The Board of Investments (BOI) and the Provincial Government of South Cotabato (PGSC) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to accelerate strategic investments and position the province as a premier investment hub in the SOCCSKSARGEN region.
The MOA, signed on 13 August 2025, establishes a comprehensive partnership focused on the implementation of the Green Lane initiative under Executive Order No. 18, joint development and promotion of investment opportunities, and strengthening the role of local government units in investment facilitation and aftercare services.
Under the agreement, the BOI will provide technical and promotional support, including investor matching activities, assistance in enhancing the Local Investment Incentives Code (LIIC), and specialized training programs for capacity building. In return, South Cotabato will maintain updated investment data and designate focal persons to ensure seamless coordination with BOI’s One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSAC-SI).
“This is a proud moment for us as South Cotabato becomes the first province in Mindanao to formalize a partnership with the BOI under this framework. It signals the province’s commitment to enhancing its investment readiness and promoting sustainable, strategic economic growth, and we are ready to support the province in this endeavor,” said BOI Director for Investments Assistance Service (IAS) Ernesto C. Delos Reyes, Jr.
In line with the partnership, the BOI conducted the Linangin ang Obligasyon at Kakayahan tungo sa Aktibong Lokal na Pamumuhunan (BOI-LOKAL) capacity-building sessions, themed “Partners for Investment-Ready LGUs: Strengthening Local Investments for Inclusive Growth,” as part of the agency’s ongoing initiative to equip local government economic front liners with skills in investment facilitation and servicing.
The program covered comprehensive technical discussions and workshops on critical investment topics, including BOI’s functions and services, Executive Order No. 18 on the establishment of Green Lanes for Strategic Investments, the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), and CREATE MORE (R.A. No. 12066).
South Cotabato’s robust investment landscape spans agribusiness and agro-industrial ventures, sustainable ecotourism, manufacturing, renewable energy, ICT, healthcare infrastructure, and responsible mineral processing. The province hosts global industry leaders like Dole Philippines, Inc. and Biotech Farms, Inc., and holds substantial mineral resources such as 2.2 billion tons of copper reserves and 2.4 million tons of gold deposits—presenting opportunities for responsible mining development aligned with sustainable practices. Its tourism sector is anchored by internationally recognized attractions such as Lake Sebu and the Seven Falls Zipline, the highest in Southeast Asia.
“This agreement embodies the national government’s whole-of-government approach in empowering local governments in attracting strategic investments that drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth. It positions South Cotabato as a resilient and competitive province,” said BOI Investments Assistance Center (IAC) Executive Director Bobby G. Fondevilla.
“Having visited South Cotabato several times, I have seen firsthand its proven capability to attract and sustain significant investments. With its abundance of natural resources, strategic location in Mindanao, supportive local leadership, and steadily growing business climate, the province continues to position itself as a truly investment-ready destination,” he added.
Together, the BOI and the provincial government of South Cotabato affirmed their commitment to creating an enabling environment for investments, expressing confidence that the initiatives will accelerate economic development while upholding South Cotabato’s dedication to responsible growth and environmental stewardship.
