Famous for seafoods particularly yellow fin tuna, General Santos City or Gensan for short is one of the key cities of the Philippines. Classified as a highly urbanized city, it lies on the southern coast of Mindanao facing Sarangani Bay. It is the gateway to Region 12 also know by its acronym SoCCSKSargen. Neighboring towns are Malungon and Alabel of Sarangani Province in the east, Maasim also of Sarangani in the southwest, T'boli of South Cotabato in the west and Polomolok also of South Cotabato Province in the north.

Gensan has a total land area of 492.9 square kilometers. With a spacious modern international airport and seaport aside from being situated along the Maharlika Highway, the city is one of the busiest transportation hubs of Mindanao Island.

General Santos City is famous as the hometown of World Boxing Champion Manny Pacquiao. It terms of population, it is the largest in the region and the 4th largest in Mindanao in 2007 (see comparison). Davao, Zamboanga, and Cagayan De Oro are larger. Cebuano is the primary language although the city's population is composed of migrants from many cultural groups. Roman Catholics outnumber members of other religions such as Islam, Iglesia Ni Cristo, and Protestants. Every February, the city celebrates the Kalilangan Festival.

The city's economy is primarily anchored on the fishing industry. The city is home to many fish processing plants particularly tuna canning factories. The city functions as the primary market for the region's fertile agricultural lands. Among the farm products that leave the city's airport and seaport are pineapple, papaya, cassava, hogs, and poultry.

Formerly called Dadiangas town, the city is named after Gen. Paulino Santos of the Philippine Constabulary. Shopping and Leisure

Shopping centers include Gaisano Mall, KCC Mall, and Bulaong Public Market. For leisure activities, there is the Sarangani Country Club.

It would do well to diversify the city's industry to avoid over-dependence on its tuna industry. A modern agro-industrial estate with a cold storage terminal should be put up to support the outlying farm lands.

1. Kalaja Eco-tourism
2. Nopol Hills
3. Carlos P. Garcia Park
4. Freedom park and Garden Center
5. Magsaysay Park
6. Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Church

Back to top