Mayor Rivera solemnizes vows in mass wedding

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (15 April 2015) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera solemnized the wedding vows of five couples in a mass wedding held at the City Mayor’s Office conference room on April 10.

The mayor was delighted at what can be described as the most racially diverse mass wedding that he has ever officiated yet.

“This just goes to show that love knows no racial boundaries; lahat tayo basta nagkaka-intindihan pwedeng magmahalan,” Mayor Rivera said.

Woosik Shin, 40 years old from Korea was among the couples, giddy with excitement as he held his newly wedded wife Efrelita Espadilla’s hand.

Twenty-two year old Sebastian Geyer, originally from Germany, was also wed to his Filipina bride Regine Canton. The two said they met through social media and decided to tie the knot two years into their relationship.

The other Filipino couples were Alver Baldiviso and Rachel Ana Aguillas; Rameses Borres and Junabeth Sangil; and Kent Anating who wed Sheena Marie Ablay.

Most of the couples are already in long standing relationships but lacked the opportunity to get married.

Before the civil wedding, the couples were asked to undergo marriage counseling at the City Population Management Office. The foreigner and Filipino couples were also asked to attend a special counseling.

Hot Jersey, a relationship counselor and TV host for Brigada News, a local television channel in the city, also advised the grooms that “they must not lie, they must not cheat and must not heat; if they will heat, it should be to warm the wife’s heart and if they cheat it should be to cheat her away from life’s bitter moments and if a husband must lie it must be in bed with their wife.” (Gensan CPIO/Gilli Himbing)

Pioneer settlers acknowledged in Kalilangan 2015

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (28 February 2015) - History in Gensan, unlike any other city in the Philippines, has been formed through the courage of its pioneers.

Kalilangan 2015, with its theme “Kalilangan: Ano Ang K Mo?”, reached back to the origins of the city through the help of the scions of Gensan’s pioneers.

These pioneers were headed by General Paulino Santos who arrived in these shores on February 27, 1939 through the boat M.V. Basilan. The National Land Settlement Administration was the mandate that made these pioneers from the northern region of the archipelago to settle in Mindanao.

These forerunners are long gone by now. However, their descendants are still alive and are very active in every activity the city has—especially those who are akin to culture and history.

Collectively known as the “Sons and Daughters of General Santos Pioneers”, they are the remnants—mostly grandchildren—of the first to settle here in Gensan.

This Kalilangan 2015, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera put them into the spotlight as well as let them organize a couple of activities that would help weave and piece back the past and its connection to the present.

Among these are the painting exhibit inside the City Hall by Amado Munda (grandson of Gen. Paulino Santos), the photo exhibit in the ground floor of KCC Veranza, and the Parada ng Lahi on February 27.

“We have to pay our respects to our forefathers and those who came before us. They gave birth to Gensan and cultivated it soils and we are really thankful for that,” Mayor Rivera said.

He also recognized the importance of these pioneers through inducting the set of officers of the Sons and Daughters of General Santos Pioneers at KCC Veranza on Febrary 24.

The chosen president is William Benigno Aquino.

In their ingenuity and care for the history of the city, members of the group have consolidated their resources and wrote a book entitled “General Paulino Santos: His Journey To History”.

Copies of the book have already been handed to Department of Education General Santos City and to be distributed to the different schools of the city.

As for the mayor, this initiative is already a big help for educating the children of the city.

“We need to teach our children our history so that they won’t lose track on the history of our city,” the mayor explained. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

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)

Gensan celebrates Sto. Niño patronal fiesta

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (16 January 2015) – At least 200 fishing vessels sailed the waters of Sarangani Bay to join the fluvial procession for the Feast of Sto. Niño Thursday (January 15).

The Feast of Sto. Niño is one of the most awaited festivals here in General Santos City.

It is a celebration centered in Barangay Bula as a way of giving thanks to the patron saint for the bountiful catch of fishing firms that have flourished in the city.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera was present to show support for the festival and explained why it is a very significant event.

“Gensan is a city made and built by fishing. A huge portion of our economy is sustained and developed by our fishing industry for decades already. It is a good thing that we celebrate… and we give thanks,” Mayor Rivera said.

In line with that, the SOCKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries has already stated that they support Mayor Rivera in strengthening the fishing industry of the city.

“We may not expect a huge rise in the industry anymore but we do not expect also a big fall. The fishing industry will remain stable for the years to come,” the mayor said.

The fluvial parade is one of the most anticipated events of the festival. It features Bula’s fishing vessels sailing from the shore of Gensan at Queen Tuna Park towards Sarangani Bay and then back while carrying the statue of Sto. Niño.

A fishing boat from the RLG Fishing Company carried the Sto Niño statue and led the fluvial parade which started at around 6:30am and came back to shore at around 8:30am.

Later the Sto. Niño was handed to an amphibian vessel owned by Domeng Congson to be transported to Barangay Bula. This part of the festival is locally known as the “Salubong”.

Devotees rushed towards the amphibian vessel as it reached the shoreline in attempt to get a flower from its decorated bow. The faithful believed that the flower will bring blessing and abundance for an entire year.

Some devotees have also brought their own Sto. Niño statues to partake in the celebration.

More or less 2,000 people were present during the fluvial parade.

Aside from the parade, the Isda-Isdaan Festival is also integrated in the Patronal Feast of Barangay Bula giving more color and flavor to the activity.

It was anticipated that thousands of people from other barangays of Gensan were coming to Bula for the celebration.

The Joint Task Force Gensan and Philippine National Police deployed additional personnel in the area to beef up security throughout the duration of the festival.  (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

Fluvial parade for Sto. Nino

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (16 January 2015) - The amphibian boat (center) carrying the statue of Sto. Nino heads towards the shoreline of Queen Tuna Park after the fluvial parade for the patronal festival of Barangay Bula Thursday, January 15. The Sto. Nino was then brought back to the Bula Parish Church through a foot procession. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Fisherfolk, coastal villagers mark Sto. Nino fiesta

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (16 January 2015) - At least 200 colorful and decorated fishing vessels participate in the fluvial procession at Sarangani Bay for the annual Sto. Nino patronal festival of Barangay Bula Thursday, January 15. City Mayor Ronnel Rivera has expressed his support for the festivity, emphasizing the role of fishing industry in the economy of Gensan. (Cocoy Sexcion for Gensan CPIO)

1st Pyrotechnic Competition brightens the Christmas season of Gensan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (27 December 2014) – The 1st "Paskuhan sa Gensan” Pyrotechnic Competition finally came to a close, and spectators are left with higher expectations for next year.

Six contestants from different parts of the country painted the skies of Gensan with beautiful lights and colors for three straight nights on December 21-23.

The performers came from Manila, Dumaguete, Tacurong, North Cotabato, and Gensan.

Two contingents performed every night.

People flocked inside the Oval Plaza during the competition to witness the fireworks launched from the adjacent Mindanao State University High School campus.

Some towering structures around the MSU such as the Florotel Hotel and Sydney Hotel provided the best viewing spots not only for spectators but also for photographers as well.

The competition attracted visitors from nearby areas such as Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Sarangani Province.

The pyrotechnics were judged according to the volume of launched fireworks, luminosity and brightness, creative transition, and the overall composition of the display.

In the end, a team from Manila bagged the first prize (P80,000), while pyrotechnic artists from Matalam, North Cotabato (P60,000) and Gensan (40,000) got the second and third place, respectively.

Non-winners got P20,000 as consolation prize.

Jane Gollon-Rivera, Gensan Tourism Council chairperson and the organizer of the pyrotechnic competition, said they will make the competition bigger and brighter next year.

“As we see it, a lot of people were very happy to witness a fireworks competition in the city. It is the first time for something grand to happen here in Gensan and we vow that we will make it a regular event every Paskuhan sa Gensan,” Rivera said. (Gensan CPIO/Ian John M. Lagare)

Paskuhan sa Gensan bursts into climax

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (24 December 2014) - The grandest fireworks display takes place on the culmination night of Paskuhan sa Gensan 2014 Wednesday, December 24. The fireworks exhibition painted the sky with vibrant hue that lasted for about 15 minutes. It was a fitting climax to the December 21-23 First Pyrotechnics Competition in Mindanao hosted by Gensan Tourism Council. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Paskuhan sa Gensan’s first fireworks fest paints beautiful sky

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (24 December 2014) - The last day of Gensan's First Pyrotechnic Competition Tuesday, December 23, is indeed bright and beautiful as successive luminous fireworks delighted spectators at the Oval Plaza. The winners of the competition will be announced on the culmination night of Paskuhan sa Gensan 2014 on Wednesday, December 24. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Fireworks over “Frozen” Plaza Heneral Santos

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (23 December 2014) - Bursts of fireworks provide the perfect accent for the "Frozen"-themed Plaza Heneral Santos on the second night of the 1st Gensan Pyrotechnic Competition Monday, December 22. The competition which ends tonight is part of the Paskuhan sa Gensan highlights.( Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo )

Gensan launches 1st Pyrotechnic Competition

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (23 December 2014) – Residents of the city were awed by the back-to-back fireworks display during the first night of Gensan’s 1st Pyrotechnic Competition Sunday, December 22.

The first two contingents, RB Fireworks (Tacurong) and Diamond Fireworks (Manila), lit up the skies with their respective fireworks show. The groups owned the blank canvas of the Gensan night sky for approximately three minutes each.

The competition is organized by the Gensan Tourism Council (GTC) as one of the major events of the Paskuhan sa Gensan 2014.

Four more competitors from different parts of the country are making the skies of Gensan brighter and livelier for the succeeding nights of December 22 and 23. Two contingents perform each night at 9pm.

The event is best seen at the Oval Plaza as the fireworks are launched from inside the Mindanao State University High school campus. Exciting elevated views can also be offered by the towering structures near the event area such as Florotel Hotel and Sydney Hotel.

Criteria for judging are the over-all composition of the display, the quantity of materials used, the brightness and distinctiveness, effects, and the diversity of the transitional launching.

The winner bags the P80,000 grand prize while the second and third placers will get P60,000 and P40,000, respectively.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, who was present in the event, expressed his amazement for the fireworks exhibit.

“It was really a breath-taking display of fireworks mastery,” Mayor Rivera said.

The mayor also invited the public to witness the fireworks competition as it is a different Christmas experience for everyone and an amazing first for the Paskuhan sa Gensan. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

Paskuhan sa Gensan opens

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (13 December 2014) - The spirit of Christmas is in the air as Paskuhan sa Gensan opens with a grand fireworks display Friday, December 12, at the Oval Plaza. (Photo courtesy of COCOY SEXCION for Gensan CPIO)

Paskuhan sa Gensan presents Lantern Parade

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (12 December 2014) – The Lantern Parade is one of the highlights of the Paskuhan sa Gensan with the theme "Pasko ng Pamilyang Heneral, Pasko ng Pasasalamat", participated in by different barangays and sectors of Gensan. The Lantern Parade is composed of the open category and barangay category with P30,000 for the 1st prize, P20,000 for 2nd prize and P10,000 for 3rd prize in both categories. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

All set for Paskuhan sa Gensan

By IAN JOHN M. LAGARE

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (5 December 2014) - This year’s Christmas celebration will be certainly jovial, thanks to the series of activities the local government unit of General Santos City has prepared for its constituents.

On top of the list is the annual Paskuhan sa Gensan, one of the four celebrated festivities in the city aside from the Kalilangan (February), Tuna Festival (September), and Yaman Gensan (July).

This year’s Paskuhan sa Gensan, themed as “Pasko ng Pamilyang Heneral, Pasko ng Pasasalamat”, is a festivity that features the traditional celebration of Christmas here in the city, as well in the entire country.

Some of the events to highlight Paskuhan sa Gensan are the Lantern Parade, Movies at the Park, and the much-anticipated Pyrotechnic Competition.

The Pyrotechnic Competition is open to any participant; contenders from different areas in the country were invited to join. During the Paskuhan sa Gensan press conference on December 1 at Sun City Suites, Philip Pabelic, assistant chair of the Gensan Tourism Council (GTC), disclosed that Bulacan has already signified its interest to participate in the contest.

The prizes are P80,000 (1st), P60,000 (2nd), and P30,000 (3rd). Consolation prizes will also be given.

The 2nd Manny Pacquiao Cup International Open Billiard Competition will also take place during the Paskuhan sa Gensan, on December 8-17 at SM City Gensan.

Some activities will start before December 12, such as the opening of Light-a-Tree at DepEd Christmas Alley, Krismas Karnabal and the Movies at the Park.

City Mayor Ronnel Rivera has already approved the P2.5 million budget for the entire Paskuhan sa Gensan which will officially start on December 12 and will end on December 24.

The festivity is organized by the Gensan Tourism Council headed by Jane Gollon-Rivera and in partnership with the Department of Education.

“We may not make it grand but I can assure the people of the city that the Paskuhan sa Gensan will be as meaningful as possible. I hope that through this, we can be much closer to our families and have a thankful heart for all the blessings we received this year,” Mayor Rivera said.

On the other hand, the Joint Task Force Gensan and the local Philippine National Police have already their security plans laid out during the duration of the festivity.

Heightened security, installation of checkpoints, and deployment of more security personnel in the activity areas are to be expected.

The “No backpack policy” in event areas will be implemented.

Meanwhile, City Hall has also set its own activities for this Christmas as ordered by Mayor Rivera. Some of the activities are the Magic Table, Christmas caroling, gift giving, and the Charity sa City Hall.

The Magic Table is a table located in the City Hall lobby where free food and drinks are being served to the LGU's clients. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

Gensan marks IP Day

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (4 November 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera joins the indigenous people (IP) and Muslim community in celebrating the 5th IP Day on October 29 at Oval Gymnasium. He specified that the IPs have crucial role in the economic development of the city, as well as on preserving and protecting the environment. (Gensan CPIO/Allan Jay Resane)

Sultanate of Maguindanao names city mayor Datu-A-Wariz

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (4 November 2014) - The Sultanate of Maguindanao Sultan Abdulaziz Salem Mastura V appoints City Mayor Ronnel Rivera as the honorary "Datu-A-Wariz" (governor) of General Santos City during the enthronement of Abdulhamid Inknong as the Rajamuda of Sugoda Buayan on October 30 at Phela Grande Convention. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Mass wedding in Bawing

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (11 April 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera officiates the wedding of 24 couples from Barangay Bawing Thursday, April 10. Before their marriages were solemnized, Mayor Rivera informed the couples that the civil wedding will legalize them in the eyes of the law, thus qualifying them to avail of government services for the family. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Twenty-four couples say "I do"

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (11 April 2014) – Grooms kiss their brides after their mass wedding in Barangay Bawing officiated by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera Thursday, April 10. Mayor Rivera told the couples that the civil wedding will legalize them in the eyes of the law, thus qualifying them to avail of government services for the family. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Multi-sectoral stakeholders celebrate CAB signing

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (01 April 2014) - To celebrate the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on Thursday, March 27, different stakeholders in the city simultaneously release doves that signify the start for a lasting peace in Mindanao. Some of these stakeholders are Col. Paterno Morales, 1002nd Infantry Brigade commander (extreme right); PSSUPT Manolito Labador, Deputy Regional Director for Administration (3rd from right); Atty. Abdurrahman Canacan, Mindanao State University-General Santos City chancellor (4th from right); Fr. Angelo Buenavidez, SOCSKSARGEN Peace Network convenor (6th from right); Col. Rolando Joselito Bautista, JTF GenSan Commander (8th from right); and Janena Tito, Indigenous Community and Cultural Affairs Division consultant (10th from right). (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

GenSan residents gather for CAB signing

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (01 April 2014) - After four decades of conflict in Mindanao, people in GenSan can now see a glimmer of peace thru the signing Thursday, March 27, of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)