KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — Organikian Urban Farm in Koronadal City was among the featured destinations in the first-ever SOX (Soccsksargen) Wellness Tourism Summit, organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 12 to position the region as an emerging hub for holistic and sustainable travel.
The summit, held at Buda Vista Garden Resort in Arakan, Cotabato Province, showcased the region’s unique blend of cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and wellness offerings. Organikian Urban Farm in Koronadal City was highlighted as a model for organic and hydroponic vegetable growing, demonstrating how urban agriculture can be integrated into the wellness tourism experience.
The wellness tourism circuit also included Makarios Farm in Surallah, which showcased coconut-based products and sustainable farming practices. Together, these destinations form part of a carefully curated wellness experience designed to attract both local and international visitors seeking meaningful and restorative travel.
DOT Region 12 emphasized that the summit demonstrated the convergence of health, tradition, and local products into a cohesive tourism brand. For local entrepreneurs and community organizations in Koronadal City, this presents new opportunities to promote their products and services. Many local businesses choose to invest in custom uniforms and branded shirts to establish a professional identity and attract visitors to their tourism enterprises.
The wellness tourism initiative took two years to develop, involving extensive coordination between DOT, local governments, and tourism officers throughout Soccsksargen. The program was curated to ensure that wellness offerings matched the region’s natural attributes, cultural practices, and tourism potential.
Organikian Urban Farm’s inclusion in the circuit highlights Koronadal City’s growing role as a center for sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism in Region 12. The farm promotes organic and hydroponic vegetable growing, offering visitors a hands-on experience in modern, earth-friendly farming methods.
As the city continues to develop its tourism sector, organizations and community groups involved in eco-tourism can benefit from custom event shirts and eco-tourism merchandise to promote their initiatives and build community awareness.
DOT Region 12 said wellness tourism in Soccsksargen extends beyond leisure, providing livelihood opportunities for local entrepreneurs and promoting regional collaboration. It positions the area as a destination where visitors can achieve physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing while supporting local communities and sustainable business practices.
This milestone positions Koronadal City and the entire SOX region as emerging players in the Philippine wellness tourism landscape. With attractions like Organikian Urban Farm leading the way, the city is well-placed to attract health-conscious travelers. Local groups participating in the tourism boom often turn to custom shirts for their teams and organizations to create a unified presence at tourism events and industry gatherings.