KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato – Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza on Tuesday highlighted two game-changing initiatives expected to spur economic opportunities and position this province as a hub of connectivity once completed.

In her State-of-the-Province Address, Mendoza described the Cotabato Agro-Industrial Park (CAIP) and the Central Mindanao Airport (CMA) as key drivers of growth.

CAIP secured P271.2 million in funding, with allocations for perimeter fencing, road networks, water and power systems, guardhouse and gate, perimeter lighting, and water distribution, among other components.

The CMA, formerly the North Cotabato Rural Airport and often called the M'lang Airport, is under construction with a total budget of P1.2 billion.

Designed to accommodate 3.5 million passengers annually, the airport is envisioned to enhance both agriculture and tourism.

"Not only will agriculture be promoted through CAIP and CMA, these projects will also serve as gateways for tourism," Mendoza said.

She noted that CMA's development is progressing rapidly, with several core facilities already more than 90 percent complete.

CAIP, touted as Central Mindanao's first agro-industrial hub, is also leading other Soccsksargen region (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City) hubs in boosting agricultural production, raising farmers' incomes, and creating sustainable livelihoods.

Although Mendoza did not specify target completion dates, she emphasized that the province remains debt-free and has a P1.2-billion surplus in 2025.

"The results of efficient and disciplined management of our finances are clear," she said.

She outlined accomplishments under the Serbisyong Totoo (Real Service) program, which ensures that government services remain accessible to Cotabateños. (PNA)