General Santos City
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General Santos City (GenSan for short; formerly called Dadiangas) is a 1st class city in the province of South Cotabato, Philippines. It is situated at the southern part of the country. It is bounded by three municipalities of Sarangani Province and two municipalities of South Cotabato, namely Alabel, Malungon, Maasim, Polomolok and T'boli. The city's economy is basically agro-industrial. As a component of the SOCCSKSARGEN growth area, it has contributed much to the area's emergence as the country's leading producer of major commodities. Due to its rich soil, good rainfall and typhoon-free climate, the area is the largest producer of corn, coconuts, copra, pineapples, asparagus and rice. The area also produces other high value crops such as exotic fruits, potatoes, vegetables, cutflowers and okra. It accounts for the largest total daily fish landings in the country. it is leading producer of sashimi grade tuna. Fish and seafoods probably do not come fresher than in the city.
Barangays
General Santos City is politically subdivided into 26 barangays.
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History
On February 27, 1939, General Paulino Santos led the first and largest batch of settlers organized under the National Land Settlement Administration to the shores of Sarangani Bay. The 62 pioneers who mostly came from Luzon industriously tilled Cotabato's fertile expanse of land. After this first influx of pioneers, thousands more from Luzon and Visayas migrated into the area.In January 1948, by virtue of Republic Act No. 82, Buayan District became a full fledged municipality whose territorial boundaries included the present municipalities of Sarangani and South Cotabato Provinces, namely Alabel, Glan, Malapatan, Malungon and Polomolok. NLSA Hospital Administrator Irineo I. Santiago became its first mayor.
Six years later, in June 1954, the Municipality of Buayan was renamed General Santos as a tribute to its great pioneer. This was made possible by Republic Act No. 1107 authored by Congressman Luminog Mangelen of Cotabato Province.
From 1963 to 1967, during the incumbency of Mayor Lucio A. Velayo, an upsurge in the municipality's economy was experienced as several large agri-based corporations such as Dole Philippines, General Milling Corporation and UDAGRI expanded into the area. Although it was then qualified to become a fourth class city, the residents rejected a move by Congressman Salipada Pendatun to convert General Santos into a city and to rename it Rajah Buayan.
Finally, however, on July 8, 1968, upon approval of Republic Act No. 5412, the Municipality of General Santos was converted into a city while keeping its name. It was inaugurated on September 5 of that year. Antonio C. Acharon became its first city mayor. In 1988, two decades after its inauguration, it was declared as a highly urbanized city.
Physical infrastructure
The presence of major economic infrastructure support facilities provide the city an edge in terms of comparative advantage due to its standards that are comparable to international benchmarks.The International Standard Airport, It has a 3,200-meter runway capable of handling wide-bodied jets like Airbus 300 series and Boeing 747.This puts almost all key cities in the Philippines like Manila, Cebu and Iloilo.
The world class Fishport Complex has a 750-meter quay, 300-meter wharf for 2,000 GT reefer carriers, refrigeration facilities with 1,500 cold storage capacity, 60 tons/day ice plant, brine, air blast and contact freezers.
The 561-meter Makar Wharf is one of the most important ports in Mindanao. It has been expanded by 151 meters to accommodate more berthing capacity.
The abundant power supply, retailer of the National Power Corporation provides the power requirement of the city.
The communication services offered by major telephone companies. The area is also serviced by Mobile telecommunication system and the availability of internet service providers serve as key to be top of the domestic and international businesses.
The state-of-the-art traffic system, provides better transportation in city, equipped with latest sensoring system for better transportaion.
Festivals
Gensan celebrates Kalilangan Festival every February 'Kalilangan' means festival, festivity or jubilee. It is a social gathering marked by exchanging of amenities among traditional leaders, elders, allies and subordinates in varying tones. In a broader perspective, Kalilang projects a positive and dynamic meaning for it engulfs the artistic, humane and altruistic aspects of social interaction that takes place in any occasion or celebration. Kalilangan is a noble tradition. It is a complete work of art nourished and nurtured by rich cultural heritage that has withstand the test of time from generation to generation.It is also a pageantry of unique and colorful ethnic rites, rituals and traditions like marriage celebrations, religious ceremonies, anniversaries, funerals, enthronement of royal dignitaries, thanksgiving and other forms of social, political and economic activities.
It is not just an economic activity, but a continuous season of merriment, gaiety and merrymaking accentuated by sharing of gifts, traditional sports competition, dancing, singing and instrumental rendition and other forms of exhibition games, entertainment and amusement.
Every September a part of the charter celebration. General Santos City is known as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines. Thanksgiving and festivities are being celebrated annually thru its Tuna Festival. Focusing on its main industries. Tuna Float is an awesome event to taste also sumptuous tuna treats during the Tuna Culinary Contest.
Noteworthy
- GenSan is nicknamed "The Tuna Capital of the Philippines"
- International Boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao hails from Labangal, General Santos City.
- General Santos City has been hailed as one of the fastest growing cities in The Philippines and has one of the highest standards of living in the country.
External links
- [Official Website of General Santos City]
- [Philippine Standard Geographic Code]
- [2000 Philippine Census Information]
- [Discussion site for General Santos City]
| Cities and Municipalities of South Cotabato | |
| Cities: | General Santos City | Koronadal City |
| Municipalities: | Banga | Lake Sebu | Norala | Polomolok | Santo Niño | Surallah | T'Boli | Tampakan | Tantangan | Tupi |
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