Cotabato Vice Gov. Taray boasts investment opportunities, says Cotabato is ‘ready for business’

PASAY CITY—Emphasizing the Province of Cotabato’s priority areas for investments, the Provincial Government, represented by Vice Governor Ella Taliño Taray and Mr. Gil M. Dureza, Provincial Advisory Council (PAC) member for investments, participated in the SOCCSKSARGEN (SOX) Investment Forum held on 5 September 2025 at Conrad Hotel, Manila.

During the said event, Vice Governor Taray mentioned that, “Cotabato is ready for business”, reiterating that the Province is opening up its doors for potential investors interested in sectors such as agro and food processing, renewable energy,  manufacturing, eco-tourism, and IT-BPM, among others.

Meanwhile, Mr. Dureza who currently serves as provincial adviser for investments delivered a presentation that highlighted the available investment opportunities at Cotabato Agro-Industrial Park (CAIP) and the Central Mindanao Airport (CMA), two priority projects of the Provincial Government under the leadership of Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza.

Additionally, Mr. Dureza shared that as of date, the Province of Cotabato was able to generate PhP11.1 billion worth of investment leads in sectors such as poultry, renewable energy, swine project, and manufacturing. In the next five years, these projects are expected to generate a total of 101,804 employment opportunities for Cotabateños, enabling them to find decent jobs at home.

The SOCCSKSARGEN (SOX) Investment Forum served as a platform for the provinces in Region XII to engage with investors and showcase their own investment portfolios. It was organized by the Philippine Retirement Authority, an attached agency of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

Cotabato’s participation enabled attendees and investors to have a better understanding of its unique resources, strategic location, and competitive advantages. Similarly, Vice Gov. Taray’s presence reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s strong commitment to creating more opportunities for Cotabateños by opening doors for both local and foreign investments.