GTC helps Brigada Eskwela

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (27 May 2015) - The Gensan Tourism Council (GTC) led by Gensan first lady Jane Gollon Rivera (right) delivers paint and other materials to Saludin Anas Elementary School in Barangay Labangal as part of their participation in the Department of Education's Brigada Eskwela. GTC personnel also helped in painting the classrooms of the school and repaired some of its broken fences. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

City govt, mountaineers clean Sanchez Peak

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (11 May 2015) – The highest peak of Gensan is now clean. 

On May 8 and  9, personnel from the city government and several mountaineering clubs did a thorough cleaning of Sanchez Peak and its surroundings. 

Located within the boundaries of barangays Conel and Olympog, Sanchez Peak is the city’s highest point at about 800 meters above sea level. It is a famous climbing destination due to its breath-taking views of Gensan, Sarangani Bay, and Mt. Matutum. 

Reports of irresponsible climbing to the peak have been going viral lately in Facebook showing garbage and thrash scattered in the area.

This is the reason why City Mayor Ronnel Rivera tasked the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office, and Human Resource Management and Development Office to spearhead a massive clean-up drive at Sanchez Peak that coincided on the 2nd National Mountain Clean-Up Day.

Mayor Rivera invited mountaineering clubs and environment advocates to join the clean-up drive.

Some of these organizations are the Calumpang Youth for Environment (CALYE), Sarangani Bay Youth Action Network, Wasalak Mountaineering Club, and Baktas MSU.

Faculty from Mindanao State University – General Santos City also took part in the cleaning of Sanchez Peak. 

Around 200 participants joined the clean-up drive. 

Mytoni Dalid, a member of CALYE, said that he is happy that the city government took the initiative to clean Sanchez Peak. 

“Even though it was very rainy, it didn’t deter us from cleaning the peak. We just ignored the bad weather and just pursued picking garbage so that we can see so that we can restore this mountain,” Dalid said. 

On the other hand, Mayor Rivera has already asked the Sangguniang Panlungsod to pass an ordinance that will protect and promote Sanchez Peak as Gensan’s eco-tourist spot. Once implemented, the local government can sanction and penalize anyone who is caught throwing garbage at Sanchez Peak.

“We want to make our environment here in Gensan to be clean and protected. I am asking everyone that we should be responsible and do not litter carelessly,” Mayor Rivera said. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John Lagare)

City govt, mountaineers to preserve Sanchez Peak

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (5 May 2015) – The city government has teamed up with different mountaineering clubs to protect one of the city’s popular eco-tourist spots.

On April 30, the City Mayor’s Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office, Human Resource Management and Development Office, and Gensan Tourism Council met mountaineering organizations in the city and discussed how they can partner to preserve Sanchez Peak.

Sanchez Peak is located in the boundary of Barangay Olympog and Barangay Conel. It is a popular tourist climbing and trekking destination in Gensan.

It is 800 meters above sea level and dubbed as Gensan’s highest peak as it offers a scenic view of the city, Sarangani Bay and Mt. Matutum.

Its popularity has been gaining momentum, attracting many local and foreign tourists.

Sanchez Peak has also been featured in national dailies such as the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Sunstar.

Along with Sanchez Peak’s fame, cases of littering and disruption of the flora and fauna of Sanchez Peak have been steadily rising though.

The meeting was originally set by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera to find immediate sustainable solutions to the problem, with help from mountaineers who regularly climb the area.

Out of their consensus, they agreed to do a thorough clean-up drive of Sanchez Peak on May 8 and 9. This activity coincides with the 2nd National Mountain Clean-Up Day.

Aside from that, the mountaineering groups were also consulted regarding an executive order that is already being drafted for stricter policies for the protection, conservation, and promotion of Sanchez Peak.

The local government is also planning to institutionalize partnership with the mountaineering groups and include them in the technical working group that will manage Sanchez Peak. (Gensan CPIO/Sharmagne Villacastin and Ian John Lagare)

Sanchez Peak: Gensan’s highest spot

By Ian John M. Lagare

Photos by Cocoy Sexcion for Gensan CPIO

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (27 February 2015) - Gensan has been growing progressively with new businesses that are giving economic drive for the city.

The “Tuna Capital of the Philippines” has become a magnet for many people, investments, and opportunities.

These changes are rebranding General Santos into a highly-urbanized city. Because of the fast and constant progress, reaching that stage is inevitable.

Being the beacon for investment and the hub for products and services coming from the entire Region 12, Gensan’s current state is perfect for these opportunities. 

Despite all of these, Gensan has never lost its taste for tourism and adventure. In fact, some of the best trail and climbs can be found in the city or its vicinities. Don’t be a stranger. Explore General Santos City.Start with Sanchez Peak, the highest point in the city. Rising about 800 feet above sea level, the Sanchez Peak offers a lofty and relaxing view of Gensan without even leaving the city.

Sanchez Peak offers 360 degrees view of some diverse natural attractions that are surrounding Gensan. You have an unobstructed view of Mt. Matutum, Mt. Parker, Sarangani Bay, and some lower mountain ridges that surround General Santos City.  Municipalities of Alabel, Malapatan, and the town of Polomolok are also visible up here. 

Sanchez Peak is located within the boundaries of Conel and Olympog, one of the few rural barangays in Gensan whose economy is primarily farming and other agricultural works. Residents here are very cordial and friendly; they will greet you with their signature, genuine Filipino smiles if ever you cross paths with them.

There are two trails going up to Sanchez Peak: One is in Purok Balakayo in Barangay Conel and the other one—almost adjacent to the former—is the Purok Balsinang in Barangay Olympog.

For starters, mountaineering experts would often suggest the Balsinang route. Even the pass’ terrain is steep, rocky, and ascending. The Balsinang entry is favorable because it has huge trees to shade you from the heat of the sun.

Although not passable by any type of vehicle, the said route offers a good view of Gensan and nearby areas while trekking it. Beginners are also recommended to take Balsinang to practice their strength and stamina.

Although the Balakayo route is passable by motorcycles or “habal-habal”, it is an open canopy area. That means that the pass has almost no trees to shield you from the sun.  

Another uncommon route to Sanchez Peak can be found in nearby Polomolok, which is behind the Olympog-Conel Mountain Ranges.Experienced mountaineers can traverse the Balsinang Route towards Sanchez Peak in less than an hour. But if you are climbing the peak for relaxation and leisure, you can pound the trail at your own pace.

Take a rest under the tall coconut trees, drop your bags, and savor the cool, breezy air the place has to offer.

Of course, you have to travel equipped with necessary mountaineering gears: tents, trekking apparels, water and liquid dehydrators, and food.

The secret to Sanchez Peak’s serenity and peace is found in the idea that it is considered a hermit’s place -a beautiful place devoid of the most common of amenities but where nature and man can come to silently meet and reorient themselves with one another.

The most suitable time to ascend is early morning, around 6-7am and mid-afternoon, 3-4pm, when there is a lesser battle with the scorching heat.

When you reach the top, everything is silent except for the strong gushes of the wind.

Why fly to Tagaytay or Baguio if you want to experience windy zephyrs and cool breezes? Sanchez Peak can offer that at a minimal expense. 

When you want a heavy meal, you can have an order of a whole native chicken—cooked whatever way you want—for only P250/kilo care off Manong Jun and Mising Sanchez - owners of Sanchez Peak.  

If you think you’re an experienced chef and confident in your cooking skills, you can buy the whole chicken at P180 per kilo.

Manong Jun and Manang Mising also own a small, stand-alone store in Sanchez Peak where you can buy snacks and food. Eating while bonding with friends and families is the perfect way to pass a day here in Sanchez Peak. Holding a cup of coffee while enjoying the grandeur of nature is the perfect way to expunge all your stress and travails. 

Getting along with other hikers is also a nice thing to do. Up here, every individual has no trace of nuances.

And in the stark height of Sanchez Peak, one of the best delights you can have is witnessing the gradual glowing of the city lights as the night takes over.

The streetlights shine like a million stars that illuminate the city of Gensan. A romantic, gleaming testament that Gensan —throughout the years – has changed and improved.

Leana Margarita Nitafan Diaz, a regular trekker of Sanchez Peak, brought her friends to hike with her.

“It was a really nice experience to hike here. Even if it is just my fourth time here, everything seems new,” Diaz said. 

“I brought my friends here so that they can experience Sanchez Peak. I want to show them that  the adage ‘no pain, no glory’ is true,” Diaz said. 

For her friends, going to Sanchez Peak have given them the chance of tasting the best native chicken delicacies. For other hikers, it means quenching their thirst with the coldest and “most delicious” water they have ever tasted. 

In the opinion of Manong Jun and Manang Mising, going to Sanchez Peak is the perfect thrill and adventure for city folk who love nature. 

“Many hikers are going here just to seek nature adventure. During holidays, summer breaks, and vacation, a quite number of people are going here for short excursion and voyage,” Manong Jun said.

“In peak days, the number of hikers staying overnight here could reach 250-300,” he added. 

Manong Jun and Manang Mising oversee the maintenance and cleanliness of Sanchez Peak. Not business-minded in nature, they just want to take care of their precious property. They are also encouraging visitors to help them take care of the trails and the area. As they say in the mountaineering and trekking lingo, “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints and bring home nothing but memories.”

“Sanchez Peak is a land given by the native Blaans here to my father. It is a proof of their camaraderie and friendship,” Manong Jun said. 

Celebrations like Kalilangan can highlight Sanchez Peak as a piece of culture and history. Bonds and friendship between the Christians and Blaans were formed here.  

“Now, we are trying to preserve the neatness of the place; we always check the surroundings to pick dirt and garbage,” Jun followed. 

“We are also seeking the help of the local government unit of General Santos City for the maintenance of Sanchez Peak.“Of course, this (Sanchez) peak is the only treasure we can hand down to our children,” Manong Jun stated. City Mayor Ronnel Rivera has already expressed his support in promoting Sanchez Peak as a tourist destination.

“Not all urbanized cities have this kind of landmark. Sanchez Peak is unique because the adventure and the nature that some people are just inside the city. In some other places, you have to go outside the city and spend more money just to experience an adventure like Sanchez Peak,” Mayor Rivera said.

“This is the reason why we are trying to preserve the environment of and around the Sanchez Peak with the help of CENRO and Waste Management Office,” he added. 

Currently, boosting Sanchez Peak’s image to become a prime tourist destination is not being taken for granted. And as for every General or residents of Gensan: don’t be strangers in your land. Don’t leave and explore other places without even visiting the bounties teeming in Gensan. 

Visit Sanchez Peak, Gensan’s highest spot. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

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)

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)

Buhay Rizal advocates honor national hero

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (8 December 2014) - (From left) Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC) lawyer Jessie Gimenez, National Artist for Literature Dr. Vergilio Almario, Gensan Tourism Council chairperson Jane Gollon-Rivera, and YGC Corporate Services EVP and COO Liwayway Gener lead the wreath-laying ceremony for the newly renovated Jose Rizal Monument at the City Plaza Friday, December 5. The activity is a part of the YGC's "Buhay Rizal" advocacy which aims to inculcate the good values and heroic teachings of our national hero, Jose Rizal. This advocacy is supported by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Carnival at the Oval

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (8 December 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera, together with Ms. Jane Gollon-Rivera, Gensan Tourism Council chair, and other city executives can't hide the enjoyment while riding the carousel inside the Oval Plaza Carnival Friday, December 5. The Carnival, along with the Flea Market and other recreational amenities, are available throughout the duration of the Paskuhan sa Gensan 2014 which will start on December 12. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo

Tiger Airways now flies Manila-Gensan route

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (03December 2014) - Tiger Airways now flies to General Santos City as (from left) Dante Fernandez, Gensan airport supervisor; Atty Paolo Acharon; Atty Leilani de Leon, chief legal affairs officer of Tiger Airways; Vice Mayor Shirlyn Banas-Nograles; and Nelly Nita Dellira, Department of Tourism Region 12 director cut the ceremonial ribbon for the airline on November 28 at General Santos City Airport. Tiger Airways will depart Manila at 12:30pm every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday and will arrive in Gensan at 2:20pm. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Gensan serves tourists’ needs

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (05 October 2014) - During the culmination of the World Tourism Day celebration of the city on Friday, October 3, City Mayor Ronnel Rivera conveys the importance of Gensan as the gateway of Region 12's major tourism sites such as Sarangani and South Cotabato. He also said the city has adequate support facilities that will cater to tourists’ needs like hotels and malls. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Gensan launches investment and tourism TV ad

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (29 September 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera joins the launching of General Santos City Investment and Tourism TV Commercial and at the same time Gensan Tourism Pageant night held at SM Fountain Court on September 27. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Kalilangan finally a Hall of Famer

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (28 September 2014) – Gensan’s Kalilangan once again elevated its prestige as the Department of Tourism–Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (DOT-ATOP) inducted it into the Hall of Fame as “Best Festival, City Level, Culture and Arts Category”.

In the 15th ATOP National Convention on October 4-5 in Bacolod City, local government officials of General Santos were invited by the DOT to receive the Hall of Famer award.

Committee on Tourism chair Councilor Shandee Llido Pestaño, Councilor Ramon Melliza and newly-appointed Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO) head Leah Tolimao were delegated by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera to receive the award by DOT-ATOP.

Since 2011 up to 2014, the Kalilangan has been consecutively chosen by the DOT as the Best Festival at the City Level in the Culture and Arts Category competition.

Aside from that, Cora Tito of the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO) was also chosen finalist of the “Best Tourism Officer of the Philippines 2014.”

Kalilangan, which means festival, is the main festival General Santos City celebrates every February. This is a standout aside from the Tuna Festival – celebrated on September - and Pasko sa Gensan.

Kalilangan showcases the cultural heritage of the city while giving importance to the preserved traditions of indigenous pioneers of Gensan, namely the Blaan and Maguindanaon.

For four years, the Mindanao State University – General Santos City (MSU-GSC), in partnership with City Hall has been spearheading the festival, adding more culturally-significant events year by year.

Mayor Rivera expressed his delight for the recognition given to Kalilangan and to the institutions that backed the festivity.

“I am happy that our festival has been recognized nationwide. This means that we are doing great in highlighting what Gensan has to offer to tourists and prospect investors,” the mayor said.

“I will personally talk to Councilor Pestaño to see if there is a need to increase the budget for the Kalilangan 2015. If it is necessary, then I will not think twice. I will support it,” he added.

In Kalilangan 2015, the MSU-GSC will withdraw itself as the main organizer of the said festivity, primarily because the academic institution will focus on improving its educational system and projects.

Alma Aguja, one of the organizers coming from MSU-GSC, has expressed her satisfaction for the years that they have handled Kalilangan.

“It was really a pleasant experience to handle Kalilangan. It was really great to work with great people in making a great festival. I think it is time for us to rest for a while and give chance to other bodies who want to hold the festival,” Aguja said. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

Gensan’s hotels, inns, fully booked

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (15 September 2014)  – Gensan Tourism Council Officer and Gensan Hoteliers Association president Philip Pabelic has confirmed that all hotels and inns in the city were fully booked since two weeks ago, thanks to the big events that were taking place in the city in the month of September.

Pabelic declared that in the first week of September, Gensan has been flocked by visitors and tourists from around the country and the world as well.

He said that this was due to the successive grand and highly significant events that were held in the city starting September 1.

These events included the 23rd Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon), 16th Tuna Congress, and the 16th Tuna Festival.

Pabelic explained that the importance of these events have certainly peaked the flow of incoming visitors in the city. 

The 23rd MinBizCon highlighted one of the crucial issues the nation is facing today, the ASEAN Integration 2015, while the 16th Tuna Congress delved on the different accomplishments and the current challenges faced by the tuna industry and fishing industry as a whole.

On the lighter side, the 16th Tuna Festival, as City Mayor Ronnel Rivera described during an interview after the opening of the celebration on September 5, has been so “successful” in drawing many people to witness it. 

Pabelic also said that the influx of visitors is a proof that Gensan can already accommodate hundreds up to thousands of people with the rise of new hotels and inns.

As of now, Gensan has 26 hotels and 35 pension houses. 

With the increase in the number of visitors, Mayor Rivera has already tasked the PNP and the Joint Task Force (JTF) Gensan to beef up the security in the entire city. This includes the augmentation of additional checkpoints, police visibility, and force multipliers.

The implementation of “gun-free zone” and “no-back-pack” policy took effect in the Oval Plaza where most of the Tuna Festival booths and activities were held. 

The National Convention of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) will also be held in the city this coming September 24-25. This event is expected to have more than one thousand delegates. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)

Invest more in GenSan - Jane

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (04 April 2014) - The 5th Livestock and Suppliers Night, part of the 23rd Annual Hog Convention of the Philippines Wednesday, April 2, highlights GenSan First Lady and Tourism Council Chair Jane-Gollon Rivera inviting the entire hog industry to invest more in General Santos City. Rivera said that GenSan has "came a long way" in growing itself as a booming city in the South that is why the city is capable of catering to any agri-industrial business that would come here. She also assured them that City Mayor Ronnel Rivera is working hard to create a healthy business atmosphere in GenSan. (GENSAN CPIO/Russell Delvo)

Mayor Rivera launches Gensan Summerfest

By Ian John M. Lagare

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (01 April 2014) – City Mayor Ronnel Rivera launched the first Gensan Summerfest on Monday (March 31) at Robinsons Place.

“Gensan Summerfest: The First Youth Festival” was devised by Mayor Rivera to improve the erstwhile annual Summerkadahan.

“Summerkadahan is very lacking as a youth activity because it only highlights basketball and volleyball tournaments,” Rivera said.

“Now is the time to change it so that we can involve more of our youth sector in our activities,” he added.

According to the Youth Affairs Division Office (YADO), the Gensan Summerfest is envisioned by the local government and Mayor Rivera to help the youth of the city be socially active, productive and become partners in development.

It is in keeping up with the mayor’s banner program “CLEAN GenSan” (Creating a Livable Environment towards All Generals towards Nation-building).

The GenSan Tourism Council (GTC) headed by first lady Jane Gollon - Rivera will lead the event.

Marjorie Cartojano, GTC member, said that “to sell the city as one of the premier cities in the Philippines, the participation of the youth is critical.”

She emphasized that the activities integrated in the Gensan Summerfest can help boost tourism in the city, as the youth can show why GenSan is an interesting place to visit.

Gensan Summerfest is a one and half months-long activity starting this April up to May.  It will involve youth participants of 13-22 years old. It has an allocated budget of P1.6 million.

According to Lady Manalo of YADO, they have already included various sport activities in Gensan Summersfest such as volleyball, beach volleyball, boxing, lawn tennis, checkers or “dama” and chess; softball, baseball, sepak takraw and football.

The games have three categories: Inter-Barangay, Inter-School and Open category.

 “The Youth in Performing Arts”, a four-events competition that will be held on May 11 at SM Gensan, were added in the line of activities to elevate the field of performing arts as one of the areas in which the youth of General Santos can perform.

Performing arts events are cheer dance, hip-hop dance, beatboxing, and freestyle rap.

Two big symposiums, namely “Youth Conference” and “Youth Coverage” will also take place on April 7 and April 9, respectively. These symposiums are a strategic opportunity to inculcate to the youth about their significance in gearing the city towards development.

The two events are expected to attract more than 3,000 youths from the city. (GENSAN CPIO/Ian John M. Lagare)

Mayor Rivera opens Gensan Summerfest

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (01 April 2014) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera leads the city government and GenSan Tourism Council in launching the first Gensan Summerfest Monday, March 31, at Robinsons Place. Mayor Rivera explained that Gensan Summerfest is a youth-oriented festivity dedicated to develop holistically the young Generals or residents of GenSan as responsible constituents. The fest also aims to promote GenSan's tourism by letting the youth showcase the reasons why GenSan is a nice place to visit. Starting this April up to May, Gensan Summerfest will hold sports and performing arts competitions, youth symposiums and seminars, and other civic activities for the youth. (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)