the 46th RDC XII Meeting on June 25, 2014 at the Cotabato Provincial Capitol, Kidapawan City.
Regional Development Updates | April-June 2014 | 3
Atty. Armi Beatriz Bayot, member of the Legal Team of Government of the Philippines (GPH) Negotiating Panel received the Plaque of Appreciation from RDC XII Acting Chairperson Arturo G. Valero, witnessed by Congressperson Tejada.

4. RDC XII Acting Chairperson and NEDA XII Regional Director Arturo G. Valero and Cotabato Province Governor Emmylou J. Talino- Mendoza awarded the Plaque of Recognition to DPWH XII Regional Director Reynaldo Tamayo for its exemplary performance as the Best Performing DPWH Regional Office in the Country for the Construction of Region- Implemented Projects.
RDC XII . . . from page 3
the proposed Integrated Economic Development for Regional Trade project of Gen. Santos City for funding.
The rest of the resolutions passed by the Council were endorsements/ approval of actions recommended by its sectoral and affiliate committees on various development issues/concerns, particularly those that pertain to macroeconomy, finance, development administration, infrastructure and utilities development, social/economic development, land use, and project monitoring and evaluation.
Aside from taking action on important development issues and concerns, the Council also awarded a plaque of recognition to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XII for its exemplary performance as the best performing DPWH Regional Office in the country for the construction of region- implemented road projects for the months of March, April and May 2014.
NEDA XII Regional Director Arturo G. Valero, acting RDC XII Chairperson, presided over the meeting, which was also graced by Hon. Jose Tejada, Congressperson for the 3rd district of Cotabato Province.
After the meeting, Council members were invited by Gov. Mendoza to the Governor’s Night, an important event that ushered in the Cotabato Empire Centennial celebration. The activity, which was attended by at least a thousand guests in Filipiniana attire, was a dance and music showcase of the history and rich culture and tradition of various tribes of the erstwhile Cotabato Empire. Ms. Mary Jane Lastimosa, the reigning Mutya ng Pilipinas-Universe, who hails from Tulunan, Cotabato Province graced the occasion.
4 | Regional Development Updates | April-June 2014

5. The Department of Public
Works and Highways
in SOCCSKSARGEN
Region (DPWH XII) remains
the country’s best performing
regional unit of the agency.
Engr. Reynaldo Tamayo,
Regional Director of DPWH
XII, announced during a recent
meeting of district engineers
and key officials of Region XII
at the Conference Hall of the
Sarangani District Engineering
Office that the region has
maintained its achievement as
the leading project implementer
in the country.
Citing a report from DPWH
Central Office, RD Tamayo said
that as of May 31, 2014 the
region has completed 16.04%
of the total number of projects of
the Calendar Year (CY) 2014.
Its completion rate of the CY
2014 Infrastructure Program has
already reached 85.84%.
These ratings, he noted,
has placed DPWH 12 at the
topmost position in terms of
accomplishments, besting 15
DPWH regional offices.
DPWH XII is best
performing public works and
highways office in the PH
by Danilo E. Doguiles, PIA XII
He added that the region’s
ranking as number 1
implementer in the first quarter
of this year was also announced
during a recent meeting of the
DPWH regional directors in
Iloilo City.
In the first semester of
2013, DPWH was at number 15
in the accomplishment rating
but was named best performer
by year end.
“Extend my congratulations
to everyone in your respective
offices especially those who
are in the frontline of every
undertaking,” he told officials of
DPWH XII during that meeting in
Sarangani.
“Working together as a team
has resulted to a remarkable
leap in our accomplishment. I am
very happy that we were able
to work together for success. If
there is somebody who will do
good for our region, it should be
us because this is our home,” he
added.
He also expressed optimism
that the DPWH XII will be able to
maintain its place not only in the
competition but also in leading
SOCCSKSARGEN Region XII
towards economic success
and social justice through
infrastructure development.
SOCCSKSARGEN Region
or Region XII straddles the
provinces of South Cotabato,
Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and
Sarangani, as well as the cities
of General Santos, Koronadal,
Tacurong, Kidapawan and
Cotabato.
Tamayo said he is very
confident that the program to
pave the national primary roads
will be completed in the second
quarter of this year.
He added that DPWH XII
will also be able to complete
secondary roads in 2016 as
scheduled because the region’s
current accomplishment has
reached 65%.
“We should be expecting
more roads to pave because a
lot of proposed road openings
and tourism roads were already
approved and scheduled for
completion before President
Aquino’s administration ends in
2016,” he said.
Regional Development Updates | April-June 2014 | 5

6. The Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) XII, chaired by RD Arturo G. Valero of NEDA XII, recently convened to resolve problems that have delayed the implementation of critical road and bridge projects in Gen. Santos City (GSC), particularly those that are along the city’s Circumferential Road project.
RPMC XII recommended for City Government of Gen. Santos and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XII to jointly address the road right- of-way (RROW) problems of the concreting of the northern section of the GSC Circumferential Road project, the construction RPMC XII Recommends Solution to GSC Circumferential Road Issues
The newly constructed houses at the river bank of Silway River are directly within the centerline of the proposed Silway Bridge II.
by Apollo Y. Manlawe, DRD/NEDA XIIThe Lower Apopong Bridge II Along GSC Circumferential Road (Northern Section).
6 | Regional Development Updates | April-June 2014
of Silway Bridge Phase I, and the construction of the Lower Apopong Bridge II.
The Committee also suggested to the City Government of Gen. Santos to cover the said projects in the regular monitoring of the city’s project monitoring committee and to furnish RPMC XII a copy of its monitoring findings and recommendations. It also urged DPWH to closely monitor the project contractor’s work, particularly in ensuring the provision of adequate manpower and equipment in the project site.
In response, GSC Planning and Development Coordinator Nael Joseph D. Cruspero informed the Committee that the city has created a team to assist the DPWH in resolving these problems.
The recommended actions of RPMC XII were based on the findings and recommendations of its composite field monitoring team. The team noted that the upgrading of the northern section of the GSC Circumferential Road from gravel to concrete surface was not completed on October 13, 2013 as scheduled because of compensation issues with the owners of properties that are affected by the project. Adding to the long delay in its completion was the failure of the project contractor to provide adequate manpower and equipment. The project had an overall physical accomplishment of 91% but with negative slippage of 9% as of May 15, 2014.
The team also found out that Silway Bridge project was still unfinished on its target date of completion on March 14, 2014 due to RROW problems. As of May 15, 2014 or about two (2) months later, the project had an overall accomplishment of 94% but with a negative slippage of 6%. The Lower Apopong Bridge II, particularly at the bridge project’s Approach A,was also delayed due to RROW problems. The project was 83.5% complete as of May 15, 2014, but the project contractor had incurred negative slippage of 16.50%. This bridge project is considered highly critical to the completion and opening of the northern section of the GSC Circumferential Road.

7. The Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) XII monitored 33 projects which were identified based on the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting (GPB) Approach in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato, Sarangani and South Cotabato, and in the cities of Tacurong, Cotabato, General Santos and Koronadal in April and May 2014.
The monitoring team visited the organic trading posts of the Department of Agriculture (DA) XII; tourism development projects of the Department of Toursim (DOT) XII; projects under the Health Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP) of the Department of Health (DOH) XII; and road, bridge and school building projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) XII and its concerned District Engineering Offices.
One of the observations of the team was the absence of activities in the constructed organic trading posts in the municipalities of Midsayap and Tulunan in Cotabato Province and in Tacurong City. Despite the completion of the buildings in the trading posts, it was found out that there were problems related to the organization and capacity building of farmers and other beneficiaries that hampered the operationalization and sustainability of these projects.
The completed Organic Trading Posts of the Department of Agriculture XII. In picture (L-R): The Php1.5 Million Organic Trading Post in Barangay Poblacion, Tulunan and the Php1 Million Trading Post of Poblacion 5, Midsayap, Cotabato.
RPMC XII Monitors Projects Implemented
Based on the GPB Approach
by Apollo Y. Manlawe, DRD/NEDA XII
Mayor Lani Candolaba raised her concerns on the GPB Project of Tulunan, Cotabato Province during the RPMC XII Meeting on June 19, 2014 in Koronadal City.
RPMC XII recommended that DA XII fast-track the release of the remaining funds for the trading posts and closely monitor the implementation of the project. In particular, the Committee directed the agency to assist the concerned LGUs in the organization and capacity building of the farmer beneficiaries to ensure the operationalization and sustainability of the projects.
RPMC XII also recommended that for the Tacurong City trading post, DA XII review the guidelines for the establishment of the project and explore the possibility of allowing the LGU to manage the facility, while the Management Team is still being determined. The Committee also suggested to DA XII to consider changing the project title from “organic” to ‘’naturally grown” trading post so as not to be constrained by the stringent provisions under the organic farming policy.
All findings and recommendations of RPMC XII were confirmed by RDC XII through Resolution No. 62, Series of 2014. These findings and recommendations were subsequently transmitted/referred to all government agencies concerned for their information and appropriate action.
Regional Development Updates | April-June 2014 | 7

8. SOCCSKSARGEN is 2nd top
corn producer in the Philippines
SOCCSKSARGEN Region is now the second top corn producing
region in the Philippines.
Citing corn production performance of the region in 2013,
Department of Agriculture XII Regional Executive Director Amalia
Jayag-Datukan disclosed that Region XII has climbed a notch higher
from rank 3 in 2012.
Data from the Bureau of
Agricultural Statistics (BAS)
indicate that SOCCSKSARGEN
recorded a total corn production
of 1,305,607 metric tons (MT)
from over 444,000 hectares of
corn production areas in 2013.
“The region’s corn output last
year represented 18.4 percent of
the country’s total production and
32.5 percent of production in the
entire Mindanao,” she said.
Cagayan Valley topped the
country with 1,713,674 MT corn
production.
Other regions in the list are:
Northern Mindanao, 1,185,036
(MT); ARMM, 667,104 MT;
Ilocos Region, 447,503 MT;
Western Visayas, 345,527
MT; Bicol Region, 258,115 MT;
Cordillera Autonomous Region,
242,074 MT; Central Luzon,
227,765 MT; and Davao Region,
227,013 MT.
by Danilo E. Doguiles, PIA XII
The Regional Development Updates can also
be viewed online through the NEDA RO XII
website (http://nro12.neda.gov.ph/products-and-
services/publications/).
This publication is also uploaded in
slideshare.net (http://www.slideshare.net/
neda12webmaster/), a website that shares
presentations, infographics, documents,
videos, PDFs, and webinars.
In 2012, Region XII corn
production was 1,201,579
MT which accounted for 16
percent contribution to the
country’s overall corn production
performance.
Noting this huge success of
the corn sector, DA XII’s Agri-
Pinoy Regional Corn Program
Coordinator Zaldy Boloron said
the region is dedicated and
even more driven to maintain its
present standing and aims to be
the top corn producer in due time.
This year, he said, DA has
allotted PhP180.160 million for
corn programs in Region XII,
higher by 45.8 percent to the
2013 allocation of PhP123.426
million.
“Out of this total budget
allocation, 47 percent is
earmarked for postharvest
facilities development services
like the establishment of village-type
corn-on-cob dryers, and corn
mills, among others,” he said.
For 2014, DA XII has set the
corn production target at least
1,368,615 MT or 5 percent
higher than the 2013 harvest.
The region’s corn output
last year represented 18.4
percent of the country’s
total production and 32.5
percent of production in
the entire Mindanao.
RDC XII Conducts 46th
Regular Meeting Amidst
Cotabato Empire’s
Centennial Celebration
The Official Publication of Regional Development Council XII
Volume 12, Issue No. 2: April - June 2014
8 | Regional Development Updates | April-June 2014

9. Regional Development Updates | April-June 2014 | 9
A total of thirty seven (37) jobseekers were hired- on-the-spot (HOTS) in this year’s Kalayaan Job Fair spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) South Cotabato Field Office in coordination with Gaisano Grand Mall and the Public Employment Service Office of Koronadal City.
DOLE XII Regional Director Ofelia Domingo disclosed that, a total of 208 job applicants registered in the one-day job fair, with 163 qualified for the various job vacancies.
“The 22.70 percent figure on HOTS is 5.5 percent higher than the target of 15 percent,” RD Domingo said.
She added that the essence of celebrating Independence Day is not just through exercising freedom of speech but freedom to choose and land a good and decent job. Employment, she said, brings a lasting mark of a progressive nation.
In his message, Koronadal City Mayor Peter B. Miguel said that everyone should be proud to be a Filipino. He added that job applicants for this year’s Kalayaan Job Fair will form part of today’s history by serving the country through employment.
This year’s theme dubbed as “Pagsunod sa Yapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino, Tungo sa Malawakan at Permanenteng Pagbabago” (Following the Footsteps of Great Filipinos, Towards Widespread
and Lasting Change) is indeed a challenge not only to jobseekers
but to all Filipinos.
RD Domingo expressed her gratitude to all participating agencies/companies, Gaisano Mall of Koronadal and also to the DOLE’s attached agencies, such as the Employees Compensation Commission (ECC), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Koronadal City Public Employment Service Office (PESO), DOLE TSSD Chief Edna P. Sales and South Cotabato Field Office Head Arlene R. Bisnon who spearheaded the activity.
DOLE South Cotabato Kalayaan Job Fair records 22.70% HOTS
by Kathleen Turnos, DOLE XII

10. 10 | Regional Development Updates | April-June 2014
SOCCSKSARGEN recorded a remarkable economic growth in CY 2013 as it registered a 8.4% growth of the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) over the previous year. Socio-economic performance may be measured in terms of the following indicators: gross regional domestic product (GRDP), inflation and employment.
The Services sector contributed 37.6% of the total economic output in 2013, slightly higher than its 37.3% share in 2012. The Industry sector posted an increase of 1 percentage point, from 32.8% in 2012 to 33.8% in 2013. AHFF contributed 28.6% of the region’s total economic output in 2013, lower by 1.3 percentage points compared to its share in 2012.
Inflation measures the change in prices of goods and services. The Regional Development Plan targets less than 5% for the year. So far inflation rate for all items was estimated at 3.7% which is 1.1 percentage points higher than the preceding year’s level at 2.6%.
By commodity group, alcoholic beverages and tobacco registered the highest inflation
SOCCSKSARGEN Records Sterling Economic Performance, GRDP growth 8.4%
rate at 42.1% which was largely attributed to the sharp increase in prices of tobacco by 76.5%. The steep 38.5 percentage points rise in the inflation rate of alcoholic beverages and tobacco was due to the implementation of RA 10351 also known as the sin tax law.
In contrast, the inflation rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages, where majority of an average Filipino family income is spent, was estimated at 2.6% which is only 0.5 percentage point higher than the previous year.
The October 2013 Labor Force Survey showed that the region’s employment rate slightly declined to 95.1% from 95.8% a year ago. This translates to a reduction of employed persons by 5,740. Actual employment rate fell short of the region’s target of 96.4% for CY 2013. Nonetheless, the region’s employment rate was higher by 2.4 percentage points compared to the national average of 92.7%.
Meanwhile, labor force participation rate decreased by 1.0 percentage point from the 66.4% estimated in October 2013 while the number of people in the labor force increased by 6,890. Indicators point to the inability of the economy to fully address the employment needs of the additional individuals seeking work; hence, the decrease in employment rate.
by Rosa D. Lemana, DRD/NEDA XII
GROSS REGIONAL DOMESTIC PRODUCT
Year on Year Growth Rate, 2010-2013

11. Two inventions presented during the recent Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit (RICE) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recently held in General Santos City have qualified for the national contest or the NICE.
Dr. Sittie Shayma Zenaida P. Hadji Raof- Laidan, DOST XII Regional Director identified the regional winners as Mr. Dennis Bialen of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat and the group of Mr. Jason Cole, Mr. Rafael Tan and Mr. Kent Soler, students of the General Santos City National High School.
Mr. Bialen won the regional tilt for his “3-D Eco-Solution (Crop Vaccine),” which was declared outstanding creative research (Likha Award).
As a regional winner, Mr. Bialen received a plaque and cash prize amounting to PhP25,000 from the Provincial
Regional Development Updates | April-June 2014 | 11
55th Araw . . . from page 12
Government of Sarangani and DOST XII.
Meanwhile, Cole and his group were also named winners in the student creative research category (Sibol Award – High School Level) for their entry, ”Nutgrass (Cyprus rotondus) Habit as Alternative Indigenous Materials.”
For their win, Cole’s group received a plaque and PhP35,000 cash prize, also from Sarangani LGU and DOST XII.
Both were recognized during the culmination of the 2014 RICE held at Phela Grande Convention Center in Gensan on May 29.
Their inventions will be presented during the National Invention Contest and Exhibit in Manila in July.
“The RICE is an undertaking of the DOST primarily aimed at providing opportunities for inventors to exhibit and present their inventions and breakthroughs in line with the national efforts to promote inventiveness pursuant to Section 4 of Republic Act No. 7459 or the “Inventors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines,” Director Laidan said.
Forty-two researches and inventions were exhibited in the two-day event.
Dr. Edgar Garcia, Director of DOST’s Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI) urged inventors to develop more products that can help the country move forward and become a major player in the global S&T community.
Supported by the DOST-TAPI, RICE serves as the qualifying round for NICE, and is open to amateur and professional inventors in SOCCSKSARGEN Region who wish to highlight their ingenuity and craft through their research and locally developed creations.
2 Inventions from SOCCSKSARGEN Qualify in National Tilt
by Danilo E. Doguiles, PIA XII
“I hope we can continue the cooperation that we are giving our Barangay officials and also to our local authorities as we fight against all the illegal activities in the city“, said Guiani.
Hundreds of Cotabateños also enjoyed the performances of invited singers who were finalists in a talent show on national television.
“It has been one of our traditions to invite local artists to entertain everybody on this
remarkable event. This is just one of our gifts to our citizens. Sana po ay nag-enjoy sila and we hope to see everybody again in next year’s celebration,“ said City Administrator Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi.
Simultaneous with the program at the city plaza, the first International Business Forum was also conducted. Investors from Malaysia, Jordan, and other parts of Asia attended the event had exploratory talks and business matching with our local businessmen during the round table discussions.
Metro Cotabato Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. President Dr. Danda Juanday is positive that this will open doors for more investments in Cotabato City that will surely alleviate the lives of many of our citizens with the job opportunities that will come.

12. The culminating program of the 55th Araw ng Cotabato on June 20 was laden with the most festive and fun-filled activities during the week- long celebration.
The day started with a sky diving exhibition by the Philippine Air Force and followed by a civic parade from the Cotabato City State Polytechnic College grounds all the way to the city plaza led by City Mayor Japal J. Guiani, Jr., other city government officials, heads and staff of regional line agencies, and representatives of the private sector.
In his speech, Mayor Guiani thanked all the citizens of Cotabato City for their support to all the programs of the government, and stressed the importance of cooperation of everybody in battling crime and other deterrents to the city’s progress. 55th Araw ng Cotabato ends with a Grand Celebration
Malaysian investors, together with Cotabato City Mayor Japal J. Guiani, Jr., local businessmen and officials of the city’s neighboring municipalities at the first International Investment Forum held on June 20, one of the highlights of the City 55th anniversary celebration.
by Halima K. Satol-Ibrahim, City Information Officer, Cotabato City
City officials headed by Mayor Japal J. Guiani, Jr. and Vice Mayor Abdullah A. Andang, together with officers from the City PNP and the Special Forces, pose with the guests during the celebration of the Araw ng Cotabato. The city has invited singers from a big national television company to grace the occasion.
photo from https://www.facebook.com/pop.salahog
55th Araw . . . page 11