An article from Edith Regalado from the Philippine Star Website features North Cotabato beginning work as what they envision to be the longest zipline in Southeast Asia. Officials and guests led by North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza attended the groundbreaking ceremonies for the planned 1.2-kilometer zipline in Barangay New Israel in Makilala town, right at the foot of Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak.

Barangay New Israel is one of the premiere destinations in Makilala town. The barangay is home to the Moncado group that is known their strict adherence to rules and disciplinary precepts, including a smoking ban. One another good thing is that it is the sanctuary of several friendly monkeys and deer roving around communities. Also, the town of Makilala is touted as the “fruit basket” of the region, where tropical fruits like pomelo, durian, marang, rambutan, and mangosteen, among others, abound.

“The provincial government is excited about the new zipline in Makilala as this will provide income to the residents. This also shows that North Cotabato is ready for tourism,”

“It shows that North Cotabato has such a strong potential for tourism and all it needs is for people to discover the place,” Mendoza said.