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General Santos City - "Tuna Capital of the Philippines" Brief Description Down the southern tip of Mindanao, expanding from the basin of Sarangani Bay, lies the City of General Santos - a fortress of modern amenities that is endowed with the beauty of nature and diverse cultures abound. GenSan, as locals affectionately call the city, is the gateway in discovering the boundless beauty of SOCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City) Growth Region. General Santos City is a three time awardee for the "Most Competitive City" in the Philippines for the years 1999-2000 (all cities), 2000-2001 (mid-sized city) and 2001-2002, an honor bestowed by the Asian Institute of Management SGV policy forum and the Department of Trade and Industry. It's all here. Come and see GenSan where smiles are pure and warm hospitality reigns supreme. Geography General Santos City is strategically located within the trading and economic center of SOCSKSARGEN Growth Area (South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos). It provides good trade access to major foreign markets - Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Pacific Islands, Japan, Hongkong, Middle East, Continental Europe and the United States. General Santos City lies at the southern part of the Philippines. It is located between 125°1' and 125°17' east longitude and between 5°58' and 6°20' north latitude. The city is southeast of Manila, southeast of Cebu and southwest of Davao. The municipalities of Alabel, Malungon and Maasim of Sarangani Province and the municipalities of Polomolok and T'boli of South Cotabato surround the city. Land Resources Fertile agricultural lands at 17,489 hectares are 32.63% of the city's total land area. Rich Fishing Grounds Sarangani Bay and other coastal areas are rich with tuna and other marine resources. Language/Dialect Cebuano is the major dialect spoken. Tagalog and English are also used. Political Subdivision The city is composed of 26 barangays. Climate Climate is favorable. It is outside of the typhoon belt. Dominated by low plain areas and with evenly distributed rainfall, it is suitable for agricultural production and agri-based industries. Population As of 2000 census, the city's population is 411,822. Brief History General Santos City's birth was in 1939, when the first settlers landed on the sublime shores of Sarangani Bay. Every last week of February of every year, the city commemorates this Foundation, paying homage to the toil and tale, hopes and dreams of the city's ingenious forefathers. The week-long affair showcases the rich cultural heritage, celebrates the history, and stages the breadth and height of the city from its beginnings up to what it has attained now. General Santos City and SoCSKSarGen are Famous for... SoCKSSarGen is the acronym for the Growth Region in Southern Mindanao: South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City. South Cotabato Is Famous For... Lake Sebu The lake is home to the T'bolis, a highland tribe that has its roots in South Cotabato. The local tribesmen consider Lake Sebu not only as a God-given food basket but also a miraculous body of water that never dries up. T'nalak The popular T’nalak is a beautifully woven fabric made by the T'boli tribe of South Cotabato. To weave one T'nalak by hand takes several months to accomplish. Geometric patterns are typical of the T'nalak design. The rich black and red colors of the fabric are derived from natural vegetable dyes. Kalsangi Golf Course The site of the DOLE Philippines (DOLEFIL) Clubhouse, the Kalsangi Golf Course is laid out beautifully at the foof of Mt. Matutum. It consists of the housing project for DOLEFIL executives, a school, restaurant, swimming pool, golf course, and guest house. It is also a jump-off point for climbing Mt. Matutum. Lake Maughan Found in the municipality of T'boli, the lake is the source of five big rivers including Allah River. It is a part of the approximately 50,000-hectare area proposed to be developed as the Provincial Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. Wild fauna and flora endemic to South Cotabato abound in Lake Maughan. The rare specie of butterfly, Grphium decolor tigris, is found in the Mogocayo and lem-el-law areas. Mt. Matutum At a 7,600 ft. elevetion, Mount Matutum with its looming height and eye-catching form dominates the neighboring ranges to the delight of nature lovers. Jump-off site is in Landan, Polomolok. Saranggani is Famous for... Dried Flowers Fossilized leaves are crafted by the Tagakaolo and B'laan women of Malungon, Sarangani into flowers and home decor. Pinol Cave Anthropomorphic Jars Marvel at this unique assemblage of archeological finds (human faces and figures in earthenware medium) that depicts Sarangani's cultural wealth. They were excavated in Barangay Pinol, Maitum in 1991. Tarsier Now converging in the remaining forest of Nanema Water Shed, this small monkey has always been a part of the IP's agricultural practice. The tarsier gives them a signal whether to start planting or not. If the eyes are wide and bright, harvest will be abundant. If they are quite narrowed and smoky, the crops will be infested. The tarsier is therefore important to the tribe and cannot be harmed, otherwise, it is bad omen. Aquaculture/Marine Products Aquaculture is a fast growing industry in the province. The fish pens in the town of Glan cages pompano, Diana and sergeant fish are sold to other countries in Asia. Brackish water ponds of the Sarangani Agricultural Company, Inc. (SACI) in the town of Alabel grow bangus (milkfish) also for export. Historical and Cultural Sites The General Paulino Santos Museum Foundation, Inc. , through the initiative of the Notre Dame of Dadiangas College is the showroom of the City's promising and glorious past which features memorabilia of the late Gen. Paulino Santos and other significant artifacts, relics, and treasures that brought General Santos City for what it is today. It also highlights ethnic costumes such that of the T'bolis, and Muslims. South Cotabato T'boli Cultural Minorities (Lake Sebu) West of Lake Sebu is the T'boli settlement. The T'bolis have become famous for their colorful costumes, intricate beadwork, beautifully woven baskets, and traditional brass ornaments. Other cultural minorities found in the are the Manobo Blit and the Ubo or Tasadays, a cave-dwelling people who lived in isolation in high caves (4,800 above sea level) of the primary rain forest area. Man-made Attractions The Carlos P. Garcia Park Fronting the City Hall, the Carlos P. Garcia Park is tastefully planted with ornamental plants and a wide variety of flora. Garden Cooperative Green thumbs as they say can make a wonderful garden. If you are a plant lover, you may feast your eyes with sumptuous landscapes and vast display of different species of plants, from the enchanting design of bonsai to the elegance of orchids of their own at the Garden Cooperative's showroom and other local gardens in the city. At a very reasonable cost, you may bring home any flora you desire. Festivals Kalilangan Festival General Santos City's birth was in 1939, when the first settlers landed on the sublime shores of Sarangani Bay. Every last week of February of every year, the city commemorates this Foundation, paying homage to the toil and tale, hopes and dreams of the city's ingenious forefathers. The week-long affair showcases the rich cultural heritage, celebrates the history, and stages the breadth and height of the city from its beginnings up to what it has attained now. KALILANGAN is derived from the Maguindanaoan word "kalilang" which means "festival," or "celebration." It has been adopted as the carrier of the city's foundation anniversary as it perfectly embodies the meaning of the historical episode being celebrated. The logo depicts the docking of the pioneers at the shores of Sarangani Bay. With empty hands and hopeful hearts, they tilled the lands, cultivated dreams, and planted a vision. Tuna Festival Fishing is the fastest growing industry in the city. It is in fact largely responsible for the economic boost enjoyed by the city today. Coming close to Navotas' daily fish landing volume, the city's fish port ranks first in terms of high value fish. The city proudly ships sashimi-grade tuna to Japan, Canada, United States, Hong Kong and leading hotels in Metro Manila. It is also home to seven of the biggest tuna processing firms in the Philippines with a combined canning capacity of 570 metric tons a day. The city has now over 50 commercial fishing companies landing a collective volume of 8,000 metric tons of sashimi grade tuna per month. All these statistics and more add to the fore of the concept, that of building a trademark for General Santos City. The Tuna Festival is not merely a spectacle but a venue to showcase the city's pride and meaning. In its entirety, it is a celebration of the ocean's bounty. Moreover, it is fortifying the tangible strength of the city, wherein collective spirit is the inspiration that underscores the leadership of the city's affairs. September 5, 1968 marks the inauguration of General Santos from a municipality into a city without changing its name. From then until 1986, General Santos moved up from a third class City to a first class City. During those times until today, the agriculture and most especially the fishing industry flourished dramatically. South Cotabato Helobong Festival (Lake Sebu; 2nd week of November) A festival showcasing the different arts, culture, sports, and other tribal activities of the T'boli. Sultan Kudarat Kalimudan Festival The festival is held every November 21 in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. It is an annual gathering of the different tribal groups in the province to celebrate a bountiful harvest. Activities include a dancing parade, horsefight, trade fair, and sports competition. The festival highlights the foundation anniversary of Sultan Kudarat. How to Get to Gen. Santos City By Air Manila to General Santos City - Philippine Airlines Flight; daily Manila to General Santos City via Cebu - Air Philippines; daily By Sea Manila to General Santos through WG&A Superferry via Iloilo - Davao (twice weekly); through Negros Navigation via Iloilo - Zamboanga (once weekly); through Sulpicio Lines (twice weekly) By Land Davao City to General Santos City - Bus Ride; daily source: Tourism, Gen. Santos City; Department of Tourism |
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