Downtown Gensan by day and night

Missing General Santos City? 

Here's a great video by Allan Jay Resane...enjoy!

iKons:Grand Opening Ceremony

Video courtesy of Allan Jay Resane

More about Kalilangan 2015 in this advocacy website, http://kalilangan2015.weebly.com/

Mini Zoo opens at Oval Plaza

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (24 February 2015) - Vice Mayor Shirlyn Banas-Nograles and Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno open the Mini Zoo inside the Oval Plaza Monday, February 23. Also with them is the first couple, Mayor Ronnel Rivera and Jane Gollon Rivera. Moreno congratulated the Gensan officials for a successful Kalilangan 2015. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Kalilangan 2015 showcases mini forest

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (24 February 2015) - Gensan First Lady Jane Gollon Rivera (2nd from right) and Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno (4th from left) open the Mini Forest inside the Oval Plaza on Monday, February 23. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Isko Moreno opens Agri-Trade Fair of Kalilangan Festival

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (24 February 2015) - Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno (3rd from left) joins Gensan City Mayor Ronnel Rivera (4th from right) and Vice Mayor Shirlyn Banas-Nograles (2nd from right) at the Agri-Trade Fair and Fiestahan sa Barangay Booth inside the Oval Plaza Monday, February 23. Moreno, a former showbiz celebrity, came here to Gensan to experience Kalilangan 2015. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Historical paintings at City Hall

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (24 February 2015) - (From left) City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, General Paulino Santos' grandson Amado Munda, and General Santos City Sons and Daughters president William Boy Aquino open the historical paintings exhibit inside the City Hall Tuesday, February 24, as part of the Kalilangan 2015 celebration. These artworks that mostly depict important events in the past were made by Amado Munda himself. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Caratela ride now available at Oval Plaza

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (24 February 2015) - Indigenous People (IP) Representative Mario Empal (3rd from right) accompanies Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno (4th from right) in the opening rites of the Caratela - a Carabao leisure ride held every Kalilangan - inside the Oval Plaza Monday, February 23. Together with them are Gensan City Mayor Ronnel Rivera (4th from left) and Vice Mayor Shirlyn-Banas Nograles (2nd from left). (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

iKons exhibit opens at SM Gensan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (22 February 2015) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and wife Jane Gollon-Rivera are with the management of Kalilangan 2015 organizer Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges (RMMC) in unveiling the "iKons" cultural exhibit on February 20 inside SM Gensan. This cultural exhibit features photos, ethnic items and relics that trace the rich history of the city since the arrival of General Paulino Santos. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Pediatric ward patients get gifts

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (22 February 2015) - Gensan's First Lady Jane-Gollon Rivera gives happiness to the children-patients of General Santos City Hospital Pediatric Ward on February 20 through giving of stuffed toys. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera, wife deliver foam beds for kids

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (22 February 2015) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera with wife, Jane Gollon-Rivera, donates 64 foam beds to General Santos City Hospital Pediatric Ward on February 20. This donation was made in partnership between the Ronnel C. Rivera Foundation Inc. and Gensan Tourism Council to give comfort to the children inside the hospital. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Gensan is SRAA Meet overall champion

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (22 February 2015) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera congratulates Gensan's athletes after bagging the first place overall in the recently concluded SOCCSKSARGEN Region Athletic Association (SRAA) Meet in closing ceremonies on February 20. With this, Gensan achieved a grand slam in the competition hosted by the Department of Education. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Coastal erosion prompts Tinago evacuation

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (22 February 2015) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera holds a public consultation on February 20 at Irineo Santiago National High School where he assured the relocation sites for families from Purok Tinago, Barangay South after they were being forced to evacuate due to coastal erosion in the area which started last week. Some of the families will be transferred to Barangay Mabuhay's Promised Land and the rest will be on a three-hectare land in Lanton, Barangay Apopong. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Gensan is SRAA 2015 overall champ

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (23 February 2015) – Gensan went on a winning spree at the SOCCSKSARGEN Region Athletic Association (SRAA) Meet last week, sweeping out other competing regions for the grand prize.

Delegates from Gensan - the host city - reigned supreme in the SRAA Meet by taking the overall champion spot in a grand slam fashion. The athletic meet was hosted by the Department of Education.

SRAA 2015 was participated in by primary and secondary student athletes from Cotabato City, Cotabato Province, Kidapawan City, Koronadal City, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Tacurong, and General Santos City.

Out of the four categories (Elementary Boys, Elementary Girls, Secondary Boys, and Secondary Girls), General Santos secured three overall first places.

Gensan got third place in the Elementary Boys category which was dominated by Cotabato Province (2nd) and South Cotabato (1st).

Events like sprint, boxing, basketball and volleyball were ruled by Gensan.

In the overall ranking, South Cotabato came next to Gensan, followed by Cotabato Province, and Koronadal Province, respectively.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera has never been so happy for the success that Gensan has seized this SRAA Meet.

“I received a call telling me that Gensan grand slammed the SRAA 2015. I was very happy that moment for the success we just earned,” the mayor said.

Under the administration of Mayor Rivera, various efforts were rendered to support Gensan athletes—professional or non-professional.

New breed of champions like Marvin Sonsona (boxing) and Jean Pierre Sabido (taekwondo) gained their momentum through the support from the city government.

In addition, young athletes like Reynaldo Templado (table tennis) has been given the opportunity to vie in competitions as prestigious as the South East Asian Games.

As for the victors of SRAA 2015, Mayor Rivera, together with DepEd Gensan, has already expressed continuous support especially in their upcoming participation in the Palarong Pambansa 2015.

Palarong Pambansa 2015 will be taking place in Tagum, Davao Del Norte this coming May.

The city government has financially supported the athletes with P3.4 million allotted by Mayor Rivera for the hosting of SRAA that benefited not only players of the city, but from other participating municipalities and regions as well.

For SRAA participants, an additional P300,000 was given for their training.

“It is money well-spent. Supporting the people who give Gensan pride is something money can’t compensate,” Mayor Rivera said. (Gensan CPIO/Ian John M. Lagare)

San Miguel donates 7-hectare relocation site

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (23 February 2015) – The San Miguel Foundation has donated a seven-hectare land to the local government unit of General Santos City (LGU-GSC) that will be used as a relocation site for informal settlers.

The land located in Upper Tambler was purchased by the San Miguel Corporation to provide an alternative residence to some 450 families who are currently settling in San Miguel’s 21-hectare company-owned land in Upper Banualan, Barangay Tambler, just in front of a San Miguel compound.

Mary Ann Bacar, City Housing and Land Management Office (CHLMO) head, said San Miguel has already provided basic amenities in the area such as water and electricity.

The donation was formalized between San Miguel and the LGU-GSC—represented by Mayor Ronnel Rivera—through a signing of a Memorandum of Agreement and a Deed of Donation on February 17.

“After talking with Mayor Rivera and arranging things properly, instead of filing an ejectment (against the settlers), they (San Miguel Corporation) opted to donate a 7-hectare site,” Bacar said.

Bacar also clarified that the relocation site, as per legal basis, is “cleared” or has no claimants.

The CHLMO will be tasked on overseeing the relocation of the families, including a consultation program to compel the families to relocate.

“The hardest part will be ours. We have to thoroughly explain to these families that they have to relocate,” Bacar said.

She also clarified that those who refuse to relocate will be dealt with by the court.

Mayor Rivera is clearly happy with the recent donation of San Miguel which could help solve the insufficiency of relocation areas here in Gensan.

“I know that these families have been residing on San Miguel’s private land. This relocation site will provide a ‘win-win’ alternative for them,” the mayor said.

“I also hope that San Miguel will donate more lands for the city,” Mayor Rivera added.

Currently, one of the factors the mayor is eyeing why there are a lot of informal settlers in the city is due to increasing migration pattern.

Gensan is an urbanized city being surrounded by mainly rural municipalities. This geographical scenario alone might prove that many are moving in to Gensan for better livelihood and opportunities.

Mayor Rivera would like to confirm this phenomenon through a thorough migration study to be conducted by the Sociology Faculty of the Mindanao State University – General Santos City in partnership with the City Population and Management Office.  

The budget for this research was already approved by the Sangguniang Panglunsod. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

CDDRMO: Coastal erosion, not sinkhole

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (22 February 2015) - The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) said what is taking place now in Purok Tinago, Barangay South is a case of “coastal subsidence” and not the feared sinkhole.

Dr. Bong Dacera, CDDRMO action officer, has clarified to the residents of Tinago during a public consultation on February 20 at Irineo Santiago National High School that it was not a sinkhole but rather an underwater soil erosion.

“Only the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) can declare if that is the sinkhole. But as of now, based on our assessments, it is a coastal subsidence,” Dacera said.

“Few meters from the shores of Tinago, there is an underwater precipice (steep cliff) around 25 meters deep. Throughout the years, the movement of the sea has eroded parts of this cliff, thus causing the erosion,” Dacera explained.

According to Dacera, if you are to compare to a surface phenomenon, what happened there is definitely a landslide.

The MGB has also released a one-page report that supported the preliminary explanation of the CDRRMO.

A team of geologists from the national office of MGB will dive any moment this week at Tinago to inspect and assess the erosion.

The results will also be used by the city government and the CDRRMO for disaster-proofing of Barangay South and nearby coastal communities.

Sinkhole or not, the risks are still high and looming for the residents of Tinago.

That is why City Mayor Ronnel Rivera has ordered a mandatory evacuation for all the residents of Tinago.

Thirty-seven families will be transferred to the relocation site Promise Land in Barangay Mabuhay. These families are those who were living nearest to the coastline of Tinago.

On the other hand, the rest of the residents of 9A Tinago and 9B Tinago will be relocated to a three-hectare land in Purok Lanton, Barangay Apopong.

Mayor Rivera promised the residents that he will do his best that they will be relocated within three months.

He also disclosed that each of them will be given 75 square meters per house.

The mayor also approved the request of some bigger families to do house sharing with structures.  

“Actually this is hard task but since this is very immediate, I have to make arrangements so that residents in Tinago can be relocated and be moved away from danger as soon as possible,” Mayor Rivera said.

As of now, Mayor Rivera already tasked related local government unit’s departments to do land banking for the purpose of relocation and/or, if possible, for socialized housing.

These residents of Tinago will no longer be required to have Urban Development Housing Act (UDHA) certificate for easier relocation.

 The erosion, if it gets wider, could affect 1,000 more families and even nearby villages such as Purok Islam.

Mayor Rivera declared already that Tinago is a “no-build zone” to restrict anyone from erecting any form of house or establishment there.

The erosion has extended around 100 meters to the sea. In an aerial view, the collapse is visible and distinct compared to the surrounding shores.

Also, locals have estimated that the entire scope of erosion is around 70 meters in diameter and around 640 meters deep. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

Kalilangan 2015: Ano ang K Mo?

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (19 February 2015) – General Santos City is all set to celebrate its 76th Foundation Anniversary and its 26th Kalilangan Festival.

The Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges (RMMC) is the new partner organizer of the city government after the Mindanao State University – General Santos City (MSU-GSC) has passed the task  to RMMC.

When MSU-GSC held Kalilangan, it made the festival garner the Hall of Fame award in the “Best Festival, Culture and Arts Category” by the Department of Tourism.

Now, the RMMC will launch Kalilangan with the theme “Ano Ang K Mo?” This tagline traces again the cultural roots and historical identity of every “General” or Gensan resident  since and before the arrival of General Paulino Santos here on February 27, 1939.

Aside from the identity of Gensan as the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines”, the celebration of Kalilangan has always been special as it signifies the founding anniversary of this fast-growing enclave in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region.

Kalilangan was not yet celebrated in General Santos City until it reached its 50th Founding Anniversary in 1989. Bai Janena Tito, now an executive assistant in the Muslim Affairs Division of the City Mayor’s Office, was the one who named the festival.

Kalilangan is derived from the root word “kalilang” of the Maguindanaon dialect which literally means “festivity”.

Perhaps this is the reason why Kalilangan can rightfully be called as the “festival of festivals” here in Gensan.

The Tuna Festival, Yaman Gensan, and Paskuhan sa Gensan are the other fetes Gensan celebrates annually.

Kalilangan 2015 will be a week-long celebration from February 23 to 27. RMMC has already finalized the list of activities during the festivity.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, with the approval of the Sangguniang Panglungsod, has allocated a P4 million budget for this year’s Kalilangan

At the same time, the administration of RMMC headed by Marthin Anthony Millado also raised a P1 Million fund to make the activities be grander and meaningful.

Here are some of the events that everybody should look forward to this Kalilangan 2015:

IKONS (Grand Opening Day) – February 23, Oval Stage

PARADA NG LAHI (76^th Foundation Anniversary) – February 27, Bantayog Plaza

KADSAGAYAN SA KALILABGAB (Grand Street Dancing Competition) – February 27, Santiago-Roxas Boulevard

KLEHEW DI AMGANGEH (Tribal Day) – February 25, Oval Plaza Grounds

ANG PARANGAL (Honoring the Pioneers and Descendants of the Pioneers) – February 24, Veranza Mall

PAKARAJAN SA GENSAN (Moro Day) – February 26, Oval Plaza Grounds

KARIKTAN (Closing Ceremony) – February 27, Oval Stage

The night market and the carnival will still be lively especially every night to provide recreation for families and friends.

Mayor Rivera said these activities are to ensure that Kalilangan will always be the mirror of the city’s culture and tradition.

“We have Kalilangan because of the past that made us. We owe everything to the history and culture that shaped us,” the mayor said. He invites everyone to join this year’s Kalilangan. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

Gensan hosts regional sports meet

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (19 February 2015) - The “Tuna Capital of the Philippines” is hosting the Department of Education’s annual sports competition called the SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Athletic Association (SRAA) Meet for five days (February 16 to 20). 

Around 3,800 student-players from South Cotabato, Cotabato Province, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Cotabato City, Kidapawan City, Koronadal City, Tacurong City, and General Santos City are competing in various athletic events of the meet.

The SRAA Meet—formerly known as the Cotabato Region Athletic Association Meet—is the gateway for athletes towards the coveted “Palarong Pambansa” if ever they win their respective disciplines in the regional competition. 

Acknowledging the importance of SRAA, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera has allotted P3.4 million to support adequately the simultaneous sports events taking place in various areas here in the city.

The amount would also cover the needs and amenities of the athletes while they are here in Gensan. 

In his speech during the opening of SRAA at Lagao Gymnasium on February 16, the mayor said that SRAA is a way to develop an individual’s character and strong camaraderie among players.

“This meet is not to develop animosity between and among competing teams and contingents. It is rather fostering unity through sports,” Mayor Rivera said. 

Mayor Rivera even joked that if he is just young right now, he would have joined SRAA.

“In my prime years, I was very eager to join these competitions. Now, I may prefer doing speeches because of my old age,” Mayor Rivera kidded.

Department of Education Region 12 Director Allan Farnazo expressed his gratitude for the big support the local government of General Santos City has rendered for their SRAA Meet. 

“Gensan has allotted P3.4 million for this year’s SRAA; I think the next host city (for SRAA) should get nervous right now,” Farnazo said. 

The same gratitude for the local government of Gensan was also expressed by DepEd Gensan’s Schools Division Superintendent Gildo Mosqueda and Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Mario Bermudez. 

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police and the Task Force Gensan have ensured the security of the schools where the contingents are billeted. 

These schools are J.P. Laurel Elementary School, Dadiangas North Elementary School, Dadiangas North High School (Sarangani); Pedro Acharon Central Elementary School (Koronadal); Dadiangas West Central Elementary School (Sultan Kudarat); Cahilsot Elementary School (Cotabato Province); Calumpang Elementary School (Cotabato City); Romana Acharon Central Elementary School (South Cotabato); Dadiangas South Elementary School (Tacurong City); and Dadiangas East Elementary School (Kidapawan City). 

The police and military also guaranteed the safety of SRAA throughout its duration. (Gensan CPIO/Ian John M. Lagare) 

World 10 Ball Championship in Gensan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (19 February 2015)  - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera welcomes some 100 billiard players of the Manny Pacquiao's Cup World 10 Ball Championship on February 17 at SM Mall Gensan. Participants are coming from 30 countries including the United States, Canada, China, Korea, Italy and the Philippines. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Relocation site agreement signed

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (19 February 2015) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera signs a Memorandum of Agreement with San Miguel Foundation, Inc. on February 17 regarding the latter's donation of a seven-hectare relocation site in Upper Tambler to the city government. This area will then be utilized for the relocation of some 450 families who are currently settling in a San Miguel Corporation-owned land in front of their factory in Upper Banualan, Barangay Tambler. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera gives CLEAN Gensan Family Card

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (16 February 2015) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and Red Cross Governor Miguel Zubiri have launched a program to give health and life security for the marginalized sector of the city.

The project tagged as C.L.E.A.N. Gensan (Creating a Livable Environment for All Generals towards Nation-building) Family Card, aims to give the poorest of the poor of the city multiple health benefits from the local government and its partner agencies.

The Philippine Red Cross was personally tapped by Mayor Rivera in coordination with the City Mayor’s Office Integrated Barangay Affairs (CMO-IBA) to take part in the initiative of extending the ability to render social services.

Zubiri, as the Red Cross governor, graced the launching of the CLEAN Gensan Family Card at Robinsons Mall on February 6.

“I want to thank our beloved Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera for letting Red Cross be part of this social contract called CLEAN Gensan,” Zubiri said.

“As an NGO, the Red Cross is continually doing its role to help those who are in need. I am very glad that the local government of General Santos City is now our partner in this advocacy,” he added.

Through the family card, the Red Cross has committed to give P150 per day to anyone who will be hospitalized in the Gensan City Hospital for 60 days. This is to compensate the temporary loss of income of a CLEAN Gensan Family Card holder.

Aside from such benefit, those who are prime holders of the CLEAN Gensan Family Card are eligible for Accidental Death and Disablement and Dismemberment benefits worth P35,000 from the Social Security System (SSS).

The local government of General Santos City will also enroll the beneficiaries to the “Point of Care” of the PHILHEALTH Program.

Beneficiaries of this program will also be assured of the “no balance billing” upon discharge from the city hospital.

Other benefits of the CLEAN Gensan Family Card are Mortuary Benefit worth P20,000 (from SSS), death benefits, psychological services for the members of the family of the prime card holders while in crises, and a birthday treat, if hospitalized during natal day.

Loan privileges, retirement pension at the age of 60, and maternity allowance are also among the special benefits of CLEAN Gensan Family Card.

The Robinsons Mall of Gensan has also provided a space in their food court for the CLEAN Gensan Family Card Kiosk. This kiosk will cater to the queries and applications regarding the program.

Also, the Robinsons has also committed that as long as the program exists, they will reserve the said space for the kiosk.

Mayor Rivera is targeting 11,900 indigents to be enrolled in the CLEAN Gensan Family Card this year.

Currently, 985 individuals from 17 barangays here in the city are qualified to be first beneficiaries of the CLEAN Gensan Family Card as assessed by the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

There are 70 from Bula; 58 from Sinawal; 70 from Calumpang; 47 from San Jose; 58 from Olympog; 70 from Apopong; 70 from Labangal; 70 from Fatima; 58 from Baluan; 70 from Lagao; 58 from Tambler; 58 from North; 58 from Ligaya; 16 from RSWA-Fatima; 38 from RSWA-Mabuhay; 58 from Batomelong; and 58 from Conel.

Miriam Grace Pamong, PHILHEALTH Insurance Corporation (PHIC) Region 12 head said that they will continue to work hand-in-hand with the city government for better dissemination of services.

“We are thankful that the local government is coordinating with us in their programs. Personally, this is a good opportunity from us to extend our services to the people of General Santos City,” Pamong stated.  (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

IDPs receive cash aid from city government

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (16 February 2015) – Three hundred seventy internally displaced persons (IDPs) here in Gensan received aid from the local government through the cash-for-work assistance by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on February 10 at the Oval Gymnasium.

The IDPs—individuals who had lost their homes and properties through calamities such as fire and flood—received P2,925 each for working 15 days last December 2014 under the supervision of community social workers.

Each day, they received P195 for doing repairs and refurbishments in their damaged properties, and/or by community cleaning.

They also attended a two-day training on family disaster preparedness with the help of City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) to learn the basics of disaster response.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera purposely visited the distribution of cash assistance, as he “is eager to be of service to the vulnerable (sector) of the city.”

“I really know that there a lot of indigents and IDPs here in the city that we should help through various social services programs. The assistance they received is a proof that we are trying to hasten and extend the reach of our service,” the mayor said.

Mayor Rivera also told the IDPs "I wanted to apologize to all of you that it is only now that you received your cash assistance. Some of you should have received this last 2011.”

“But of course, we should not blame. What is important in this point is that you have your cash assistance,” he added.

Field Operations Head of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) Arabecque Batilong said the budget used for the cash-for-work assistance came from the national office of DSWD through their IDP program, amounting to around P1.1 million.

One of the recipients was Reynaldo Ancajas of Barangay Calumpang. His house was razed by fire last 2011.

“I thank the local government of General Santos and especially to the mayor for pushing this program until we have our cash assistance. This would really help sustain my family’s need,” Ancajas said.

Other IDP beneficiaries from the barangays of North (35), South (56), Calumpang (61), Bula (38), Heights (71), Lagao (9), Tambler (1), West (4), Apopong (1), Fatima (14), and Labangal (80) also shared the same sentiment as Ancajas.  (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

87 couples say “I Do”

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (16 February 2015) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera played cupid to Egmedio Corpuz, 77, and Julieta Binson, 69, as he solemnized their marriage after 52 years of living in.

The couple and 86 others finally forged their relationship through a mass civil wedding entitled “I Do. I Do.” sponsored by the Pag-IBIG Fund and in partnership with the city government on February 12 at the City Plaza.

The Corpuz couple already has seven children and a couple of grandchildren.

According to Egmedio, it was poverty—unfortunately—that had delayed their marriage for 52 years.

“Despite that, we stuck together to fend for our children. We have to be together because we love each other,” Egmedio said.

And on February 12 the two finally exchanged their first kiss as legal couple, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Mayor Rivera, who also solemnized the marriage of 86 other couples, expressed his delight for letting him be the key to fulfill their vows.

He also gave a piece of advice as a married person himself.

“Our love should be tight.”

Mayor Rivera, married for 16 years, shared some of his secrets of having a happy family.

“In our relationship, we should have God in the center. And if we have Him, then all the things that we seek will be given to us,” the mayor said.

“And of course,” Rivera added, “mutual understanding between each other (couples) and cleanliness of each respective home are also necessary for a happy family life.”

Mayor Rivera is married to Jane Gollon-Rivera. They have four children.

The “I Do. I Do.” is an annual mass civil wedding activity of the Pag-IBIG Fund every February. It is their way of helping unmarried Pag-IBIG members tie the knot and enjoy the legal benefits of marriage.

In the entire Philippines, around 4,000 couples were also simultaneously wed through the same program.

In Gensan, this event has been running for three years already in constant coordination with the Local Civil Registrar and City Population and Management Office.

Manolito Olegario, Pag-IBIG Fund South Western Mindanao Area head, also detailed out some of the legal benefits of marriage such as easier management of properties.

He also commended Mayor Rivera for making Gensan a beautiful place to conduct a wedding rite.

“Last Christmas, my in-laws visited Gensan. They really appreciated the Oval Plaza especially the white Christmas lights and the ‘Frozen-themed’ Plaza,” Olegario said.  (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

Kalilangan Festival gears up

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (13 February 2015) - The new organizers of Kalilangan 2015, the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, and City Mayor Ronnel Rivera unveil Thursday, February 12, a rectangular board printed with the official Kalilangan Festival logo as well as other logos of major activities during the February 23-27 festival.  (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Kalilangan Festival preparations underway

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (13 February 2015) - A Kalilangan Festival press conference is held at SM Atrium Thursday, February 12, where Dave Arreglado (center), City Mayor's Office executive assistant, City Councilor  Shandee Llido Pestaño (2nd from right), City Councilor Mario Empal (3rd from right) and the management of Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges answer queries regarding the preparations for the upcoming festival. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Seniors say “I Do”

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (12 February 2015) - Egmedio Corpuz, 77, and Julieta Binson, 69, finally say "I Do" Thursday, February 12, after 52 years of being together during the mass event called "I Do. I Do."  hosted by Pagibig Fund and the city government. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Pagibig, City Hall host mass wedding

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (12 February 2015) – Eighty-seven couples exchange vows before City Mayor Ronnel Rivera during the annual civil wedding event called "I Do. I Do." hosted by Pagibig Fund and the city government Thursday, February 12, at the City Plaza. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

IDPs receive cash-for-work assistance

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (13 February 2015) – Some of the 370 internally displaced persons (IDPs) - individuals who have lost their homes and properties through calamities – pose after receiving their cash-for-work assistance amounting to P2,925 from City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and the City Social Welfare and Development Office on  February 10. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

City Mayor visits city hospital

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (13 February 2015) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera expresses his love to the in-patient kids of the General Santos City Hospital Pediaward by giving them stuffed toys and other gifts on February 10. He said that through this visit, he may be able to lift the spirits of the sick children and their families. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera delivers 100 armchairs to Tinagacan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (7 February 2015) - The Tinagacan Elementary School receives 100 armchairs from City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and RD Foundation Inc. Thursday, February 5, through the "Edukasyon Mo, Kabuhayan Ko" Program. This initiative was started by Mayor Rivera himself to fill in the 14,000  inadequacy of armchairs in the public schools of the city. (Gensan CPIO/Russel Delvo)

Mayor Rivera: Hang on Fallen Heroes, Justice Will Come!

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (February 7, 2015) – "Hang on Fallen Heroes, Justice Will Come!"

This was the short, sincere and heartfelt message written by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera on the memorial wall for the "Fallen 44” or the members of the Philippine National Police - Special Action Force (PNP - SAF) who were killed in a deadly operation in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Mayor Rivera was present for the ecumenical service for the Fallen 44 at the Camp Fermin Lira Thursday (February 5) to show his respect and salute the SAF troopers. 

With stern words, the mayor also outlined his support for a thorough and honest investigation as to what really had transpired during, before, and after the Mamasapano encounter.

“We should know first who had the shortcomings, who were those that made the wrong call,” the mayor said.

"I think it is proper for them to face charges,” he added.

 “What we are seeking here is peace and order. Those 44 men did a valiant job in seizing Marwan but of course, that didn’t justify their death,” Mayor Rivera emphasized. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

Mayor Rivera, RDFI pledge 7,000 additional armchairs

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (7 February 2015) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, along with the RD Foundation Inc. (RDFI), committed to give 7,000 armchairs to further lower the armchair deficiency in public schools within the city.

As many as 3,720 school armchairs are expected to be donated by Mayor Rivera and RDFI after the end of March 2015.

It was revealed during the Education Summit last year that the scarcity of armchairs here in Gensan has reached up to 14,000.

Under the program of “Edukasyon Mo, Kabuhayan Ko”, Mayor Rivera is pursuing to end the inadequacy of armchairs in city schools.

This means that 14,000 out of the 139,000 public school students in Gensan have no armchair to sit on, decreasing their viability to learn and study.

Through the “Edukasyon Mo, Kabuhayan Ko”, the mayor will close the gap into half, making it easier for the DepEd Gensan to provide the rest of the supply.

The ones who are constructing these armchairs are selected persons-with-disabilities (PWDs) here in the city. They were hired by the RDFI to do this project to give them profitable livelihood.

Each of these chairs cost around P700.

By the end of March, the total expense for the 3,720 armchairs is around P2.6 million.

The funding for this program does not come from RDFI or Mayor Rivera alone; several businesses and institutions were also tapped to take part in this initiative.

The far-flung Upper Labay Elementary School is the first recipient of the “Edukasyon Mo, Kabuhayan Ko” this year. They received 128 armchairs Wednesday (February 4).  (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)