Madaris PTA officers swear in

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (20 May 2015) - During the Musabaqah Ammah (Islamic Intramurals) on May 18 in Barangay Ligaya, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera inducts the officers of Madaris Parents-Teachers Association (PTA). (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera supports Musabaqah Ammah

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (20  May 2015) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera extends his support to the Musabaqah Ammah (Islamic Intramurals) in Barangay Ligaya on May 18 by saying that the city government would give an annual budget to the event. He also said he was planning to include Musabaqah in the Gensan Summer Youth Festival. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera backs Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (13 November 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera expresses his support to the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) Program of the Department of Education and of the Muslim Community here in the city Wednesday, November 12, during the Kanduli (Thanksgiving) of ALIVE teachers and staff at the Sangguniang Panlungsod. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

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)

Officers of Indigenous People, Bangsamoro associations installed

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (16 July 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera inducts the new set of officers of the Indigenous People Association Movement (IPAM) and the Association of GSC Bangsamoro People Inc. (AGSCBPI) Tuesday, July 15, with the presence of the Joint Task Force Gensan, General Santos City Police Office, General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., City Councilor Rosalita Nuñez, ABC president Ruel Pacquiao and the Bangsamoro and IP community. (GENSAN CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Military, police and IP group sign MOA for development

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (16 July 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera facilitates the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Joint Task Force Gensan commanding officer Col. Rolando Bautista, PNP City Director PSSUPT Froilan Quidilla, and Indigenous People Association Movement  Tuesday, July 15, at Mindanao State University - College of Education Training Department. This MOA signifies the participation of the indigenous community in the development of Gensan specifically on peace and order efforts. (GENSAN CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

People see peace at last in Mindanao

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)

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)

Shining, Shimmering: General Santos on its diamond journey

By Michelle Ann Gonzales

Photos by Russel Delvo

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (14 March 2014) - “It is with the clearest knowledge and memory of our identity that we can forge unity among us. That we will know where we will embark our efforts to build a stronger community.”

These were the words of General Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera as he led the triumphant celebration of the multi-awarded Kalilangan Festival as part of its diamond (75th) founding anniversary.

This year’s festival theme, GenSan@75: Living the Culture, focused around the tri-people’s cultural heritage. It also honored the pioneers’ triumphs to form what would become a shining example of a city by the bay.

 The Grand Opening

The grand opening was headlined by a musical and dance extravaganza entitled “Kinang.”

The two hour non-stop cavalcade of songs and dances reflected the city’s journey from its humble beginnings towards its present standing as a highly urbanized city.

Spectacular play of lights and a tastefully done mix of indigenous and modern day music enticed residents and tourists. From shimmering rendition of diamond and silver visual effects, to nostalgic vignettes of historical video panorama and metaphoric dance drama, the production as a whole became a feast of sensory indulgence.

Directed by Edgar Cadiente, City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO) assistant department head, five acts reliving the seven decades of the city’s journey were showcased.

Authentic Filipino practices of pagsalubong or “welcoming” was staged including the indigenous people’s highland dances “lupang sagana” and Christian’s culture of piyesta and kundiman at harana.

The jovial cultural presentation that depicts pagsalubong segued to a re-enactment of the landing of General Paulino Santos to an upbeat marching transition.

General Santos was ordered by President Manuel Quezon to lead the first group of 200 migrants from Luzon and the Visayas to the primeval Lagao area of Mindanao in February 27, 1939.

Nostalgia filled the atmosphere after and further intensified by the reminiscing of people and the city’s history through a recorded video interview with the first settler’s kin shown on two panoramic screens, alternately played with a live serenade of classical ballads.

Among those interviewed was Leonie Natividad, 91 years old, who recounted how his father Don Paco told General Paulino Santos to dock at Buayan (now one of the barangays of GenSan) rather than in the shores of Davao because Buayan was still widely uninhabited then. The peaceful Muslim and Christian relationship was also mentioned by 91 year old Spanish-B’laan Mariana Olarte Lozano.

The dance and musical extravaganza moved from the more traditional and standard set of music into segmental jingles of 1940’s hit swing fever, Jailhouse Rock of Elvis Presley in 50s, the Beatles’ Love Me do in 60s, Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean in 70s and so on. This pace mirrored how the people of Dadiangas adapted and evolved through the course of time as indomitable people now continually bringing honor to the city.

The Leader's Plea 

Shortly after the presentation of city’s victories, 74 torches were lit and paraded on stage.

At this dramatic moment, Mayor Rivera began his message: “Revisiting the past would tell us that life had already flourished even before the arrival of General Santos in February 27, 1939. And we continue to thrive even after the establishment of the first settlement. Now, we become the product of a magnificent history that eventually gave us the name of General Santos City.”

With the inspiration and motivation brought by the city’s forefathers and ancestors and with the lessons learned from their history Mayor Rivera encouraged everyone through a challenge:

“To all resident of the city, be the eyes and ears of the government because you are the heart and soul of it.

To the local government unit and all public service, let us roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty as we work on the things that need to be fixed.

To the business sector, continue becoming our ally in accelerating economic growth in the city.

To the peace and order units operating in the city, give me peace and order solutions.”

The crowd was silent, attentive to the leader’s plea for a vibrant, peaceful and progressive General Santos. And with that, he declared the 25thKalilangan festivities open and lit the 75th torch signifying the 75th year of the city’s journey.

Living the Culture

To achieve the convergence amid cultural divergence, inclusive participation and synchronization were the strategies of Mindanao State University (MSU) in co-managing the Kalilangan for the fourth time.

It featured an assortment of sports tournaments, cultural shows and gatherings, historical photo exhibits, agricultural fairs and special interest events.

 The three day series of tri-people day was a major highlight among others. Tri-people communities (Moro, Christians and indigenous people) were given a day each to showcase their customs and traditions.

The Moro communities on February 24 organized an activity called Pakaradjan, a Maguindanaon term which means Moro gathering. They showcased their cultural games, dances and practices such as the kadsipa sa manguis, Kambuyang (fan dance), Kanduli Kadadatuan, Kulintangan, Sagayan Unta-Unta.

This whole day activity was attended by various Moro communities especially the Maguindanaons and other prominent Moro families. Moro delicacies were also shared to the Christians and Lumads bringing in a spirit of convergence. 

Meanwhile, on February 25 everyone joined the cheerful Piyestahan arranged by Christians. Various barangays and schools competed in lutong piyesta, laro ng lahi, gabi ng rondalya, katutubong sayawan, haranahan and baylehan.

Watching the haranahan with its folk strums Matud Nila (an old Visayan song) would indeed bring one back to the old days where villagers would gather at night and pamper their self in a splendid acoustic, sentimental evening.

On the next day, the indigenous people (IP) communities especially the Blaan tribe also exhibited their customs and traditions through an IP gathering called Kastifun which aimed to depict the significant contribution of the Blaan people, as one of the original and native settlers of the city.

Catching chicken or the damluanok, traditional eating (memu k’naan) and IP traditional attire parade (kalyak dad libonnalage) were the highlights of their activity.

Along with these, an agricultural fair was also held where it exhibited various bahay kubo or nipa huts.

It housed prime products of GenSan such as (bulad) dried fish, (bagoong) shrimp paste, and wide varieties of farm harvests.

Hopping around bahay kubo with the indigenous songs on the background would definitely give one a good Kalilangan experience. The carabao-drawn cart (karitela) was also an attraction as it was displayed and available for use.

The revival of karitela, bahay kubo, piyestahan, kastifun and pakaradjan brought colorful and cheerful precision of identity among Henerals.

Splendid Culmination

However, Kalilangan celebration would not be complete without the commemoration of the arrival of General Paulino Santos in 1939 along with the 67 settlers and his administrative staff via S.S. Basilan ship.

This historical event which happened 75 years ago was remembered through the traditional Parada ng lahi: Kadena de amor on an early Thursday morning of February 27. Sons and daughters of city pioneers led by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera and his wife Jane Rivera paraded from General Paulino Santo’s landing site down to the city’s oldest streets, Acharon Boulevard and Pioneer Avenue.

Dressed in cultural and ethnic attires, employees from department of education and General Santos local government unit portrayed the hospitality of the tri-people. A 21 gun salute was then executed to give honor to General Santos and his wife Elisa Angeles Santos.

“I really put high value on this event because it helps me cherish my origin and past,” says Zenaida Cabiguin Naguio, president of the Senior Citizens Association of General Santos City.

The tribute to Geneneral Paulino Santos’ arrival intensified before sundown as meaningful colors and beats dashed off the city’s urban roads with the (Kasadyagan sa Buyang) street-dancing competition. Participating contingents showcased a depiction of tri-people’s warm salubong or welcome to General Santos and a creative integration of Kambuyang or the iconic fan of Kalilangan that represents friendship and camaraderie. 

The sun rested with the loud ethnic beat in the air and people’s eyes consistently struck in awe of the majestic street dancing performances, all the urban bustles suddenly froze attending on this grandiose revelry.

Many realized that witnessing the 75th anniversary of their hometown was a privilege. Hence, numbers of people continuously troop down the Oval Grounds to join in the town’s merriment.

At the count of ten, a spectacular 20 minute dazzling fireworks punctuated the February 17 to 27 diamond founding anniversary festivities, leaving everyone a sense of completion of their identity as Henerals.

Seventy Five Years and On

Looking at seventy-five years of journey, General Santos City has truly come far. One could not help but simply be amazed at how this southern city evolved as indomitable, competitive home of the champions. 

Behind the success of many famous personalities, rapid rise of buildings, influx of people is perhaps the city’s modest, simplistic and flamboyant vibe.

In the challenges it overcame, resiliency and solidarity shined as innate strengths of Henerals.

Mayor Rivera said he wants to embark together with all the residents of the city towards creating a livable environment for all towards nation building.

 Rivera saw that General Paulino Santos’ vision successfully passed on from generation to generation, leaders to leaders. As it gears forward to another year, the mayor believes that the city must continuously press towards a direction that is clear to all.

A direction where everyone has a part in creating a prosperous city that will endure.

A direction where all those behind them would find and see that this decade made remarkable breakthroughs

Breakthroughs that are meaningful, fruitful, a shining and shimmering reminder to the future generation as to who we are, where we came from and how far we have gone together as a city. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Michelle Ann Gonzales)

Moro community stages Pakaradjan at Kalilangan venue

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (25 February 2014) – The city’s Moro community exhibits traditional games during the Pakaradjan (a Moro gathering) in line with the three-day series of tri-people cultural celebration of Kalilangan 2014. Prominent Maguindanaon, Maranao, Tausug and Sangil families participated in the activity at GenSan Oval Ground showcasing their different culture and traditions such as the Kanduli Kadadatuan, Kulintangan and Kambuyang. The activity was organized by the Office of Muslim Affairs, a division under the City Mayor’s Office. Pakaradjan envisions to promote the culture of Moro communities and strengthen the convergence of tri-people. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Allan Jay Resane)

GenSan celebrates 1st Grand Iftar

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (07 August 2013) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera joins the Muslim and Tri-people community of GenSan Friday, August 2,  in celebrating the 1st Grand Iftar in General Santos City. Rivera called for the preservation of cultural tradition and heritage. He was happy that the 1st Grand Iftar happened in his administration. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Russell Delvo)

City Hall execs join GenSan’s first Grand Iftar

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (07 August 2013) - In a show of solidarity with the local Muslim and tribal community, city executives led by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera joined in the first ever Grand Iftar organized by the Office of the City Mayor for Cultural Community Affairs (OCMCCA).

Iftar refers to the evening meal taken by Muslims when breaking their daily fast during the Islamic month of Ramadan.

“This is the first Grand Iftar in General Santos. During the previous years, Muslim communities use to celebrate Iftar privately in the Muslim homes,” according to Bai Janena Tito, OCMCCA consultant.

She added that the OCMCCA organized the Grand Iftar on Friday (August 2) to bring the local community together and celebrate to foster unity and peace.

The theme for the celebration is, “Peace through unity and reconciliation.”

In a speech, the mayor said “the challenge is to bring everybody in one direction and this is one way of earning the respect of our cultural and tribal leaders.”

He also thanked Muslim leaders present in the event saying that he counts himself lucky because the first Grand Iftar was celebrated under his administration.

“We can observe that most of the activities organized today are inspired by modernization. We want to change this and revitalize our cultural practices, thus we honour the significance of Iftar through this gathering and I am thankful that the first Grand Iftar was celebrated under my administration,” Rivera said.

Pastor Dionesio Talon of the B’laan Tribal Community also expressed his appreciation to the city for recognizing the indigenous tribes and inviting them in one of Islam’s significant celebrations.

With positive responses from the tri-people communities and especially among Muslim groups, the OCMCCA intends to institutionalize the Grand Iftar as a yearly gathering and as a regular part of the celebration of Ramadan in General Santos, according to Dr. Tito.

GenSan’s first Grand Iftar was organized with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), Mindanao State University (MSU) and also participated in by members of the International Monitoring Team (IMT). (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Michelle Ann Gonzales)

Mayor Rivera assures Muslim-IP role in governance

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (28 July 2013) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera attends the open forum for Muslim and Indigenous People (IP) Friday, July 26, at the Office of Muslim Affairs. Participants discussed issues about Muslim and IP participation in governance, involvement of Muslims and IPs in peace in order activities and the status of the Office of Cultural Affairs including the appointment of the head of the said office. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Russell Delvo)

Rivera supports Muslim-Indigenous People representation in SP

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (28 July 2013) - Mayor Ronnel Rivera has assured the Muslim and Indigenous People (IP) in the city that they have his full support in their aim to install an IP representative in the local Sangguniang Panlungsod as mandated by law.

In a forum on “Muslim and Tri-People Situation in General Santos City” Friday (July 26), the mayor bared that plans are already being laid out to reserve one seat in the city council to represent the members of the Muslims and IPs.

Rivera said the selection of the representative will be based on the approval and recommendation of the parties concerned.

 “The representative for the indigenous community will not be endorsed by the ELA or by the SP, but rather it will come from your collective recommendation,” Rivera added.

According to the mayor, the issue was already discussed during the preliminary meetings of the local government with regards to the crafting of the Executive, Legislative Agenda (ELA) of the city.

A measure was passed in the last Sangguniang Panlungsod that would have installed a member of the IP as one of the representatives in the City Council but the proposed ordinance was struck down by the ruling majority.

Mayor Rivera pointed out he will incorporate the culture and ideals for the community peace-building process as proposed by the local Muslim and tribal leaders; and is actually planning to create offices for both Muslim and IP groups in the city to ensure that there will be proper treatment for each sector.

In the forum, Rivera also addressed concerns regarding health and education for the ethnic groups.

The forum was also participated in by various ethnic groups in Gensan such as Blaans , Maranaos, Maguindanaons, Tausugs and Tbolis.

The forum was organized by Atty. Isnira Baginda and Abdul Mutalib Esmael together with the other Muslim and IP representatives. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Ian John Lagare)