SOCIO ECONOMIC BRIEFER 2012 General Santos City · After the peaceful People Power ... an image of...

Local Government Unit of General Santos City Socio-Economic Profile 2012

www.gensantos.gov.ph

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SOCIO – ECONOMIC BRIEFER 2012

General Santos City



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FOREWORD

Office of the City Planning and Dev’t Coordinator publishes a PERIODIC socio-economic profile

which aims to provide an insight to MagandanGensan. This compilation of data is a joint effort of

the different departments of the City Government, national government agencies (NGAs), private

sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and would like to thank everyone for being a

party to this endeavor.

G VISION AND MISSION

Vision

General Santos City is a globally competitive and livable city whose healthy, friendly, well-educated and

responsible citizens actively participate in effective governance.

Mission

To provide opportunities to all segments of the society to be productive and responsive stakeholders, through

execution of sound and beneficial programs and projects and initiatives, anchored on the principles of justice

and equality.

1.0 HISTORICAL SNAPSHOTS

On February 27, 1939, General Paulino Santos landed on

the shores of the beautiful Sarangani Bay with 62 first

batchers of Christ ian settlers under the National Land

Settlement Administration (NLSA) program of then

President Manuel L. Quezon.

Ireneo L Santiago was elected in November 1947 as mayor

of the Municipality of Buayan. His administration was credited

for the establishment of the basic institutions and

infrastructures like the wharf, the municipal building costing

P19, 700.00, public school buildings, and a constabulary barracks.

The administration of Mayor Pedro Acharon, Sr. concerned itself with the barrio programs of

President Magsaysay. Through the PACD (Presidential Assistance for Community Development),

feeder roads connecting the remote barrios to the national highways were built. Artesian wells

were established to solve the problem of water supply among the rural folks . Likewise, he finished

the projects started by Mayor Santiago particularly Makar Wharf which was declared an open port

1939

1947

1955



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of entry in 1959. The Buayan airport was also rehabilitated from the ruins of the war during his

term.

Dr. Jorge Royeca’s administration emphasized cleanliness, beautification and health services.

During his administration, General Santos Municipality was declared the cleanest town in the

province of Cotabato. Anti-littering law was strictly implemented, stray animals were impounded,

trees were planted along the national highway, and the continuous beautification of parks and the

public plaza were pursued. Worth mentioning was the successful relocation of the squatters found

along the beaches into Alunan Street.

During Mayor Lucio Velayo's term, the place saw the establishment of the following projects: the

first two public secondary schools: one in Bula and the other in Conel; the establishment of the fire

department; the concretization of the Philippine National Bank; and the establishment of deep wells

in different barangays particularly in Klinan, Conel, and Tinagakan. Multi-national companies such

as Standard Fruits Company (STANFILCO), the Coca-Cola Bottling Company were established in the

municipality. The administration of Mayor Velayo also saw rapid stride in the field of media

communication with the publication of the first local newspaper, the Southern Review, and the

establishment of the first radio station, DXGS. Economic growth gained a very significant leap

during Mayor Velayo's term. Multi-million agri-based corporations such as Dole-Philippines, General

Milling Corporation and UDAGRI begun operating in the area. This time, the municipality qualified

as a fourth class city prompting Congressman Salipada Pendatun to file House Bill 5862 converting

General Santos Municipality into a city and renaming it Rajah Buayan City. Unfortunately, the

residents in a plebiscite called for the purpose rejected this bill. The failure to convert General

Santos Municipality into a city, however, occurred not in the halls of Congress but in the hollowed

halls of the Supreme Court in recognition of the people's "rejection" of their cityhood.

Thru the efforts of Congressman James Chiongbian, the passage of Republic Act (RA) 5412

transforming the Municipality of General Santos into a city made Antonio Acharon the last

municipal mayor and the first city mayor of General Santos. A more enduring testament to the

magnanimity of the Acharon-Cahilsot family are the land donations to the government which

include the present sports complex (10 hectares); PC Barracks (9 hectares); Pedro Acharon

Elementary School (1/2hectare); Romana Cahilsot Elementary School; the Bliss Project in

Calumpang; the City Cemetery; and what is now Silway area. The educational needs of the city

were given emphasis during Acharon's time with the opening of several public elementary schools

in six barangays (Apopong, Sinawal, Upper Labay, Labangal, Dadiangas Heights Lagao and Sitio

Uhaw, Tambler). Two existing public elementary schools in the poblacion area, Dadiangas West

and Dadiangas South, were divided and gave rise to two additional public elementary schools,

Pedro Acharon Elementary School and Ireneo Santiago Elementary School. During Mayor Antonio

Acharon's incumbency, other important infrastructure projects were: government hospital, a new

public market, concreting of major city streets and highways, building of bridges and dikes, the

improvement of Makar Wharf, and the start of the construction of a modern City Hall. The

economic growth of the city was undeniable with its declaration by the Department of Finance as a

first class city based on its income in 1975. Mayor Antonio Acharon's term is the longest spanning

almost two decades.

After the peaceful People Power Revolution in 1986, Atty. Dominador Lagare, one of the

persistent opposition leaders who fought and opposed the Marcos regime, was appointed the

officer-in-charge of the city. Just like his predecessor, Atty. Lagare was a Mindanaon having been

born in Barangay Conel in 1943. The incumbency of Atty. Lagare was too short to fully appreciate

his impact to the development of General Santos City. It was during Atty. Lagare's term that the

construction of the unfinished city hall was completed in time for the Foundation Day Celebration of

the city on February 27, 1987.

Appointed as an OIC mayor vice Atty. Lagare starting March 1, 1987, Mayor Rosalita Nuñez is

credited for the adoption of the symbolic slogan "boomtown Dadiangas" as a catchword to create

an image of feverish economic growth in the post-Edsa period. But more than a manifestation of

the pioneering spirit of the people, the term assumed significance as a socially constructed word -

1960

1964

1968

1986

1988



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born of the people, promoted and developed across time by the conscious efforts of the various

segments of the community particularly the business sector and the local media. The government's

adoption of the term as a strategy for development was explained in the 1991 publication by the

city government: "It formulated a strategy to promote General Santos City as a "Boom Town"

aimed at creating an image or even an atmosphere of feverish economic growth. In this, it has won

the support of the private sector to embark on a program to attract foreign and domestic investors

to the city. Furthermore, through private sector efforts, continuous lobby pressure is exerted on the

National Government to push through with its plans and programs for the city at the soonest

possible time." The city caught the attention of foreign leaders involve d in the Philippine Aid Plan

(PAP) who selected General Santos City as one of their first pilot projects. Under the city's $2.2

billion development plan are two components financed by PAP. One includes agroport (fishport

complex), telecommunications, airport expansion, and seaport expansion; another encompasses

industrial estates, road networks, pro-people organizations, and environment. The development

plan made General Santos City the "concentration of the largest infrastructure projects in the

country today", a natural result of its crucial role in both the SOCSARGEN growth area and

SOCSARGEN'S role in the East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA).

With the assumption of Mayor Adelbert W. Antonino, who won the May 11, 1992 election, the

city continued to develop as a major economic center. This is further boosted by the

implementation of the Philippine Assistance Projects (PAP) of the United States Agency for

International Development (USAID). These include the international standard General Santos

Airport, the Makar Wharf, Fishport Complex and the Agro-Processing Center. General Santos City's

incessant march to the 21st millennium is undeniable at the end of Mayor Antonino's first term

which is also marked by improvements in organizational structure.

Mayor Nuñez was back at the helm of local governance in 1995. The city was host to the

Palarong Pambansa and the 1st BIMP-EA GA FRIENDSHIP GA MES in 1996 which highlighted

the city's capability for social and economic growth and as an active partner in national

development endeavors. The EAGA Games was participated by the 8 focus areas of the BIMP-EAGA

member countries namely: Brunei Darussalam; East Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, North Sulawesi

of Indonesia; Labuan, Sarawak, Sabah of Malaysia and Mindanao-Palawan of Philippines. These

events were economic development "boosters" which has a net effect of promoting the city as a

tourist destination and investor's haven for manufacturing, exports, services and real estate .

In the May 11, 1998 elections, Mayor Adelbert W. Antonino returned as City Mayor of General

Santos. His administration was guided by Project FIRST - Fast Integrated Reform for Social

Transformation. This concept anchored on improving accessibility to basic social services and

ensuring that development becomes sustainable. The vehicle was the Shelter, Health, Education,

Environment and Peace and Order or SHEEP Program. Antonino’s second term saw the

computerization of city’s operations (time management system, Tax Revenue Assessment &

Collection System, among others). The Most Competitive City in the Philippines award was given by

the Asian Institute of Management to the city in recognition to its rapid growth and business

friendliness.

Vice-Mayor Pedro B. Acharon, Jr. assumed the mayoral position when Mayor Adelbert W.

Antonino resigned nearing the end of his term. Mayor Jun Acharon handily won the May 2001

elections with overwhelming margin and landed him in the city’s history as the third elected

Mayor Acharon. His running mate, the second-generation Antonino scion -- Darlene Magnolia

Antonino-Custodio -- won lopsidedly as representative for the 1st District of South Cotabato and

Gen. Santos City. Bullish economic prospects particularly in the service industry have paved for

the establishments of three higher educational institutions ACLC, General Santos Doctors ’ Medical

School Foundation, and Brokenshire College SOCCSKSARGEN.

In 2002, the city capped the Most Competitive City (mid-sized category) for the second time. The

city airport has served as connecting flight hub of Indonesian airline – Merapati -- for its General

Santos-Davao-Manado circuit.

1992

2001

2002

1998

1995

2004



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In May 2004, Mayor Acharon and his 11 partymates were successfully re-elected including Rep.

Darlene A. Custodio. This second term has opened new economic opportunities for the whole

constituents with the re-establishment of the KCC Mall and the expansion of Gaisano Mall. The 2nd

Yaman Gensan and 5th National Tuna festivals saw renewed confidence from the local economic

players and visitors. Major city thoroughfares were expanded. The Population and Basic Services

(PBA) Integrated Survey were held in the later part of the year.

Mayor Acharon was re-elected for the third time. The country’s leading fast food chains have

opened markets in the city. After the re-opening of the Lion’s Beach to the public for beach and

outdoor reveling in 2005, progressive efforts are undergoing in the area.

The Bulaong Land Transportation Terminal was expanded in 2008. New investments are coming

such as Robinson’s Place General Santos City, Sta. Lucia Realty, Vista Land Company, among

others. Also expansions were seen at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Mindanao Medical Center, KCC Mall,

and Notre Dame of Dadiangas University.

A citywide survey was conceptualized and is designed to gather data on community socio-

economic (food, housing and infrastructure, livelihood, agriculture/industry, skills and economic development), demographic (age, sex, education, ethnicity, population size,

structure and distribution, deaths) and health (general health, maternal, newborn and child health, family planning). These information serve as inputs to local development planning, as baseline data for indicators necessary for monitoring progress in localizing the

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and data for monitoring and evaluating existing, and identifying future, programs of the LGU. The information are also useful in validating

existing service statistics such as the Field Health Service Information System (FHSIS). On November 11, 2010, Executive Order No. 031, mandated the implementation of a City Socio-Economic and Health Census to be known as “CityCen 2011 – I’m Counted”.

City Socio-Economic and Health Census aka CityCen 2011 is implemented pursuant to EO No, 31. The immediate use of the CITYCEN 2011 is to provide baseline data for the Community Service Information System (CSIS) of General Santos City as basis for

periodic assessment of its development status. It will also serve as inputs in planning and developing programs, projects and activities (PPAs) of, and basis for budgeting and

appropriations for, various LGU frontline services.

In the near future, the data will be used primarily for monitoring the delivery of LGU services. At the community level, it will be used to update the household data to strengthen the Barangay Information Center and in establishing Community Services Center. It will

also serve as basis for certification of barangay or purok and in granting of community tax certificates.

The final result of the census was declared official through Resolution No. 282 adopting the results of the City Socio-Economic and Health Census (CityCen 2011 – “I’m counted” Project) as the City baseline data and supporting the implementation of the information policies for the City of General Santos.

2007

2008

2010

2013

2011



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2.O GEOGRAPHY AND PHYSICAL FEATURES

2.1 Geographical Location

General Santos City lies at the Southern part of the

Philippines. It is located between 1251’ and 12517’ East

longitude and between 558’ and 620’ North latitude. The city

is Southeast of Manila, Southeast of Cebu and Southwest of

Davao. The municipalities of Alabel, Malungon and Maasim of

Sarangani Province and the municipalities of Polomolok and

T’boli of South Cotabato surround the city.

2.2 Political Subdivision The City belongs to the First Congressional District of South

Cotabato and is one of the 5 cities in the SOCCSKSARGEN

Region (Region 12). Currently, the city has 26 barangays.

2.3 Land Area The total land area of the City is 53,6061 hectares.

Barangay

Distance

(km) from

the CBD

Barangay

Distance

(km) from

the CBD

Major

Infrastucture

Facilities

Distance (km)

Apopong 5 Katangawan 10 Makar Port 6

Baluan 6 Labangal 6 GSC Airport 17

Batomelong 19 Lagao 3.5 Fishport 14

Buayan 8 Ligaya 9

Bula 3.5 Mabuhay 11.6

Calumpang 6 Olympog 15

City Heights 1 San Isidro 5.5

Conel 13 San Jose 17.5

Dad. East Siguel 23.5

Dad. North Sinawal 16

Dad. South Tambler 16.5

Dad. West Tinagacan 13.5

Fatima 9 Upper Labay 22

CBD

CBD – Central Business District

1 As used by OCPDC for planning purposes.



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Municipalities Distance in Km. Municipalities Distance in Km.

Alabel 15.0 Davao City 146.0

Banga 78.0 Isulan 119.0

Glan 56.4 Tacurong 95.0

Kiamba 111.0 Esperanza 133.0

Koronadal 63.0 Ampatuan 242.0

Lake Sebu 93.4 Sultan sa Barongis 107.0

Maasim 65.0 Pres. Quirino 103.0

Maitum 129.0 Buluan 111.0

Malungon 37.0 Datu Paglas 129.0

Malapatan 23.5 Columbio 143.0

Norala 113.0 Lutayan 80.0

Polomolok 22.0 Bagumbayan 154.0

Sto. Niño 87.0 Kalamansig 229.0

Surallah 84.0 Palimbang 169.0

Tampakan 71.0 Sta. Cruz 112.0

Tantangan 80.0 Cotabato City 225.0

T'boli 111.5 Sultan Kudarat 115.0

Tupi 39.0 Bansalan 115.0

Distances of the Cities/Municipalities from General Santos City

2.4 Topography

Majority of the entire land area constitutes wide flat lands stretching northeast of the city and undulating

terrain. Mt. Matutum, towards the North, towers at 2,293 meters above sea level. Mt. Parker, at the

Southwestern part of South Cotabato, towers at 2,040 meters above sea level.

2.5 Mineral Deposits Uncertain quantities of mineral deposits are present in the city. Such minerals are limestone, iron sand,

sulfur, copper, gold, nitrate, luminate, rutile and guano. Abundant sand and gravel are being quarried at the

Silway, Siguel and Buayan rivers.

2.6 Inland and Underground Waters

There are six sluggish rivers draining the city. There are also six creeks, three large cold springs and several

minor springs that have potentials as sources of potable water. Underground water is usually shallow.



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3.0 DEMOGRAPHY

3.2 Barangay Population

1970 1975 1980 1990 1995 2000 2007 2010 2011

Census Census Census Census Census Census Census Census Citycen

536.06 70,961 91,154 149,396 252,058 327,173 411,822 529,542 538,086 529,781

Dad East 0.61 33885 37527 47800 47578 6655 5,840 5,882 4821 4160

Dad South 0.61 10268 7,632 8,083 7212 6955

Dad West 0.86 17570 16,196 18,253 15202 14060

Dad North 0.97 10464 9,883 10,675 9430 8565

Bula 2.93 8204 13161 20746 26886 29869 32,420 34,697 32364 29912

City Heights 4.75 19355 20,896 23,503 23772 18740

Buayan 4.93 1974 1646 2496 5650 6887 8,470 9,778 10375 9950

Ligaya 6.67 1320 1639 2424 2757 3,175 3,758 4202 4005

Calumpang 7.89 41219 47,872 67,832 67156 68499

Baluan 10.04 1858 1196 2197 3471 4120 4,633 6,611 6132 7320

Lagao 12.5 8655 12334 27507 53267 38515 42,903 47,953 47254 49135

Labangal 12.52 3334 6944 18867 52062 34658 46,960 57,769 57746 57342

San Isidro 14.72 1742 2804 4721 6808 15675 27,068 38,980 42661 39349

Batomelong 15.87 1669 2263 3,344 3,624 2851 3128

Apopong 19.07 12128 19376 29,365 43,596 45089 39947

Katangawan 19.13 2295 2754 3614 5187 6137 7,603 10,636 11959 12135

Olympog 22.51 2091 2,285 2,797 2965 3112

Upper Labay 23.45 1669 2192 2,658 2,911 2826 2837

Tinagacan 23.59 3021 1995 3595 4111 2983 4,313 5,134 5631 5955

Fatima 24.98 27582 48,080 67,309 65189 62525

San Jose 38.09 560 1307 2417 2466 4754 6,196 7,651 7486 9218

Mabuhay 38.44 844 2157 3555 5805 7628 10,380 14,519 19533 22184

conel 51.56 3244 2964 5600 7021 6037 7,642 9,303 9762 10288

Siguel 52.87 1841 2355 4,358 8,238 9905 10872

Tambler 57.74 798 1077 1380 11273 3144 4,080 9,189 15845 18505

Sinawal 68.76 547 1968 3262 742 2619 7,570 10,861 10718 11083

Total 536.06 70961 91154 149396 252058 327173 411822 529542 538086 529781

General Santos City

Land

Area** sqr

km



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0-14 15-6465 and

aboveTotal 0-14 15-64

65 and

aboveTotal

Male Male Male Male Female Female Female Female

Upper Labay 606 532 898 41 1471 515 809 42 1366 2837 0.54%

Olympog 726 551 1017 64 1632 518 893 69 1480 3112 0.59%

Batomelong 693 647 962 30 1639 566 883 40 1489 3128 0.59%

Ligaya 890 782 1235 65 2082 693 1152 78 1923 4005 0.76%

Dadiangas East 1247 565 1379 75 2019 541 1481 119 2141 4160 0.79%

Tinagacan 1319 1092 1885 115 3092 1050 1704 109 2863 5955 1.12%

Dadiangas South 1890 1112 2224 79 3415 1064 2353 123 3540 6955 1.31%

Baluan 1637 1359 2288 132 3779 1279 2138 124 3541 7320 1.38%

Dadiangas North 2425 1191 2888 132 4211 1150 2984 220 4354 8565 1.62%

San Jose 2143 1928 2751 137 4816 1893 2404 105 4402 9218 1.74%

Buayan 2277 1590 3212 152 4954 1670 3138 188 4996 9950 1.88%

Conel 2432 1829 3359 192 5380 1689 3012 207 4908 10288 1.94%

Bawing 2408 2213 3213 138 5564 2164 3005 139 5308 10872 2.05%

Sinawal 2674 2051 3457 151 5659 1960 3287 177 5424 11083 2.09%

Katangawan 2873 2234 3873 192 6299 1947 3656 233 5836 12135 2.29%

Dadiangas West 3368 2240 4551 209 7000 2153 4584 323 7060 14060 2.65%

Tambler 4584 3498 5845 133 9476 3200 5668 161 9029 18505 3.49%

City Heights 5085 2601 6275 307 9183 2455 6680 422 9557 18740 3.54%

Mabuhay 5419 3823 7160 346 11329 3529 6947 379 10855 22184 4.19%

Bula 7263 4627 9989 404 15020 4462 9868 562 14892 29912 5.65%

San Isidro 9600 6195 12711 481 19387 5769 13477 716 19962 39349 7.43%

Apopong 9435 6975 12802 557 20334 6557 12365 691 19613 39947 7.54%

Lagao 13346 7723 16060 746 24529 7240 16427 939 24606 49135 9.27%

Labangal 13529 10249 17904 653 28806 9589 18086 861 28536 57342 10.82%

Fatima 14694 10873 19917 777 31567 10193 19817 948 30958 62525 11.80%

Calumpang 17010 11642 22616 660 34918 10902 21888 791 33581 68499 12.93%

Total 129573 90122 170471 6968 267561 84748 168706 8766 262220 529781 100.00%

BarangayNUMBER OF

HOUSEHOLD

MALE FEMALE

TOTAL

POPULATIONRatio

Of the 26 barangays comprising General Santos City, Barangay Calumpang contributed the biggest proportion (12.93 percent) to the total population of the city. Barangays Fatima and Labangal followed with 11.80 and 10.82 percent, respectively. Barangay Upper Labay was the smallest in terms of population with 2,837 persons or 0.54 percent of the population of the city. The city had a young population with a median age of 22.7 years. This meant that in 2011, half of the population were below 19 years old. Male population outnumbered their female counterparts with a sex ratio of 102.03 males for every 100 females. There were more males than females in the age group 0 to 14 years and 25 to 59 years. On the other hand, females dominated their male counterparts in the age group 15 to 24 and 65 years and over. 3.3 Dependency Population The proportion of the total population belonging to the age group 0 to 14 years was 33.01 percent. The oldest group (65 years and over) accounted for 2.97 percent of the city population while 64.02 percent belonged to the economically active population aged 15 to 64 years.



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The overall dependency ratio in 2011 was 56.20. This meant that for every 100 persons aged 15 to 64 years, there were about 56 dependents (52 persons aged 0 to 14 years � young dependents; and 5

persons aged 65 years and over � old dependents).

3.4 Education About 31.64 percent of household population three years old and over had completed or attended elementary education; 48.6 percent, high school and college level; and 10.57 percent were academic degree holders. By sex, males dominated the elementary (54.24 percent). Females dominated the higher levels of education, from post secondary levels (51.3 percent) and (54.56 percent) college to post baccalaureate levels. 3.5 Ethnicity About 59.27 percent of the population of General Santos City classified themselves as Bisaya/Cebuano, 16.95 percent as Hiligaynon/Ilongo, and 4.8 percent as Maguindanao. One out of eight persons in General Santos City belonged to other ethnic groups. About 32 percent of the total population were married while 55.65 percent were single. The remaining 12.36 percent were either widowed, separated/divorced, with other arrangements or with unknown marital status. Single persons were mostly men (52.96 percent) as compared to 47.04 percent for women. The proportion of widowed females was noticeably higher (79.06 percent) than the males (20.93 percent). 3.6 Housing The total housing units in General Santos City was 129424 units were occupied or 99.9 percent occupancy rate. This registered an increase of 14.54 percentage points from 2007 and a ratio of 1.001 households per occupied housing unit or a ratio of 4.09 persons per occupied housing unit. Majority of the occupied housing units were single houses (86.5 percent). About seven out of ten housing units needed no repair or 4 out of 10 needed major repair only. 30.30% of the occupied housing units had roof made of strong materials (e.g. galvanized iron/aluminum) As to the construction materials used for housing units, 30.30 percent of the occupied housing units had roof made of strong materials (e.g. galvanized iron/aluminum), while 20.12 percent used light materials (e.g. cogon/nipa/anahaw). About 27.75 percent of the housing units had light materials (e.g. bamboo/sawali/cogon/nipa) as the construction materials of the outer walls and 23.41 percent used strong materials (e.g. concrete/brick/stone).



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10 YEAR GROSS SALES - TUNA INDUSTRY

0.00

2,000,000,000.00

4,000,000,000.00

6,000,000,000.00

8,000,000,000.00

10,000,000,000.00

12,000,000,000.00

14,000,000,000.00

16,000,000,000.00

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Series1

4.0 ECONOMY

4.1 Tuna Industry

The following chart shows the aggregate sales of the top ten Tuna related businesses for the years 2002 to 2011. As the table shows, the tuna industry hit then highest sales on 2009 and declined till 2011. The decline is due to Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) two-year ban on tuna fishing, beginning 2010, following studies that tuna stock has been declining due to over fishing. (Espejo, Edwin. "Total ban on tuna fishing in the Pacific affects the Philippines." asiancorrespondent.com. Jan 22, 2012 9:04AM, Oct 24, 2013)

2002 3,408.78

2003

5,589.31

2004

5,601.32

2005 7,782.01

2006 9,818.27

2007

11,421.60

2008 12,778.13

2009 13,747.40

2010

13,149.24

2011 12,166.45

The gross sales of the top ten businesses in tuna industry comprises 98% of the total gross sales in tuna and about 18% of

the total gross sales of all businesses in the

city. 2011 gross sales of t in can factories

and carton manufacturing is 1,303,810,560.28 and 66,075,195.13

respectively. These 2 businesses are direct ly involved in the canned tuna

industry. The total gross sales of businesses in GenSan is 67,236,359,330.393

http://asiancorrespondent.com/



12

1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr

Total Fish Landing in Metric Tons,

Commercial & Municipal, 2011 43791.15 43575.9 36816.31 46808.83

Source: BUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS, GSC

4.2 Top Twenty Export Products, 2010 Canned tuna remains first in the list of top 20 export products that were loaded at the Port of General Santos

City for various destinations abroad followed by canned pineapple and pouched tuna.

As the records at the Bureau of Customs show, these top 20 export products totaled 652,850,238.33 kgs. in

volume all valued at US $629,145,916.36

Rank Product Volume in Kgs Amount in US$

1 Canned Tuna 76,295,927.83 188,991,431.73

2 Canned Pineapple 249,996,661.61 157,654,247.26

3 Crude coconut oil 101,435,000.00 87,073,496.30

4 Frozen tuna 9,245,631.90 45,154,257.67

5 Fresh Pineapple 119,836,034.00 43,531,767.85

6 Pouched tuna 12,427,495.05 42,517,757.15

7 Frozen whole tuna 16,854,010.59 30,723,590.47

8 Smoked fish 1,424,678.88 5,074,125.80

9 Copra Exleller Cake/Meal 41,435,674.00 4,960,261.37

10 Frozen milkfish 1,203,962.55 4,754,401.93

11 Fresh tuna 576,677.51 4,461,574.97

12 Fishmeal 2,854,858.00 3,520,395.52

13 Scrap metal 16,446,670.00 2,001,177.30

14 Dried fruits 415,434.81 1,933,080.73

15 Scrap copper wire slugs 306,490.00 1,908,179.34

16 Cans 723,066.16 1,442,486.48

17 Frozen roundscad 470,654.82 1,191,616.10

18 Banana chips 582,719.08 878,332.40

19 Frozen broad squid 74,241.14 796,513.35

20 Fresh Asparagus 244,350.40 577,222.64

Totals 652,850,238.33 $629,145,916.36

Source: BUREAU OF CUSTOMS, GSC



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4.3 Top Twenty Exporter, 2011

TOP 20 EXPORTERS AS TO VALUE FOR CY 2011

Shipper Volume (kgs) Value (US$)

1 DOLE Pils. 372,537,927.04 221,713,074.86

2 General Tuna Corp. 18,967,406.74 73,070,999.91

3 Philbest Canning Corp. 30,677,892.99 82,352,012.46

4 Cargill Phils., Inc. 137,781,540.00 199,611,303.58

5 Alliance Tuna Int'l. Inc. 8,575,235.19 28,841,451.02

6 Celebes Canning Corp. 7,897,822.96 21,567,189.00

7 Ocean Canning Corp. 9,299,209.32 32,630,213.50

8 Seatrade Canning Corp. 4,948,335.44 18,465,374.14

9 Frabelle Fishing Corp. 9,436,360.00 21,483,422.20

10 Tenpoint Manufacturing Corp. 2,195,502.82 36,107,113.94

11 Citra Mina Seafood Corp. 769,171.35 8,352,597.70

12 Mommy Gina Tuna Resources 917,353.17 7,941,966.30

13 RD Fishing Ind., Inc. 3,318,868.00 7,799,576.56

14 Trans Pacific Journey Fishing Corp 2,912,684.55 6,964,357.90

15 Alsons Aquaculture Corp. 1,132,614.76 5,258,324.32

16 Greenville Agro Corp 1,756,505.01 3,250,424.20

17 Phil. Cinmic Ind'l., Corp. 1,051,163.39 3,077,785.59

18 Agumil Phils., Inc. 2,820,472.00 3,057,342.52

19 Urban Resources Corp. 23,650,000.00 2,838,000.00

20 Trully Natural Food Corp. 425,609.82 2,774,830.95

21 Others 21,362,846.76 28,434,806.12

22 Total 662,434,521.31 815,592,166.77




14

4.4 Top Twenty Export Destination, 2011

Rank Destination Amount in US$

1 USA 229,457,940.02

2 The Netherlands 126,650,122.46

3 Japan 123,634,576.63

4 Italy 63,718,083.48

5 China 45,417,077.40

6 Germany 42,279,032.30

7 UK 38,701,281.09

8 South Korea 20,222,489.44

9 Spain 12,737,774.99

10 Canada 12,567,566.11

11 Israel 8,487,083.40

12 Malaysia 7,468,697.80

13 Papua New Guinea 7,305,983.67

14 Belgium 6,679,049.00

15 France 6,499,329.60

16 Vietnam 6,165,675.86

17 Singapore 4,893,466.50

18 New Zealand 4,764,381.51

19 Thailand 4,598,122.36

20 Australia 3,928,908.52

United States is st ill the largest export destination for city products followed by The Netherlands, Japan,

UK, Germany, Korea, Canada, and Italy in succeeding order.




15

4.5 Commercial Activities

Typical of highly-urbanized cities in country, General Santos City has its own share of commercial strips and a

central business district .

The former, comprising mostly of banks, offices and service establishments, stretch along public transport

routes thereby serving both local consumers and passers-by from the neighboring localities.

Major commercial strips of the city include the stretch of Daproza Street, Jose Catolic Avenue, Pedro Acharon

Sr. Boulevard, Santiago Boulevard, National Highway and Ireneo Santiago Boulevard. There are 5 malls in the

city, 3 of which are located in J Catolico Ave, 1 Santiago Boulevard and 1 in Daproza Avenue. Another 1 is

going to open late 2013.

The city’s Central Business District on the central portion of the city is concentrated in the Pioneer Avenue

(both Barangays Dadiangas South and Barangay Dadiangas West) and Santiago Boulevard.



16

The table below summarizes the major businesses in the city.

4.6 Industrial Activities

These activities are mostly concentrated within the Barangays Labangal, Calumpang and Tambler with

concentration in tin can manufacturing, fish canning, fish loading, and support industrial services.

4.8 Investment Potentials

If the main criterion for a successful business is location supplemented by sound business support policies

and good peace and order situation, General Santos City is rated competitively with other prime areas in the

country.

The entry of new businesses such as the retail giant Robinson’s Place, SM GenSan, Green Leaf Hotel,

Veranza, Ruby Appliances and expansion of service operators such as hospitals, educational institutions,

restaurants, among others has enhanced the confidence of the local leadership.

4.9 Business Regulatory Measures

To regulate business establishments and facilitate transactions for business permits, taxes and clearances,

the city government passed the following legislations:

1. Revenue Code Ordinance

2. Ordinances in License Plates/Stickers,

3. Regulations & Restrictions in Amusement and Fun Establishments

4. Zoning Ordinance



17

4.11 Real Estate

For 2008, the market value of real properties in the city has grown to P 33,849,739,670 according to the City

Assessor’s Office as shown on Table 4.11

CLASSIFICATION ASSESSED

AREA (Sq. M.)

MARKET VALUE

LAND

A. TAXABLE

1. Residential 33,146,474.00 7,016,242,310

2. Commercial 2,569,109.00 3,430,438,110

3. Agricultural 248,109,845.00 1,062,255,880

4. Industrial 7,981,626.00 2,037,983,740

5. Special

a. Hospital 126,054.00 59,206,110

b. Residential 738,428.00 37,228,890

c. Educational 57,146.00 22,260,730

d. Cultural 56,032.00 8,965,120

e. Scientific 0.00 0

f. Gov't Owned 627,298.00 58,245,330

6. Road 5,363,548.00 779,657,260

7. AgriBusiness 207,685,936.00 278,897,000

TOTAL TAXABLE 506,461,496.00 14,791,380,480

A. EXEMPT

a.Residential 1,878,695.00 126,359,260

b. Commercial 137,724.00 188,382,690

c. Agricultural 33,486,441.00 83,893,780

d. Industrial 133,574.00 240,433,630

e. Religious 845,947.00 366,115,770

f. Charitable 115,796.00 19,070,640

g. Educational 3,434,402.00 827,404,100

i. Government 1,558,238.00 755,404,460

j. Road 6,822,137.00 1,498,023,700

TOTAL EXEMPT 48,412,954.00 4,105,088,030

GRAND TOTAL ASSESSED

AREA (Sq. M.) MARKET VALUE

554,874,450.00 18,896,468,510



18

4.12 Transportation

4.12.1 Accessibility

Accessibility is among the city’s prime advantages. The city is provided with good access roads to and from

adjacent cities (Koronadal, Tacurong, Digos) and municipalities.

Considered as the heart of the SOCSARGEN area, main roads such as National Highway provides inter-city

linkages.

A few concrete bridges connect gaps in the road network which provide important access to Sarangani

Province and South Cotabato.

4.12.2 Road Pattern

At present, the city is served with a total of 659.96 km of roads (see Table 6.02) classified into three (3)

types of administration: national, city, and barangay roads. The total length of paved road 308.292 kms.

Table 6.02

Inventory of Existing Roads

Road Network (Kms) 2007 2008

Type of administration

National 69.22 69.22

City 255.65 367.91

Barangay 194.21 222.83

Type of construction

National 69.22 69.22

Concrete/Asphalt 69.22 69.22

Earth/Gravel

City 255.64 367.903


Earth/Gravel 156.47 160.61

Barangay 194.21 222.829


Earth/Gravel 168.09 191.05

Total Length of Road Network: 519.08 659.96

Road Length per unit area:

Total Length of Paved Roads: 194.51 308.292

Source: City Engineers’ Office, 2008

4.12.3 Traffic Management

The city has two offices that ensure the management of the city’s traffic flow: the GSC Traffic Management

Office (GSCTMO); and the PNP Traffic Enforcement Division/Highway Group of the City Police.

The GSCTMO employs traffic aides who direct traffic on congested streets and intersections. Impounding of

stalled vehicles are also carried out by the division to ensure that streets and thoroughfares are free from any

obstruction that may result to congestion and bottlenecks.

The PNP Traffic/Highway Group on the other hand takes care of major thoroughfares, responds to traffic

emergencies and issues violation tickets to traffic violators.



19

4.13 Transportation Sector

4.13.1 Land Transportation

Being generally flat but for a few gentle slopes, internal circulation is land-based util izing different modes of

transportation such as public utility jeepneys, tricycles and pedicabs, habal-habal and private cars.

Of these, the most popular is the jeepneys and habal-habal, considering the income class of majority of the

commuters and its economic advantage over the car within and outside the city’s periphery.

While jeepneys ply the main city roads, tricycles, habal-habal and pedicabs serve the interior roads upon

demand of passengers.

4.13.2 Water Transportation

The presence of the commercial wharves in Barangays Dadiangas South and Barangay West provides a mode

of transport mainly for cargo freight, and for commuters opting for a faster route to and from the

municipalities of Sarangani and Jose Abad Santos (both of Davao del Sur).

On the other hand, the Port of General Santos (Makar) which is located in Barangay Labangal provides inter-

island and international point of entry and exit for both cargoes and passengers.

Makar Port is so far the only port in Mindanao that is gantry-ready and has actually the deepest controll ing

draft at 12 meters.

The port's container yard is capable of stacking up to five containers high and presently logs an estimated

discharge rate of 15 TEUs (technical equivalent nits) an hour per crane, way above the discharge rates of the

North Harbor in Cebu and Davao Port which are just about 5-8 TEUs per hour per crane.

Port of General Santos

It is also strategically located in the heart of the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asian Growth

Area (BIMP-EAGA) and has been identified to be the shortest and cheapest route for cargo from North

Indonesia en route to the northern Asia corridor and other prime destinations in Europe and the Unites States

West Coast.

The initiative to open the General Santos-Bitung (Indonesia) route is on its advanced stage of negotiations

and implementation is expected to begin shortly.



20

PORT FA CILITIES

Description Reinforced concrete general purpose wharf handling

conventional and containerized cargo as well as domestic

passengers.

Berth/Draft Marginal Wharf - 561 m x 19 m (5 berths)

Wharf Extension - 27 m x 12 m

Roro Ramp - 9 m x 11 m

Landing Platform - 9 m x 12.9 m

Transit Shed Three (3) units with an individual dimension of 72 m x

30m total floor area of three (3) sheds is 6,480 sq.m.

Ro-ro Facilities 27 x 12 meters R.C. wharf extension with 9 x 11 meters

Roro ramp and 12.92 meters R.C. landing platform.

Private Warehouses Name Area

Compania Maritima I 18.40 x 20m

Compania Maritima II 18.40 x 20m

WG&A Inc. 18.40 x 10m

Eastern Shipping 54.40 x 20.27m

Sulpicio Lines 34.25 x 20.00m

Lorenzo Shipping Lines 16.25 x 20.00m

Storage Areas Container Yard I 10,632 sq.m. (Paving Blocks)

Container Yard II 11,248 sq.m. (Paving

Blocks)

Container Yard III 7,840 sq.m. (Paving

Blocks)

Old Quay 7,600 sq.m.

Chassis Storage Area 2,780 sq.m. (Paving Blocks)

PORT SERVICES

Cargo Handling South Cotabato Integrated Port Services, Inc. (SCIPSI)

Makar Wharf Llido Arrastre and Stevedoring Services

(LLSSI)

Dole Pier Calumpang Wharf Services, Inc. (CALWHARF)

Dole Pier delas Masias Brokerage (DELAMAR)

GMC Pier Tambler Manpower Coop., Services, Inc.

(TAMANCO)

Agrotex

Pilotage Serviced by GSC Harbor Pilots' Association

Compulsary for all vessels of :

Foreign - 100 GRT or over

Domestic - 50 GRT or over

Water Supply Philippine Ports Authority, PMO General Santos

Sarangani Water Services

Towage/Launches Serviced by Aguilar Maritime Link Services



21

The Fish Port

The 32-hectare fish port located at Barangay Tambler is a major expansion project which involves the

construction of 500 meters of deep draft wharves to accommodate large tonnage fishing vessels over 300

gross tons, and ancillary facilities like a cold storage facil ity with a capacity of 1,500 metric tons (MT), a 500-

cubic meter wastewater treatment plant, pipeline collection systems and a power substation.

This fish port upgrade is part of the $100-million supplier’s credit facility in the field of agricultural

modernization and development that was granted by the People’s Republic of China to the Philippines,

through the China Agricultural Machinery Import Export Corp. (CAMC).

The total commercial fish landing in 2007 was registered at 10, 1985.6 metric tons, a slight dip over the

previous year.

Commercial Fish Landing (MT) 2009-2011

QTR 2009 2010 2011

1st Qtr 17076.98 20789.83 22501.93

2nd Qtr 17102.05 31365.94 30735.14

3rd Qtr 21263.23 24190.65 29095.4

4th Qtr 21263.23 26382.58 19653.13

TOTAL 78363.08 102729 101985.6

Ave. /month 6530.26 8560.75 8498.8

Source: Philippine Fisheries & Development

Authority

This expansion project will provide the needed infrastructure facilities for fish landing and marketing, facilitate

the centralization of operations and unloading of fishing vessels and carriers, and promote maximum capacity

utilization of existing canneries in the area. Moreover, it will improve quality handling of frozen fish products,

increase employment opportunities, and accommodate the additional volume of wastewater to be generated

from the expected industries inside the complex.

It is also expected that the availability of adequate and improved berthing facil ities, fish handling equipment,

market, processing, canning and ancillary facilities will further boost General Santos City as the tuna capital of

the Philippines.

4.13.2 Air Transportation

Located at Barangay Fatima, the General Santos International Airport is 17 kilometers from downtown

General Santos. A six-kilometer access road connects the airport to the city road network. It was opened on

July 6, 1996, with construction works mostly funded by the United States Agency for International

Development. General Santos City is only an hour and 20 minutes flight at some 1,200 statute miles from

Manila, the main gateway and capital of the country. It is served by three air carriers – PAL Express,

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific – providing daily flights to Cebu and Manila.

The international standard airport is approximately fifteen (15) kilometers away from the city proper.

The passenger volume has significantly increased in the last three years due to more flights offered by Air

Philippines and Cebu Pacific Air.

AIRPORT



22

FA CILITIES

Description Classified as a secondary international airport, the airport

has a single 3,227-meter (10,587-foot) runway running at

17°/35°. The airport's runway is the third-longest runway

in the Philippines, after Runway 06/24 of Ninoy Aquino

International Airport and Runway 04L/22R of Mactan-Cebu

International Airport. The General Santos Airport is the

second largest airport in the Philippines in terms of land

area.

Amenities Mabuhay Lounge by Philippine Airlines

VIP Lounge

Cafe Leticia at the Second Floor

1 Baggage Carousel

1 Elevator

Specialty Stores (Second Floor, Check-in Area, Pre-Departure Area)

Fresh Tuna Products (Adjacent to the Main Terminal)

Air Philippines Ticket Office

Cebu Pacific Air Ticket Office

Philippine Airlines Ticket Office

4.15 Land Transportation

Putting in place a well-developed transportation system plays a vital role in improving the quality of life of the

people in General Santos. In particular, it will provide a more viable means of inter-provincial land transport

and a secured travel for transport users and commuters in and outside of the city. Jeepneys, and tricycles

provide the means of conveyance along most major corridors in the city. The city has 2 operational traffic

signal lights along Pioneer Avenue however; two (2) more systems will be in place starting the second

semester of 2009: Santiago Boulevard and National Highway junction as well as National Highway/DXCP

junction.

General Santos is a 3-hour land travel in either Davao and Cotabato cities. Bus fares average between

General Santos-Davao (185 pesos) and General Santos-Davao (180 pesos) one-way trip.

List of Bus Operators Plying General Santos City

1. Yellow Bus Line

2. Husky Bus (Biocrest Cooperative)

3. Holiday Bus



23

Tricycles (trisikad) on the other hand, provide the short distance transport in most barangays. In Recent

years, habal-habal motorcycle service providers provide a competitive alternative to public conveyance.

The bulk of the traffic flow in the city consists of privately-owned vehicles, jeepneys and tricycles. Moderate

to heavy traffic volume is observed in several sections especially during the peak hour periods (7 a.m. and 5

p.m.) such as Santiago Boulevard near public market section, Jose Catolico Avenue between Gaisano and

KCC Malls, Aparente Avenue near Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, and the long-stretch of Pedro

Acharon Sr. Boulevard traversing Labangal to Makar.

4.16 Agriculture

Agricultural local production continue to show improvement over the last 10 years as indicated in the Table

4.16. This is an indication of a growing population and high consumption.

Table 4.16 Total Number of Animals Slaughtered in GSC

Areas planted to various crops have also increased in the last ten years (see Table 4.16.1) and production in tonnage

Table 4.16.1 Area (hectares) planted to rice and corn, GSC, 2001-2011

Type of Crops 2005 2006 2007

Ave. Annu

al Grow

th Rate (%)

Cardava 82.00 267.00

Tundan 33.00 6.19

Lakatan 11.28 38.65

Camote 52.58 2.95

Cassava 115.67 94.65

Cashew 23.00 5.00

Coconut 8,599.63 8,664.30 8,244.54

Corn 5,032.25 3,885.25 5,036.46

Cotton 205.00 5.50

Grapes 0.25 2.34

Guava 31.69 7.50

Kalamansi 7.98 1.50

Mango 1,907.54 2,127.84 2,270.66

Papaya 12.94 42.26



24

Pineapple 24.00 34.00

Rice 1,884.03 2,266.97 2,440.71

Vegetables 115.32 132.19

Total 18,138.16

16,944.36

18,632.10

Note: Corn and Rice data are for 2 croppings, and regularly collected (monthly and consolidated annually) Coconut data is from Philippine Coconut Authority

Irrigation indicators have shown signs of progress too (see Table 4.16.2)

Table 4.16.2 Irrigation Data for General Santos City

SILUAY-BUAYAN RIS 2005 2006 2007 2008

Irrigation (has)

D 1,232.520 1,208.033 1,236.201 1,399.200

W 1,304.902 1,300.196 1,359.496 1,352.710

Potential Irrigable Land 1,420.000 1,770.000 1,770.000 1,948.000

Service (existing) Area 1,420.000 1,420.000 1,420.000 1,420.000

No. of Beneficiaries 1,011.000 1,011.000 1,011.000 1,244.000

D-Dry Season

W-Wet Season

Source: National Irrigation Authority

Name Of Project

Potential Irrigable

Area (has)

Service (existing)

Area

No. of Beneficiaries

1 Conel CIS 200.00 66.00 48.00

2 Nopol CIS 500.00 407.00 151.00

3 San Jose CIS 799.00 499.00 269.00

4 Siluay RIS 774.00 740.00 596.00

5 Buayan RIS 1,264.00 680.00 648.00

6 Upper Labay CIS 17.00 17.00 19.00

Total 3,554.00 2,409.00 1,731.00

Source: National Irrigation Authority

Name of Project

Potential Irrigable

Service(existing) area

Number of

Area (has.)

Beneficiaries



25

1 CONEL CIS 200.00

88.00 48.00

2 SAN JOSE CIS 799.00

499.00 289.00

3 NOPOL CIS

500.00

407.00 151.00

4 UPPERLABAY CIS

17.00

17.00 19.00

Subtotal 1,516.00

1,011.00 507.00

5 SILUAY RIS

774.00

740.00 598.00

6 BUAYAN RIS 1,264.00

680.00 648.00

Subtotal 2,038.00

1,420.00 1,246.00

TOTAL 3,554.00

2,431.00 1,753.00

4. Social Services 4.1 Social Welfare

Social Welfare services in General Santos are provided by 8 different agencies; 1 from the government sector,

and 6 are non-government organizations that received funding from the city government.

List of Social Welfare Agencies

1. City Social Welfare and Development Office

2. Notre Dame Mother and Child Center (for those needing health services)

3. Marcellin Foundation (for children in conflict with the law)

4. St. Gemma’s Orphanage (for children)

5. St. Vincent’s Home for the Aged (for elderly)

6. St. Maria Goretti Home (for abused women)

7. Belen sa Gensan (for abused women)

8. GSC Share Foundation (for charitable hospital patients)

The City Social Welfare and Development Office which provides comprehensive social services, and is

staffed with 50 Social Workers and with office located at the City Hall Compound.

The above non-government organizations are mostly associated with the religious sector, serving the needs

of street children, abused women and children, elderly and the needy youth, as well as outreach activities

and ministries to the needy parishioners.

4.2 Early Childhood Care

The returns from investing in early childhood development is the cumulative effect of early nutrition, health

care, and cognitive stimulation, so interventions that start early, especially before the age of two, have the

highest gain.

With this perspective, the city government has vigorously promoted the rights of children to survival,

development and special protection with full recognition of the nature of childhood and its special needs; and

to support parents in their roles as primary caregivers and as their children's first teachers. Under the

oversight of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, it promoted the inclusion of children with special



26

needs and advocate respect for cultural diversity. Its approach is anchored on complementary strategies for

Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) that include service delivery for children from conception to

age six (6), educating parents and caregivers, encouraging the active involvement of parents and

communities in ECCD programs, raising awareness about the importance of ECCD, and promoting community

development efforts that improve the quality of life for young children and families,

There are 135 children’s day care centers which serve children in the 0-5 years age bracket and are presently

managed by either non-government entities, barangays or the city government.

4.3 Senior Citizens/Elderly

With the drive to provide adequate social services and an improved quality of life for all, the city government

adopted an integrated approach towards health development giving priority to elderly among others.

The GSC Senior Citizens’ Center funded by Sen. Edgardo Angara was the one of the first facility in the country

for the elderly persons. This center is a place with recreational, educational, health and social programs and

facilities designed for the full enjoyment and benefit of the senior citizens in the city.

Its functions to identify the needs, trainings, and opportunities of senior citizens as well as promote and

maintain linkages with instrumentalities of government and the Federation of Senior Citizens Association of

the Philippines and other non-government organizations for the delivery of health care services, facilities,

professional advice services, volunteer training and community self-help projects.

All barangays in the city have well-established senior citizens groups.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office is assisting this sector in the availment of the 20 percent

senior citizens discount in restaurants and food establishments.

4.4 Women and Solo Parents

The city government has recognized the role of women in nation building and has ensured the fundamental

equality before the law of women and men. The city government provided women rights and opportunities

equal to that of men.

A clear manifestation of social services of the city government for the women is the provision livelihood and

entrepreneurial support programs such as FRAMES, SEA-K, among others.

Likewise, the city government has continuously promoted the family as the foundation of the nation. It

strengthens its solidarity and ensures its total development. Towards this end, it has developed a program of

services for solo parents and their children.

4.5 Differently-abled Persons

Those persons suffering from restrictions from different abilities as a result of a mental, physical, and sensory

impairment, to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being

have found a good place in General Santos City.

The city government has been very supportive in the endeavors of this sector with the provision of a locally-

funded prosthesis center at Barangay Fatima. It also provided an office and business spaces at the Freedom

Park for the cooperative of differently-abled persons.



27

A major policy enforcement thrust of the city government is the compliance of new businesses to disabled-

access facilities as well as special job opportunities. A number of differently-abled employees are currently

working at the city government.

4.6 Socialized Housing

In response to the growing needs for socialized housing among constituents, the city government has

provided a number of relocation sites and worked in tandem with non-government organizations in the

provision of housing facilities.

Moreover, there are a number of private entities that have engaged in community mortgage program.

Socialized Housing Areas 2004-2008

Name No. of Lots Area (Has)

Location Barangay

Year Opened

1. Gawad Kalinga (GK1) 243 5 Mabuhay 2004

2. Promise Land (PL2) 345 5 Mabuhay 2006

Status of Relocation 2006-2008

Origin of Beneficiaries

Relocation Site No. of Lots

Date Relocated

Bula PL2, Mabuhay 68 2008

Calumpang GK1, Mabuhay 3 2008

Fatima GK1, Mabuhay 11 2008

Lagao PL2, Mabuhay 8 2008

Lagao GK1, Mabuhay 2 2008

San Isidro PL2, Mabuhay 29 2008

West PL2, Mabuhay 37 2008

Bula PL2, Mabuhay 23 2007

Calumpang GK1, Mabuhay 8 2007

Labangal GK1, Mabuhay 1 2007

Calumpang **GK1, Mabuhay 65 2006

Katangawan PL2, Mabuhay 15 2006

Labangal GK1, Mabuhay 39 2006

Lagao *PL2, Mabuhay 30 2006

Ligaya PL2, Mabuhay 1 2006

North PL2, Mabuhay 16 2006

Tinagacan PL2, Mabuhay 3 2006

TOTAL 359

*data source of PL2 from Coshera file

**data of GK1 supplied by the point person in the area



28

5. Education

General Santos is host to a number of various public and private educational facilities that provide for the

schooling needs of the city's populace. Meanwhile, the city boasts one of the highest literacy rates among

highly urbanized cities in the Philippines at 96%.

6. Health

6.1 Resources, Facilities and Services

Thirty-three (33) health centers scattered in various barangays provide local health services to the city

residents. Ten (10) of these health centers are certified by the Department of Health (DOH) as "Sentrong

Sigla" centers, which means that these centers have passed stringent evaluation criteria on quality health

servicing. Generally, all health centers provide preventive health services such as health promotion, nutrition

supplements and immunization programs.

These health centers are under the administrative and technical supervision of the City Health Office whose

responsibilities extend to continuous monitoring of water supply and ensuring public access to safe water and

promoting the use of sanitary toilet facilities particularly in depressed areas.

Specifically, the city health centers focus on three major health programs/services: Family Health, Infectious

Disease Control, and Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases.

Seven (7) Lying-in centers provide supplementary health service to mothers. Their services include:

attendance to normal deliveries, referrals of all cases with complications to hospitals, referrals to newborn

screening and care, and breastfeeding.

Quality of Life The city has a stable peace and order condition. The incidence of crime is low, due to high police visibility and

high crime solution efficiency of 98.4%. High-class educational institutions across levels are available. Cheap

foodstuffs are available. Traffic congestion is not a problem. The city is accessible to nature-filled recreational

sites. The city was recognized as the Cleanest and Greenest Highly Urbanized City in the Philippines in 2005

Suitable Climate Climate is favorable. It is outside of the typhoon belt. Dominated by low plain areas and with evenly

distributed rainfall, it is suitable for agricultural production and agri-based industries.

Abundant Land Resources

Fertile agricultural lands at 18,469.64 hectares including vast tract of lands for economic ac tivities and

economic zones are available including IT park.

Cheap Rate Utility Services

Upbeat local economy and unlimited opportunities for trade and investments because the city is home to a

high percentage of the Philippines' top 20 corporations like banks, manufacturers, and retail outlets. Power

and water rates are among the most competitive in Mindanao. World-class telecommunication infrastructure

requirements are among the best in the country for Internet-ready enterprises.



29

Multi-Access Transportation Point Presence of transportation facilities for sea, air and land is a competitive advantage. There is a good road

network and adequate communication facilities within the city and neighboring places.

Readily Available Skilled Human Resources Literacy rate is high; good educational and training institutions are available. Two universities and a host of

top-rated colleges are operating in the area.

Presence of Active Civil Society and Business Sectors In the areas of development, the civil society and business sectors have added a new dimension to traditional

politics and have helped humankind to find new forms of addressing our lobal problems.

Strong involvement and partnership between the government and various private stakeholders make Genera l

Santos an ideal place to demonstrate socio-economic actions with no less than the following nationally

renowned non-government organizations are operating in the city: Notre Dame Business Resource Center,

Marcellin Foundation, Gawad Kalinga, KPS Foundation, Philexport, Mahintana Foundation, Philippine National

Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Philippine Statistical Association SOCCSKSARGEN Inc, Rotary Clubs, CARD

Inc, KMBI, Center for Community Transformation Inc, among others.

The Socio-Economic Briefer 2012 is a publication of the Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator, Local Government Unit of General Santos City.

Any part of this publication maybe copied or adapted to meet local needs without permission from the editorial team. We a ppreciate

receiving a copy of any materials in which the text from this publication has been used.

Portions of the historical write ups were excerpted from the original paper of Dr. Andrea Campado, University of the Philippi nes in Mindanao.

Printed in the Philippines

The Editorial Team

Socio Economic Briefer 2012 C/o Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator

3/F City Hall Building 9500 General Santos City

Telefax 63 83 5547135 Email [email protected]

Website www.gensantos.gov.ph

Editorial Team

Perla G. Castellano is the assistant head of the Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator

EnP. Dennis Fel Matutina, MPA is the head of the Research Information System and Statistics Division, Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator

Thomas C. Montales is the assistant division head of Research and Statistics, Research Information System and Statistics Division, Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator

Shelah Ruth C. Manzano works with the Research and Statistics, Research Information System and Statistics Division, Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator



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