Koronadal City, South Cotabato — A game-changing development is on the horizon for South Cotabato as the first-ever PEZA-accredited IT Park in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region breaks ground in Tupi, ushering in a new era of digital economy growth and employment opportunities.
On September 8, 2025, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato and Matutum Holdings and Development Corporation (MHDC) officially broke ground on a 15,000-square-meter site in Barangay Poblacion, Tupi, marking the start of construction for the highly anticipated Tupi IT Park. The project is poised to become a major hub for information technology (IT) and business process outsourcing (BPO) operations in Mindanao.
A Milestone for the Region
The area was declared a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) through Proclamation No. 530, signed on May 2, 2024, by Malacañang. This designation gives the IT park significant fiscal and non-fiscal incentives under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), making it attractive for investors, locators, and BPO companies seeking to expand operations outside Metro Manila.
“This is a bold step forward for South Cotabato,” Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. said during the press conference. “We took a huge risk to put up this IT park so we can provide employment for thousands of young professionals not just from South Cotabato but across the SOCCSKSARGEN Region.”
Multi-Billion Peso Investment
The project, which carries an estimated cost of ₱4 billion, will feature four 10-story buildings built with prefabricated steel frames and autoclaved aerated concrete for durability. Each tower will have a floor area of over 11,000 square meters and offer more than 6,800 square meters of rental space from the third to tenth floors.
MHDC, owned by the Tamayo family, is fully funding the development. Once operational, the IT park is expected to generate 20,000 to 30,000 jobs for professionals in IT, customer service, finance, and other BPO-related fields, as well as indirect jobs in retail, food, and logistics.
Sustainable and Future-Ready Design
The Tupi IT Park is designed with sustainability in mind. Key green features include:
- Heat-resistant glass for energy efficiency
- Rainwater harvesting system to conserve water
- Solar panels to help power common areas
These features align with global trends in eco-friendly infrastructure, making the park not only an economic catalyst but also a model for environmentally responsible development.
National Impact
Representing PEZA Director General Tereso Panga, Economic Zone Manager III Arnel Suyu said the Tupi IT Park is a testament to collaboration between the private and public sectors.
“This project is not just about buildings. It’s about shaping the future of our workforce, attracting investment, and proving that the Philippines remains a competitive destination for IT, business process management, and other emerging industries,” Suyu said.
Expected Completion
Construction is scheduled to begin immediately and is expected to be completed by late 2026 or early 2027. Once operational, the park aims to attract top IT and BPO companies, stimulate the local economy, and encourage talent retention in the region by providing competitive career opportunities closer to home.
What This Means for SOCCSKSARGEN
The Tupi IT Park is poised to become a landmark project that could shift South Cotabato’s economic profile beyond its agricultural base. With thousands of jobs projected, it offers hope for young professionals seeking opportunities without having to relocate to major cities.