Tourism Potential of General Santos City

Tourism

1.1 Man-made Park

General Santos City hosts one of the country’s international seaport and a secondary international airport. In 2007, it was named as the most livable “mid-sized” city nationwide by the Asian Institute of Management - Sycip Policy Center, but among the many things that strike a visitor upon reaching the heart of General Santos City is its children’s park right at the huge premise of the GSC Freedom Park.

The General Santos Park within the city central site is a unique destination. It is undergoing a massive refurbishment and is slated to re-open the second semester of 2009.


Thru the efforts of the General Paulino Santos Foundation, the General Paulino Santos Museum was established in honor of the late Army general and administrator of the National Land Settlement Administration (NLSA).
The general's memorabilia can be found in the said museum. There is also an ethno-museum at the Mindanao State University at Barangay Tambler campus.

The privately-owned Sarangani Highlands at Barangay Tambler is a must-see place in the city. The view deck provides a good sight of Sarangani Bay at sunset. At dusk, it is a terrific attraction. The pavement and boardwalk are constructed with stamped concrete.

The Queen Tuna Park at Barangay Dadiangas South is enhanced by promenade with colorful lights and landscape and now frequently visited by local residents, specifically students who use the park for their extra curricular activities. It is also the haven of skim boarding activities among youngsters.

Other historical landmarks in the city include the Notre Dame of Dadiangas for Girls school (circa 1957), St. Peter and Paul Parish Church (Circa 1960), and Rajah Buayan Airport (Circa 1958).


1.2 Natural Sites

The city has undeveloped beaches that have potentials to meet the leisure needs of the local folks and the prospective tourists. At present, there is four (4) developed beach resort that are operating.

Additionally, the hills and slopes of Barangay Bawing provide a panoramic view of Mt. Matutum and the Sarangani Bay.

The Nopol Hill and Klaja Karst at Barangay Conel also offer a fascinating sight of the city. Spelunking activity is ideal at Barangay Conel where various caves are located as well as falls and streams.

1.3 Festivities


Local festivities are one of the hallmarks of a growing community. Its purposes are both tourism as well as cultural awareness.

General Santos City, for its part, maintains four (4) important local festivities in a year.

List of Local Festivities
1. Kalilangan Festival (February 27) – cultural heritage
2. Yaman Gensan (mid June- mid July) – micro, small and medium enterprises
3. Tuna Festival (September 5) – fishing industry
4. Pasko sa Gensan (December) – Christmas celebration


An equally important festival of greater importance to the city is the Barangay Bula Sto.Niño Festival which is celebrated on January 15 of each year and regularly, draws large crowd from afar. This is the biggest Sto.Nino event outside of Cebu.

In 2008, no less than Vice-President Noli de Castro and Papal Nuncio Msgr. Adams graced the festivity.