ROLES OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF ISULAN IN THE AGGLOMERATION DEVELOPMENT OF THE ORBITAL HEARTLAND CORRIDOR IN SOCCSKSARGEN REGION

This study examined the roles of the Municipality of Isulan in the Orbital Heartland Corridor’s agglomeration development, particularly in the Greater Isulan Area, focusing on centrality and connectivity. It identified missing industries and projected Isulan’s future functions based on marketing, administrative, and transportation principles. Surveys from 368 respondents across Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato revealed that malls, private higher education institutions, and post-harvest facilities are the most lacking industries in Isulan. Respondents view Isulan as a higher-order settlement and key transport hub linking nearby areas to major Mindanao cities, though it has yet to meet cityhood requirements. Statistical analyses found no significant correlation between respondents' domicile and their perceptions of industry gaps; although respondents from Tacurong City had differing views on the roles of Isulan. The study concludes that Isulan will play vital roles in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region, significantly impacting neighboring localities. Recommendations include infrastructure development, policy reforms, and improvements in retail, education, tourism, and healthcare to accelerate growth. High demand for commercial establishments and essential services indicates a promising investment climate. Revising its investment code and its zoning, engaging conglomerates for investment opportunities, formulating a Sustainable Urban Infrastructure Development Master Plan, and relocating government offices to Isulan are likewise recommended. Additionally, policy reforms and realignment of strategies are essential to increase local revenue collection and to strengthen position as the premier economic powerhouse. Finally, a further study is recommended for all identified growth centers in the Orbital Heartland Corridor, to include factors on climate change adaptation and disaster risk mitigation.