Off the Beaten Path: Lesser-Known Attractions in Tantangan, South Cotabato
Tantangan is a municipality in the province of South Cotabato, Philippines. It is located in the central part of the province and is bounded by the municipalities of Banga to the south, Tupi to the east, Koronadal City to the north, and Tampakan to the west. The nearest city to Tantangan is Koronadal City, which is approximately 8 kilometers away.
Tantangan was originally a barrio of Banga, South Cotabato. It was officially declared a separate municipality on July 17, 1961, through Republic Act No. 3398.
The primary economic activities in Tantangan include agriculture and fishing. The town is known for its rice and corn production, as well as for its coconut plantations. In recent years, the town has also seen growth in the poultry and livestock industries.
Tantangan is also home to several cultural and historical landmarks, such as the Tantangan Municipal Hall and the San Roque Parish Church. The town celebrates its foundation anniversary every July 17 with various cultural and sporting events.
As of the 2020 census, Tantangan has a population of 32,789 people. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, Tantangan has a poverty incidence rate of 24.3% as of 2018. Agriculture is the main economic activity in Tantangan, with rice and corn as the main crops. The town also has a number of small businesses and services such as sari-sari stores, eateries, and repair shops.
In terms of tourism, Tantangan offers opportunities for eco-tourism activities such as mountain climbing, trekking, and river exploration. The municipality is also a gateway to the scenic Lake Sebu, which is known for its natural beauty and cultural attractions.
Tantangan is known for its Tantangan Agricultural Park, which showcases the town's agricultural products and features a butterfly sanctuary and a fish pond. The park also has picnic areas, a playground, and a fitness trail. The municipality also has a number of natural attractions such as the Piyong Hot Spring, which is said to have healing properties, and the Tantangan Waterfalls.
Tantangan has several public elementary schools and two high schools: Tantangan National High School and Tantangan Technical-Vocational High School.
Tantangan is accessible by bus or van from General Santos City and Koronadal City. The nearest airport is General Santos International Airport, which is about 39 kilometers away.
The nearest airport is the General Santos International Airport, which is about 50 kilometers away from Tantangan.
