TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat — Travelers exploring the heart of SOCCSKSARGEN now have a new reason to stop, sip, and stay a little longer. On August 22, the Department of Tourism (DOT), led by Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, formally inaugurated the first Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in the region, a milestone development for Sultan Kudarat and its growing tourism circuit.
The facility, located within the Sultan Kudarat Economic Zone along the National Highway in Barangay EJC Montilla, Tacurong City, is strategically positioned as a vital gateway for those journeying to and from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Cotabato City and Province, South Cotabato, and General Santos City. More than just a stopover, the TRA is envisioned as a space where comfort meets culture, offering travelers both convenience and a taste of Sultan Kudarat’s unique identity.
“Tourism thrives when people feel welcomed and cared for,” Frasco said during the ceremony, which was also graced by Sultan Kudarat Governor Pax Mangudadatu and other local officials. The new rest area will serve as a hub that links visitors to the province’s top attractions such as the Baras Bird Sanctuary—home to thousands of migratory birds, the scenic La Palmera Mountain Ridge, and the grand Provincial Capitol, an iconic landmark in Mindanao.
What makes this TRA especially distinct is the province’s creative move to highlight one of its strongest assets: coffee. Known as the country’s coffee capital, Sultan Kudarat cultivates over 20,000 hectares of lush plantations, primarily managed by smallholder farmers. Robusta reigns supreme here, though the province also produces quality Arabica and specialty varieties sought after by connoisseurs.
To celebrate this heritage, the Provincial Government launched the “Coffee Experience in the Tourist Rest Area” initiative, turning each visit into a flavorful encounter. Guests stopping by can enjoy complimentary cups of locally grown coffee throughout the first month of the TRA’s operations. For weary travelers, this means more than just a caffeine fix—it’s a warm welcome into the stories of farming families and the rich soil that sustains them.
With its blend of modern amenities, cultural pride, and natural charm, Sultan Kudarat’s first TRA is more than a pit stop—it’s a showcase of the province’s hospitality, heritage, and promise as a rising tourism hub in Mindanao.
So the next time you find yourself driving through SOCCSKSARGEN, make it a point to pull over in Tacurong City. Rest, recharge, and savor Sultan Kudarat—one cup of coffee at a time.