Treasures of SOX: Discovering Soccsksargen’s cultural, tourism gems in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — “Treasures of SOX” returns to Manila for the fourth year to showcase the Soccsksargen region’s prime products, culture and tourist destinations.

Photo courtesy of SOX is Next – Soccsksargen

The four-day event from April 25 to April 28 is hosted by Robinson’s Place Manila.

“Nature and culture, ‘yun po ‘yung pinagmamalaki ng Soccksargen dahil hindi po lahat sa Pilipinas meron pong kulturang as colorful and as vibrant at talagang buhay na buhay,” DOT Region 12 Regional Director Nelly Nita Dillera said during the event’s press briefing Thursday.

The Soccsksargen administrative region is made up of the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and the cities of  General Santos, Cotabato, Koronadal, Tacurong and Kidapawan.

Soccsksargen crafts, fabric

“Treasures of SOX” visitors can purchase bags, accessories, handicrafts and textiles such as the famous T’boli T’nalak from Lake Sebu in South Cotabato.

“Ito ‘yung isa sa mga regions na hindi pa masyadong explored and yet yung raw material natin, natural resources natin are still intact. Raw materials are still so cheap, not really so cheap, but not expensive,” Dillera added.

Soccsksargen tourism

Apart from Soccsksargen’s crafts, the travel and tour expo will also enable the public to directly book tour packages in the region.

“During the Treasures of Sox, there will be a B2C, or business to consumers. So you can book your flights and even your hotels and even ‘yung destination ninyo doon sa mga sites with the tour operators,” Dillera said.

Soccsksargen fruits, seafood

Visitors may also enjoy various fresh and processed food from Soccsksargen, such as mangoes, pomelo, watermelon, coffee, assorted vegetables, rice, tuna, crabs, shrimps, bread and pastries.

Apart from the booths of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) from Region 12 provinces, there will likewise be exhibits by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Agricultural Training Institute and the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources. /gsg