The Regional Development Council 12 (RDC 12) officially opened the CY 2026 Region 12 Infrastructure Summit on Thursday, July 23, bringing together government agencies, local government units, the private sector, civil society organizations, and development partners to identify priority infrastructure projects that will support the long-term growth of SOCCSKSARGEN.
Held at the Greenleaf Hotel in General Santos City, the summit aims to develop a comprehensive inventory of the region’s key infrastructure assets, including transportation networks, flood control and disaster risk reduction facilities, irrigation systems, energy assets, and information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure.
The inventory will serve as the basis for identifying infrastructure priorities that are responsive to the needs of communities and aligned with Region 12’s development goals.
RDC 12 Chairperson and Cotabato Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza emphasized that infrastructure planning should go beyond the construction of roads and public facilities and focus on improving people’s quality of life.
“Every decision we make should strengthen connectivity, improve access to services, reduce disaster risks, and create more opportunities for our people,” Mendoza said.
She said infrastructure investments should be guided by the realities on the ground and designed to enhance connectivity, expand access to essential services, strengthen disaster resilience, and create economic opportunities across the region.
Mendoza also urged participating agencies and stakeholders to strengthen coordination and collaboration to ensure infrastructure programs effectively address the evolving needs of communities in SOCCSKSARGEN.
She said closer partnerships among national government agencies, local governments, the private sector, and development organizations are essential to delivering responsive, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure projects that will benefit the region’s residents. (photobyWMSamillano)
