GOVERNOR Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza reported the province continues to advance infrastructure and modernize agriculture for the benefit of Cotabateños.
This was highlighted during the governor’s State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Tuesday, March 24, at the Basket Pavilion, Capitol Compound, Amas, Kidapawan City.
“Sa ating lalawigan, walang dapat mapagkaitan at mapabayaan,” the governor said in her SOPA, noting the provincial government’s people-centric approach.
The governor highlighted two major initiatives: the completion of Central Mindanao Airport (CMA) in Tawan-tawan, M’lang, and the 27- hectare Cotabato Agro-Industrial Park (CAIP) in Pag-asa, Mlang.
Both the project is envisioned to position Cotabato as a hub of connectivity, trade, and economic growth in Central Mindanao.
The governor reported that CMA is advancing rapidly, with more site development projects substantially completed or ongoing by 2025.
As the chairperson of the Regional Development Council 12 (RDC 12) the CMA is a priority project of the region.
The site development, which was implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), has been completed at a cost of ₱32.6 million.
Likewise, the asphalt overlay of the runway, grading of the runway strip, and construction of the turning pad, also under DOTr, are fully completed with a total cost of ₱264,356,617.40.
Meanwhile, multiple projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region XII are nearing completion. The construction of the water system is 92.36% complete, while the power house project has reached 90.73%.
The construction of the administration building is 90.51% complete, while the fire station building stands at 72.50% completion.
Other major infrastructure components are still in earlier stages, including the control tower project and the construction of the bridge leading to the CMA boundary.
The CMA secured a P100 million fund this year to upgrade aviation facilities and improve the air travel experience for passengers to strengthen inter-island air connectivity and boost tourism.
The airport aims to complement General Santos and Awang airports in boosting economic activity in Central Mindanao. Once completed, the governor anticipates direct flights from Metro Manila and flights from Mactan Cebu International Airport.
Meanwhile, Mendoza reported that the construction of the CAIP is still ongoing with a total fund of P271.2 million.
The construction of the guard house gate and perimeter fence, with a budget of ₱10 million, is 98% completed. Meanwhile, the construction of the perimeter fence, amounting to ₱24.9 millionis 60% completed.
The concreting of the road network for Phase 1, which costs ₱44.9 million, has reached 80% completion, while the construction of the water tank and pump, with a budget of ₱2.9 millionis already 100% completed.
The construction of the power source worth ₱3.5 million is 85% completed.
Other aspects are still ongoing or in preparation stages, including road network Phase 2, electrification of CAIP, installation of perimeter lights, and the construction of the water supply distribution system.
Mendoza said the CAIP is Central Mindanao’s first agro-industrial hub and is already leading other Soccsksargen hubs, aiming to boost agricultural production, raise farmers’ incomes, and create lasting livelihoods.
“Hindi lamang agrikultura ang aangat sa CAIP at CMA, magiging gateway din ito ng turismo,” the governor said.
The governor emphasized the provincial government’s proper use of funds as it continues to be a “debt-free” province with P1.2 billion surplus funds.
