Sarangani, Your Adventure

LOOK | 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐬 “𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞” 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐎𝐗 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐋.𝐄.𝐀.𝐃. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦

SARANGANI PROVINCE — The Provincial Government of Sarangani Province, through its Sarangani Tourism and Investment Promotion Center (STIPC), together with the province’s seven municipal tourism offices, emerged as a standout performer at the recently concluded SOX Tourism L.E.A.D. Program (Leadership Essentials for Adaptive Destination Management).

The province took center stage after being conferred the Most Innovative Action Plan – “The Catalyst for Change Award,” a recognition granted to the most outstanding and forward-thinking tourism blueprint among participating local government units in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region.

The award highlights Sarangani’s commitment to innovation and sustainable destination development, showcasing strategic initiatives designed to strengthen its tourism sector and position the province as a competitive and adaptive destination.

Representing the province in the program were Jerome P. Sinangote of STIPC, alongside municipal tourism officers and staff: Christian Jay Laya (Alabel), Raquel Pajarillo and Ivan Lloyd Rombo (Malapatan), Brigette Sayson (Maasim), Cristina Constantino Lapaz and Kithe Michael Nebres (Malungon), Rheznev Catubig (Kiamba), Raymond Myled (Maitum), and Wennie Atibula (Glan). Their collaborative efforts were instrumental in crafting the award-winning action plan.

The SOX Tourism L.E.A.D. Program gathered tourism officers from across the region for an intensive three-day training focused on governance, innovation, and strategic destination management. The initiative aims to equip local tourism leaders with the tools and frameworks necessary to navigate evolving industry demands and drive sustainable growth.

With this recognition, Sarangani Province reinforces its position as a premier eco-cultural tourism destination in Mindanao—anchored on innovation, collaboration, and inclusive development.

𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶, 𝗗𝗢𝗧 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (March 23, 2026) — The Provincial Government of Sarangani, through the Sarangani Tourism Investment and Promotion Center, in partnership with the Department of Tourism Region XII (DOT XII), convened the SOCSKSARGEN Women in Tourism Summit and Gender and Development (GAD) Forum on March 23 at Greenleaf Hotel, reinforcing efforts to promote gender equality and strengthen women’s participation in the province’s growing tourism sector.

The forum gathered women stakeholders across Sarangani, including tourism officers, entrepreneurs, development partners, students, and representatives from people’s organizations. The one-day event focused on strengthening women’s economic participation, promoting gender-responsive tourism governance, and fostering inclusive growth in local communities.

Provincial GAD Focal Person Atty. Stephany Velasco-Datig underscored Governor Rogelio “Ruel” D. Pacquiao’s commitment to advancing an inclusive, community-driven tourism industry.

“To our women leaders in tourism, the challenges we face today are significant, but they are not insurmountable,” Velasco said. “We are here to ensure you have the tools to protect your gains and a government that champions your rights.”

Resource speakers include Susie Daza, a Regional GAD Resource Pool, who shared insights on “Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion in Tourism”, and Master Sargeant Edwin Arroyo of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit, who talked about “Gender-Responsive Firewall: Outsmarting Scammers in the Digital Tourism Market.”

Participants gained practical knowledge to strengthen their enterprises, expand opportunities, and ensure safer digital engagement within the tourism sector.

Among those in attendance were students from Malapatan College of Science and Technology and Glan Institute of Technology, alongside resort owners, business operators, civil society groups, and community-based tourism organizations.

The Women in Tourism Forum is part of the province’s Women’s Month activities, aligned with ongoing efforts of the Provincial Government of Sarangani and DOT XII to build a dynamic tourism industry that values inclusivity, innovation, and equal opportunity. (Jori Mae Samillano/Sarangani Provincial Information Office)

Photos by Mosler Paul Lapore

𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡!

With this year’s sub-theme, “𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀, 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘀!”, we honor the strength, wisdom, and leadership of women who continue to shape our communities.

Just like the Babaylans of pre-colonial Philippines, women in Sarangani stand as pillars of culture, heritage, and sustainable tourism. They are our community leaders, cultural bearers, entrepreneurs, environmental stewards, and tourism frontliners who help preserve the beauty and identity of our province for generations to come.

This celebration aligns with Sarangani’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable tourism development — empowering women, supporting local livelihoods, and promoting equal opportunities across our communities.

Together, let us continue to champion a tourism industry where every Filipina can lead, inspire, and thrive.

📍 Discover Sarangani. Experience empowered communities.
📲 For updates and activities, follow the Sarangani Your Adventure page

𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐬 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐥𝐲𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠! 🥁🎶

The streets of Kiamba come alive with electrifying beats and vibrant performances as competing Drum and Lyre teams showcase charisma, passion, and pure festival energy during the 22nd Timpuyog Festival! Every rhythm tells a story of unity, talent, and community pride.

Truly, a celebration that brings everyone together in one powerful march.