See Local Products of Mindanao at Treasures of SOX
The SOCCSKSARGEN Region (Region 12) of the Philippines takes center stage at the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Travel and Trade Expo titled, Treasures of SOX. The expo is currently at the Midtown Atrium, near the main entrance of Robinsons Place Manila in Ermita until April 28, 2019.
SOX is the moniker for Region XII or SOCCSKSARGEN in Central Mindanao. The name is an acronym that stands for the region’s four provinces and 1 city: South Cotabato, Cotabato Province, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos.
The expo this year features both the provinces and major cities in the region. Each one has an area to showcase their unique local products as well as offer tours, activities, and destinations for their province or city:
Sultan Kudarat Province
The name of this province is derived from a Muslim ruler in 1625 and is considered a hero. Sultan Kudarat’s provincial capital is Isulan. In their booth, they offer coffee products as one of the leading crops produced in the province.
Tacurong City
The smallest city in land area in Sultan Kudarat is Tacurong City. It is the place of the popular Baras Bird Sanctuary which houses more than 20,000 herons and egrets. Their booth offers guided tours and additional information on the bird sanctuary.
South Cotabato Province
South Cotabato adapted the title, Land of the Dreamweavers to promote the province’s tribal weavers of the T’nalak fabric of the T’boli tribe. It is a tradition that the woven designs of the fabric are inspired by the dreams of women weavers. Their booth sells various products using the famed fabric.
Koronadal City
South Cotabato’s provincial capital is Koronadal as well as the province’s Agri-industrial Center for its favorable geographical location. For the expo, the locals have brought with them seasonings and fabrics.
General Santos
The great General Santos city is part of South Cotabato but is governed independently from the province. The city is located at the shores of Sarangani Bay, a popular fishing site for sashimi-grade tuna, the city’s most prominent product. In their booth at the expo, they sell jewelry and snacks,
Cotabato Province
Also known as North Cotabato (to distinguish them from South Cotabato and Cotabato City), is known for their falls and the eco-tourism park around the Philippine’s highest peak, Mt. Apo. On their booth spices are available.
Kidapawan City
At the foot of Mt. Apo is Cotabato’s provincial capital, Kidapawan, a well-known starting point for climbing the highest mountain in the country. The mountain also houses the endangered Philippine Eagle making this city a tourist favorite. Approach their booth for trekking details and tours.
Sarangani Province
This unique province is divided into two sections with General Santos and Sarangani Bay in between. Thanks to this, the province is rich with natural attractions such as caves, diving spots, beaches, and falls. Know more about their tourist spots from their booth.
Cotabato City
Representing the province of the Maguindanao province is the grand Cotabato City. The name from the Maguindanao word kuta wato meaning “stone fort” in reference to the fort in which served as the seat of the hero, Sultan Kudarat. On their booth textiles, jewelry, and spices are available.
As they continue to introduce new products, this year’s Treasures of SOX will also reveal a VIP card which tourists can use to avail of freebies and discounts from Regional Tourism Council-accredited establishments!
Also read: What to Expect At Treasures of SOX: DOT’s Travel and Trade Expo 2019
Details:
What: Treasures of SOX: Travel and Trade Expo
When: April 25 to 28, 2019
Where: Midtown Atrium, Robinson’s Place Manila, Pedro Gil St, Ermita, Manila
Facebook: facebook.com/TreasuresOfSox
Website: https://sox.explora.ph
