Socio-economic upheaval in Southern Mindanao, is not a contemporary happening. But based on the present trend, that is already a foregone conclusion. All facets such as socio-cultural, educational development, economic potentials and the very incipient stage are already within. With the economic direction and opportunity brought about by technological and educational factors interplaying with one another, they create a profitable business environment. SOCSARGEN (South Cotabato, Sarangani, General Santos City) an area of enormous opportunity, has taken the focus of the National Government.

SOCSARGEN has geographical advantage. For instance, it is out of the typhoon belt. Other areas in the Philippines have always been battered by the attendant problems of typhoons and storms, which are strange for SOCSARGEN. It's area is unique economic growth corridor endowed with nature's blessings fertile soil, freedom from destructive typhoon, great mineral resources and generous rainfall. The area offers abundant agriculture and natural resources, nearby access to ASEAN markets and modern physical infrastructure.

Speaking of infrastructure investments, the Philippine Government, Japan and United States have committed over US$200 Million for international standard airport, new roads, a world class fishport complex, an agro-processing center and other facilities to SOCSARGEN. These investments create a business environment for a long term and sustained dynamism. As part of the US Government's commitment to Philippine Assistance Program, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Mindanao Development Program (MDP) is investing U$110 Million for new infrastructures to hasten the economic development.

Southern Mindanao, a leading corn producer and livestock production area is no longer the Philippine's backdoor, it has become the nation's front door, a gateway to opportunity. Practically, all economic enterprises such as: canning, tire recapping, cattle fattening, meat processing, prawn farming, agro-industrial pursuit, fishing and mining industry and the proliferation of other commercial and banking enterprise are found in SOCSARGEN.

Many multinational and domestic business firms have recognized SOCSARGEN'S economic potentials. They have made substantial investments of capital and human resources to expand their access to regional markets and production base. Some of the major companies which are supported by over 30 major banking and financial institutions are now operating on major production and processing facilities: Agrotex, Cargill, Coca-cola, DEALCO, Dole, General Milling, Monterey Farms, Pioneer Hybrid Agricultural Technology, Purefoods, RD Fishing, RFM, Sarangani Aqua Resources, STANFILCO and YAMOKA NIPPON.

South Cotabato, Sarangani and General Santos City have a population growth rate per annum of 3.43%, 2.89% and 6.76% respectively. The influx of population coming from all parts of the country has produced an advantage brought about by the best traits from each of them. The thrifty Ilocanos, adventurous Tagalog, witty Ilonggos, hardworking Cebuano, the enterprising Bicolanos and Pampagueños and the ever assertive muslims and cultural minorities have greatly contributed to what SOCSARGEN is at present. They continue to build a living legacy of perseverance, vision and cooperation which characterize the philosophy of SOCSARGEN's business and political leaders.

Knowing the potentials of SOCSARGEN, the National Government has now focused its economic and infrastructure projects in consonant with the desire to make SOCSARGEN an economic and industrial show window of the South.

SOCSARGEN is the newest investment destination. It will always play a vital role as a paragon of national growth and development with the necessary national and local resources put to work. The emergence of SOCSARGEN as a socio-industrial giant would be a fast approaching realization.