South Cotabato News (2025)

17/06/2025

South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. made a strong call for sustainable governance and long-term planning during the recently held Pre-Executive Legislative Agenda (Pre-ELA) Conference, where he presented the administration’s development priorities for the remaining years of his term.

The conference, attended by department heads and representatives of offices in the provincial government, and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, was a crucial platform for aligning executive and legislative goals to ensure continuity and stability in the province’s development direction.

Governor Tamayo highlighted the need to break away from temporary, short-term measures and shift toward systemic, lasting solutions.

“Hindi na tayo dapat umaasa sa mga band-aid solutions,” the Governor stressed. “Kailangan naka-focus na tayo sa mga sustainable programs and projects na makatutulong hindi lamang ngayon kundi maging sa susunod na administrasyon. Kailangan hindi masayang ang lahat ng ating pinagtrabahuan nitong mga nakalipas na taon.”

He emphasized that by 2028, the systems, services, and development initiatives must already be firmly in place—ready for continuation and improvement by the next leadership.

“Our goal is simple: no wasted efforts, no superficial fixes—only meaningful, long-term progress that will uplift every South Cotabateño.”

Governor Tamayo also called on all sectors of government to work in unity, highlighting that genuine progress can only be achieved through collective effort.

“Sama-sama nating ihanda ang mas matatag, maayos, at progresibong South Cotabato para sa susunod na henerasyon.”

His address set the tone for the remaining years of his administration, reinforcing a clear vision: to institutionalize reforms, build resilient systems, and ensure that development is not dependent on personalities but on strong governance structures that will endure across administrations.

The Pre-ELA Conference signals a united commitment among provincial leaders to ensure that South Cotabato stays on the path of sustainable growth—beyond 2025 and well into the future. www.southcotabatonews.com

05/06/2025

Defeated gubernatorial candidate April Rose “Shine” Miguel has filed a formal election protest before the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), questioning the results of the May 2025 National and Local Elections that led to the reelection of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr.

Miguel is contesting the outcome of the elections including in the municipality of Tupi—Governor Tamayo’s hometown—where he secured a dominant lead of over 30,000 votes. In response, the COMELEC has issued a directive to the Municipal Treasurer of Tupi to safeguard the ballot boxes and other election paraphernalia used during the elections, ensuring their integrity is preserved pending further proceedings.

Despite Governor Tamayo’s decisive victory—with an overall lead of nearly 200,000 votes across all towns in the province—Miguel remains hopeful and is reportedly seeking a recount in select areas.

However, her move has been met with strong reactions from the public. Many netizens took to social media, calling on Miguel to accept the outcome and move forward, citing the credibility of the election results and Tamayo’s wide margin of victory.

Among the comments were:

"Mag-1 month na ang eleksyon, time to move on kag maging happy sa result."

"Wala gani nag-protest ang mga dating kalaban ni Gov. Jun nga rated gid. Ari ya, mismatch kaayo."

"Ilaban mo Ma'am Shine, pero mas okay rin malaman mo na karamihan sa mga lider mo ay hindi rin bumoto sa’yo. Pa-recount ka na Ma’am!"

"Ni wala gani siya experience sa politics, tapos expect niya manalo siya? Kahit barangay kagawad, wala."

"Move on na lang Ma’am Shine. Damo pa man election. Layo kaayo ang abanse ni Gov. sa imo. Importante gwapa ka—hindi na magpaka-stress sa protest, baka magka-wrinkles ka pa!"

As of writing, Governor Tamayo has not issued an official response to the election protest. His administration continues to focus on public service delivery under his renewed mandate, including flagship programs on free education, healthcare, and good governance.

The COMELEC has yet to release the schedule for the preliminary hearing or the resolution process of the protest. www.southcotabatonews.com

04/06/2025

South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., National President of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), led a high-level assembly of newly elected and reelected PFP lawmakers on Tuesday, June 3, to reinforce party unity and express full support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s legislative priorities in the 20th Congress.

The strategic meeting, held at North Solaire, Quezon City, was also attended by Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, PFP Secretary General and Isabela Governor Rodito Albano, and Executive Director Bulacan Rep. Florida "Rida" Robes. A total of 22 out of 28 winning PFP lawmakers from the recent midterm elections were present.

In his keynote address, Governor Tamayo highlighted the importance of unified leadership and cohesive collaboration within the party to effectively advance the President’s reform agenda.

As PFP President, Tamayo has been instrumental in guiding the party’s national direction and fostering a results-driven political movement rooted in good governance, inclusive development, and accountability.

Governor Albano encouraged the lawmakers to choose committee assignments that align with their background and expertise, stressing the value of maximizing each member's capacity to contribute to legislative work. Meanwhile, Rep. Robes pledged the party’s full support to help new legislators transition smoothly into their roles.

This gathering affirmed the collective commitment of PFP lawmakers to act in solidarity and responsibility as they support the policy goals of the Marcos administration and serve the Filipino public with integrity. www.southcotabatonews.com

02/06/2025

South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. has assured the public that the current Mpox (monkeypox) situation in the province remains under control, despite the confirmation of several cases. He emphasized that the Provincial Government has already taken appropriate steps to manage and contain the situation, and no lockdown will be imposed.

“Nakakasiguro ako na dito sa South Cotabato, protektado kayo sa pagspi-spread ng Mpox. Kontrolado natin ang kaso. Maayos ang ating surveillance at contact tracing kaya hindi na dumadami ang kaso,” Governor Tamayo said in a press conference.

The governor reported that all patients are under proper medical care, some have already recovered, and that extensive contact tracing and monitoring are ongoing.

Governor Tamayo called on residents to remain calm and vigilant but assured them that there is “no cause for alarm.” He also clarified that there are no plans for lockdowns in any part of the province.

“Walang dapat ikabahala. Controlled na ang mga kaso, at hindi na ito lumalala. Hindi kailangang mag-lockdown dahil maagap at maayos ang ating pagtugon. Ang importante ay alam natin ang tamang dapat gawin para protektado ang bawat isa,” he added.

The governor highlighted that South Cotabato’s efficient public health response, through its strengthened surveillance, early detection, and contact tracing systems, has helped keep the situation contained.

He also encouraged the public to continue observing proper hygiene, seek medical advice for symptoms, and remain informed through official channels and to cooperate with health authorities in all Mpox-related safety efforts. www.southcotabatonews.com

29/05/2025

South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. has announced a bold initiative to provide free housing for informal settlers and families in hazard-prone areas across the province, as part of his flagship programs in his final term.

In a recent address, Governor Tamayo revealed that the Provincial Government is in the process of acquiring lands where the initial batch of housing units will rise — with 100 units allocated per municipality and city.

“Sa South Cotabato, hindi lang edukasyon ang libre. Hindi lang hospitalisasyon ang libre. Baka next year, pati pabahay, libre na rin,” Gov. Tamayo said, drawing applause from local officials and stakeholders.

This ambitious housing program stems from the Provincial Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (PLPRAP) — the first of its kind in the entire country, crafted in partnership with CSOs (civil society organizations) and provincial government employees. The plan identified housing as a major gap in the province’s social development strategy.

“Tayo pa lang sa buong bansa ang may ganitong poverty reduction plan at malinaw dito na malaking bahagi ng ating mga kababayan ang nangangailangan ng disenteng tirahan. Kaya inatasan ko agad ang mga ahensya na simulan na ang pagbili ng lupa at paghahanda ng proyekto ngayong taon,” the Governor added.

The housing units will be granted free of charge to qualified beneficiaries, especially informal settlers and families living in identified danger zones and hazard areas.

Gov. Tamayo also cited his successful housing program in Tupi during his time as mayor, where over 100 free houses were distributed to residents — a project later expanded by current Mayor Romy Tamayo.

“Hindi ito imposible,” Governor Tamayo reiterated. “Nagawa natin ito sa Tupi—kaya’t kaya rin natin itong gawin sa buong South Cotabato.”

The Governor’s bold housing plan reflects his vision of a province where every South Cotabateño has access to basic needs and dignified living conditions, and aligns with his broader legacy of free education, free hospitalization, and strong poverty reduction programs. www.southcotabatonews.com

29/05/2025

Making history in the ranks of Philippine law enforcement, Police Major General Nicolas Torre has been appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as the next Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Torre will be the first-ever graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) to assume the highest post in the national police force.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed the appointment and announced that the official turnover ceremony will be held on June 2, 2025, at Camp Crame.

A proud son of Koronadal City and an alumnus of Koronadal National Comprehensive High School (Class of 1988), Torre has earned national prominence through his strong leadership and commitment to justice. He led high-profile operations—including the arrest of controversial pastor Apollo Quiboloy in Davao City.

As Chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), he also played a significant role in enforcing the law when he served the arrest warrant against former President Rodrigo Duterte, tied to the cases being investigated by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Torre’s law enforcement career spans multiple key assignments. He previously headed the Quezon City Police District and served in leadership roles in Davao Region, Western Samar, Batangas City, and Mabalacat. With extensive experience in intelligence and field operations, he also made his mark in police units in Central Luzon and MIMAROPA.

His appointment as PNP Chief is seen as a landmark moment not only for South Cotabato but for the PNPA community as well—breaking tradition and opening the door for future academy graduates to rise through the highest ranks of police leadership.

Many in South Cotabato, especially in his hometown of Koronadal, have expressed deep pride in Torre’s historic milestone, calling it an inspiration for young people aspiring to serve the country.

As the next top cop, PMaj. Gen. Torre is expected to steer the PNP toward renewed integrity, discipline, and public trust. www.southcotabatonews.com

22/05/2025

The Province of South Cotabato was honored as the Best Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Implementer in Region XII by the Task Force Balik-Loob (TFBL) of the Department of National Defense during its 7th Founding Anniversary celebration held on May 21, 2025 in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The prestigious recognition was awarded in acknowledgment of South Cotabato’s outstanding efforts in peacebuilding and reintegration of former rebels into mainstream society. The award was signed by Undersecretary for Defense Affairs and TFBL Chairperson Angelito De Leon, underscoring the national government's high regard for the province's continued commitment to inclusive peace and development.

South Cotabato, under the leadership of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., has implemented one of the most effective and compassionate local E-CLIP programs in the country. Through coordinated efforts with national agencies, local government units, and security forces, the province has empowered former rebels with livelihood support, financial assistance, skills training, housing, and psychosocial aid.

Task Force Balik-Loob commended the province’s model reintegration efforts, urging other local government units to adopt similar inclusive and sustainable strategies.

This recognition reaffirms South Cotabato’s commitment to long-term peacebuilding — transforming lives, healing communities, and laying the foundation for lasting development. www.southcotabatonews.com

22/05/2025

The province of South Cotabato has recorded ten (10) confirmed cases of monkeypox (Mpox), according to Integrated Provincial Health Officer Dr. Conrado Braña during a press briefing held on Thursday, May 22.

Dr. Braña detailed the distribution of cases across the province as follows:

Banga – 1 case
Koronadal City – 1 case
Tantangan – 1 case
T’boli – 4 cases
Surallah – 2 cases
Lake Sebu – 1 case

Dr. Braña said that all confirmed patients are under close monitoring and receiving appropriate medical attention. The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is also currently identifying and tracing close contacts to prevent further spread of the virus.

“We are intensifying our surveillance and contact tracing efforts to contain the cases and ensure the safety of the public,” Dr. Braña stated, urging residents to cooperate with health protocols and avoid misinformation.

The Provincial Government, in coordination with municipal health offices and barangay health emergency teams, is actively working to strengthen public awareness, especially in areas where cases have been detected.

The IPHO reminds the public to remain vigilant, maintain personal hygiene, report any unusual symptoms such as fever, rashes, or swollen lymph nodes, and seek medical care immediately.

As the situation evolves, health authorities commit to providing timely updates and continuing all necessary measures to protect the people of South Cotabato. www.southcotabatonews.com

21/05/2025

South Cotabato has once again proven that strategic investments in education yield long-term success. The province has secured a spot in the Top 10 Most Literate Provinces in the Philippines, according to the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

With a functional illiteracy rate of only 23%, South Cotabato ranks 9th nationwide, affirming that 77% of its population possesses the ability to read, write, compute, and comprehend information necessary for daily living. The province joins high-performing areas such as Benguet, Apayao, Romblon, Batangas, Siquijor, Cavite, and Bohol, and is notably the only province from Mindanao to make it to the top 10.

Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., in a press conference earlier this week, proudly shared the milestone, emphasizing that the achievement is a reflection of the province’s ongoing commitment to free and inclusive education.

“Dito sa South Cotabato, libre ang edukasyon mula elementary hanggang kolehiyo — kaya hindi na nakakagulat na napakataas ng ating literacy rate,” Governor Tamayo stated.

The governor also linked this educational progress to the recent 2025 Midterm Elections, where he and many of his allies secured resounding victories at the polls.

“Hindi nagpadala sa pera ang mga taga-South Cotabato,” Tamayo remarked. “Para saan pa at napakataas ng literacy rate ng ating probinsya kung hindi rin ito magsasalin sa matalinong pagboto? Bayaran man ang South Cotabateños, boboto pa rin ito ng tama.”

Governor Tamayo emphasized that a well-informed and educated electorate is harder to manipulate and more likely to choose leaders based on performance and integrity.

As he enters his third and final term as governor, Tamayo reaffirmed his administration’s focus on strengthening both the education and healthcare systems of South Cotabato. He said the goal is to ensure that the next administration inherits systems that are already working and fully institutionalized.

“Gusto natin maramdaman ng bawat mamamayan ang tunay na pag-angat—sa kabuhayan, sa serbisyo, at sa kinabukasan,” he said.

South Cotabato’s inclusion in the Top 10 most literate provinces is a powerful testament to the province’s forward-thinking leadership and to the belief that education remains one of the most effective tools in uplifting communities and promoting good governance. www.southcotabatonews.com

07/05/2025

With just 5 days to go before the May 12 elections, the writing is on the wall: Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) is poised for a historic landslide victory across South Cotabato.

Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., the incumbent governor and PFP National President, remains unshakable at the top. From free education, free hospitalization, to transparent and compassionate governance, the people have spoken — and they are standing solidly behind the man who turned promises into action. He is set to win by a massive margin across all municipalities and cities.

The results of the recent province-wide surveys show consistent and commanding leads for Gov. Tamayo, Atty. Ferdinand Hernandez (2nd District), and the entire PFP-backed slate — a reflection of public trust in a leadership that serves without fanfare.

In key areas:

Koronadal City: Mayor Eliordo "Bebot" Ogena leads by a landslide

2nd District: Atty. Ferdinand "Dinand" Hernandez surges ahead with overwhelming support

Board Member bets: All showing strong performance in surveys and mock polls

Municipal races: Majority of PFP-endorsed mayors are dominating the ground game

Meanwhile, fake news, copy-paste surveys, and recycled attacks from the opposition are being overwhelmingly rejected by South Cotabateños who value truth, integrity, and proven leadership.

This election is not just about choosing leaders — it’s about affirming the movement for real change. And on May 12, South Cotabato will roar a resounding YES to Tama at Maayos na Serbisyo, and No to Political Gimmickry.

04/05/2025

The voices of the Maristas rang loud and clear as students of Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) expressed overwhelming support for the leadership of South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., Second District Congressional candidate Atty. Ferdinand “Dinand” Hernandez, and Koronadal City Mayor Eliordo “Bebot” Ogena during a school-wide mock election.

The results of the student poll showed a landslide win for the incumbent leaders and their allies under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).

In the gubernatorial race, Governor Tamayo received a commanding 88.3% of the votes (309 votes), leaving his opponent Shine Espinosa Miguel with just 11.7% (41 votes). Students recognized Tamayo’s consistent public service, noting his initiatives in free education, healthcare, and people-centered governance.

For the Second District Congressional race, former Congressman Atty. Ferdinand “Dinand” Hernandez emerged as the overwhelming choice with 81% of votes (284), far ahead of incumbent Rep. Peter Miguel, who received 19% (67 votes).

In the Koronadal mayoral race, Mayor Bebot Ogena also maintained strong student support, garnering 83.8% (293 votes), while Marvin “Yan Yan” Gumbao received 16.2% (57 votes).

The vice mayoral race saw Erlinda Araquil lead with 60% (210 votes), followed by Sharmaigne Arianne Sala with 26.7% (93 votes) and Francis Ross Dideles with 13.3% (47 votes).

More than a symbolic exercise, the mock polls offered students a chance to actively engage in civic participation and critical thinking. The overwhelming results are seen as a reflection of the broader public sentiment—affirming the trust that many South Cotabateños place in servant-leaders who deliver results over rhetoric.

As future leaders and change-makers, the students have shown that informed choices and political awareness are crucial elements in shaping the future of their communities.

South Cotabato News

17/06/2025

05/06/2025

04/06/2025

02/06/2025

29/05/2025

29/05/2025

22/05/2025

22/05/2025

21/05/2025

07/05/2025

04/05/2025

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