“Tourism should be planned, managed and undertaken in a way that avoids damage to biodiversity, and that is environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially equitable” South Cotabato Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy told tourism workers during the 1^st South Cotabato Tourism Summit at Sweet Waters resort, here, recently.

The summit was the first ever tourism summit in the province. Organized by the Alliance of Arts, Culture, Tourism Officers and Sports Coordinators of South Cotabato (ACTS-SC) –the summit aims to strengthened the arts and culture programs in all municipal governments in the province.

“As prime movers… I urge you to be guided by the principles for responsible tourism” adding “You must accept responsibility for the impact of tourism, both on nature and people…”

“We may consider tourism in South Cotabato in its infancy yet, it never allows itself edged by other provinces in the region, in terms of creating or developing tourist attractions” the governor said.

1^st Bong Aklahew festival received thumbs up signs from guests and visitors, who drove to Linan with vehicles to witness the events and be part of the 3-day historic festivities.

“Bong Aklahew” a native words for “big celebration” is now officially added to the list of tourism events of Tupi and of South Cotabato as well.

Jose Cabulanan, officer in charge of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region XII, along with his staff has graced the opening salvo on August 13, Friday.

South Cotabato Gov. Dodo Pingoy failed to attend the ceremony but sent Mr. Rudy Jimenea to represent him in the opening of the 3-day event.

South Cotabato cultural workers, tourism officers and stakeholders who attended the 1^st South Cotabato Tourism Summit at Sweet Waters Resorts in Tupi a day before, also graced the ceremony.

What is most fascinating was the attendance of the president and founder of Endangered Species International (ESI) of San Francisco, United States of America (USA). Fidenci is interested in developing a tarsier conservation and rehabilitation in Linan.

Two noble Tupinians based in the United States are making a headway by raising funds for books, computers, school and medical supplies for schools in the Philippines through a charity dinner.

Chef Rodolfo Janeo, Jr., founder of the Mabuhay Foundaton and Angelina C. Balayon-Paule founder Tupi Nurses Association are co-hosting a charity dinner on August 25 & 26, 2010 at Las Vegas Nevada. Click here for more info...

An 86 year old man, believed to be abandoned by his family - brought by his feet in Tupi some nine years back.  With nowhere to stay, Gerendio Jolotjot of Purok 10 - B, of Poblacion, this municipality took care of him. Though known for his generosity as church worker, he could no longer withstand the sacrifices.  His patience was put to the limit. After having a hard time in identifying the old's man real name as well as his relatives.

He introduced himself as Ponciano Alferez, sometimes as 1st Sgt. Ponciano Nazareno Castillo. On many occasions, Jalotjot tried to locate the old man's relative but to no avail. This morning- he went to the local Social Welfare Office here to seek assistance. "I could no longer extend futher assistance to the old man which is not our relative, in the first place, Jalotjot said. He was seeking the help of all possible medium such as Television and  Internet - with the hope that the old man's relative would be able to identify and locate him.