DOT Travel Expo “Treasures of Sox” Brings Us Closer to Central Mindanao

Here’s a brush-up on Philippine geography: our beautiful country has a vibrant region called SOCCSKSARGEN and you’ll find it in Central Mindanao. Numerically, SOCCSKSARGEN (short for the provinces and city that comprise it: South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City) is also called region 12.

While most of you might already know this, we’re also well aware that not a lot of Filipinos are well-acquainted with the region. Thankfully, an event spearheaded by the Department of TourismRegion 12 (DOT–12) titled Treasures of SOX: A Travel and Trade Expo Year 4 aims to bring this part of Central Mindanao closer to Metro Manila and nearby areas. The expo will run from 25 Apr to 28 Apr 2019 at the atrium of Robinson’s Place Manila (also known as Robinson’s Midtown) in Ermita.

Expect tour packages, cultural spreads, and regional products

Nelly Nita N. Dillera, Ceso Iii, DOT–12 Regional Director, says that through Treasures of Sox, visitors will have access to regional “products that are supported by the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, Department of Labor and Employment, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and other government agencies”. Guests will also be given a taste of services and different tourism destinations supported by DOT and the local government units in region 12.

Isko Falls at Lake Sebu, South Cotabato | Image credit: I Travel Philippines

Exhibitions by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Agricultural Training Institute, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will also be on show. Attendees can also look forward to regional business and investment forums, a fashion show featuring indigenous materials, and various cultural presentations.

T’nalak Festival | Image credit: Constantine Agustin

Aside from these, visitors can also directly purchase region 12 tour packages, various fresh and processed food products, “wearables, bags, textiles (such as the T’boli t’nalak from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato), accessories, handicrafts and other products made from indigenous materials”, and raw indigenous materials which are otherwise difficult to source.

Also read: How I Lived with the T’boli Tribe for 3 Days Under PHP 3,000

New product and initiative

T’nalak Festival | Image credit: Constantine Agustin

DOT–12 is also set to unveil a new tourism product at Treasures of Sox — a VIP card that tourists “can use to avail of freebies and discounts from Regional Tourism Council-accredited establishments.”

Guests can also learn more about DOT–12’s newest initiative called Complete Women, “a gender and development effort aimed at empowering the women workers of the tourism industry.”

Lake Seloton | Image credit: I Travel Philippines

Also read: Inspiring Filipino Women Who Changed the Travel Scene

Are you guys excited? We totally are. Make sure to drop by Treasures of SOX it will be open to the public until Sunday. See you there!

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About Author

Alyosha Robillos

In Russia, Alyosha is a boy's name popularised by literary greats Dostoevsky and Tolstoy—but this particular Alyosha is neither Russian nor a boy. She is a writer from the Philippines who loves exploring the world as much as she likes staying at home. Her life's mission is to pet every friendly critter there is. When she isn't busy doing that, she sniffs out stories and scribbles away on the backs of old receipts. She is an advocate of many things: culture and heritage, the environment, skincare and snacking, to name a few. She will work for lifetime supplies of french fries and coffee. Or yogurt. Or cheese, preferably Brie.

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