“WE WILL MOVE FORWARD TOGETHER WITH DISCIPLINE, COMPASSION, AND HOPE,” MAYOR MATABALAO DECLARES IN HIS STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS 2025

COTABATO CITY — Officials from the Bangsamoro Government, national agencies, and representatives from both the public and private sectors applauded the achievements of the “Para sa Lahat” Administration under the leadership of Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Matabalao during the 2025 State of the City Address (SOCA) held at the KCC Convention Center.

In his address, Mayor Matabalao highlighted the city’s continued growth and development reflected not only in the steady increase in local tax collections, but also in the rising number of registered businesses and the high client satisfaction rating achieved by the City Government of Cotabato.

The Mayor underscored the city’s strong collaboration with the Bangsamoro Government, citing the recent signing of an agreement between the Bangsamoro Sports Commission (BSC) and the Cotabato City Government for the construction of a state-of-the-art Sports Complex. The facility is envisioned to host major athletic events such as the Palarong Pambansa.

Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua also expressed his support, assuring that the Bangsamoro Government stands ready to provide additional assistance to ensure the full realization of the project.

Among the other key highlights of the address was the educational subsidy program for college students in Cotabato City. The program provides financial assistance to all qualified students whether enrolled in private or public colleges and universities as part of the city government’s commitment to accessible education.

The Mayor also recognized the city’s growing cooperative sector, commending the achievements of Ms. Belen Tanghal, who was awarded as Outstanding City Cooperative Officer during the CDA Gawad Parangal 2025.

Mayor Matabalao emphasized that while Cotabato City has already made great strides, greater progress awaits if unity, discipline, and collective effort continue to guide its people.

“The dream of transforming Cotabato City into a Highly Urbanized City is a challenge we are ready to take. It may be ambitious, but it is never impossible,” the Mayor said in his closing message.

The State of the City Address 2025 served as both a reflection of progress and a renewed call for cooperation a reminder that with discipline, compassion, and hope, Cotabato City will continue to move forward toward a brighter and more inclusive future.