FOREWORD 7. Competitive Advantages 8. Mission and Vision 10

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2 TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD 7 Competitive Advantages 8 Mission and Vision 10 Historical Snapshots 11 Geography and Physical Features Geographical Location 17 Political Subdivision 18 Land Area 19 Topography 20 Mineral Deposits 20 Inland and Underground Waters 20 Demography Barangay Population 21 Dependent Population 25 Ethnicity 23 Marital Status 23 Projected Population 24 Economy Fishing Industry 26 Agriculture 28 Livestock 29 Top 20 Exported Products 31 Top 20 Exporters 32 Top 20 Export Destinations 32 Commercial Activities 33 Industrial Activities 36 Internal Revenue Collection 36 Real Estate 37 Business Regulatory Measures 38 Investment Potentials 38 Cost of Living Water 40 Electricity 41 Crime Statistics 42 S E P P A G E 2

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Tourism Tourist Attraction 43 Cultural and Tourism Activities 43 Foreign Tourists 43 Transportation Land Transportation 45 Accessibility 46 Road Network 46 Traffic Management 49 Transport Terminal 49 Water Transportation 50 Air Transportation 52 Social Services Social Welfare 54 Early Childhood Care 55 Senior Citizens/Elderly 56 Women and Solo Parents 57 Differently-abled Persons 58 Socialized Housing 59 Education 60 Health Resources, Facilities and Services 61 S E P P A G E 3

4 LIST OF TABLES, MAPS AND FIGURES LIST OF TABLES Name of Table 1. Land Area, Population, population Density and Distance from Central Business District (CBD): General Santos City Page Number Distance (Km) of Neighboring Cities/ Municipalities from General Santos City Population from Censuses: by Barangay: General Santos City, Number of Household, Household Population by Age-Group and by Sex by Barangay: General Santos City, Top 10 Ethnicity of Household Population: General Santos City, Household Population by Marital Status and Barangay: General Santos City, Projected Population, General Santos City Fishing Grounds and Aquaculture Production: General Santos City, Monthly Volume of Unloading (MT) by Month at the Fish Port Complex in the last Three (3) years: General Santos City, Unloading of Tuna and Other Species (MT) at Fish Port Complex: General Santos City, Cultivated Agricultural Area per Barangay: General Santos City, Area Planted and Production by Major Crops: General Santos City, Total Livestock Slaughtered (heads) by Type of Livestocl and Value: General Santos City, Number of Livestock Shipped-in and Shipped-out by Type of Livestock: General Santos City, Livestock Production Areas and Total Number of Farms for Each Livestock: General Santos City, Top 20 Export Products by Volume and Value: General Santos City, Top 20 Exporters by Volume and Value: General Santos City, Number of Registered Businesses by Nature of Business, Internal Revenue Collection: General Santos City, Assessed Area and Market Value of Lands by Classification: General Santos City, Average Land Value in General Santos City: General Santos City, S E P P A G E 4

5 LIST OF TABLES, MAPS AND FIGURES LIST OF TABLES Name of Table 22. Consumer Price Index, Inflation Rate and Purchasing Power of Peso by Month: General Santos City, First Semester Per Capita Poverty Threshold and Poverty Incidence Among Families, Philippines, Region XII and Province: 2006, 2009 and 2012 Page Number Water Rates by Classification: General Santos City, Electricity Rate per Consumer Classification: General Santos City, Crime Statistics: General Santos City, Annual Foreign Visitor Market Summary by Months: General Santos City, Annual Tour Operations Report by Months: General Santos City, Bus Fares by Destination and by Bus Company: General Santos City, Local and National Road Inventory: General Santos City, Inventory of Bridges: General Santos City, Number of Registered Vehicles by Type of Vehicle: General Santos City, Shipping Operations and Volume of Cargoes: General Santos City, Flight Operation and Volume of Passenger and Cargoes by Month: General Santos City, Current Facilities of General Santos International Airport: General Santos City, Registered Social Welfare Agencies: General Santos City, Number of Beneficiaries by Livelihood Program: General Santos City, Household Population 15 Years Old and Over Who are Solo Parents by Barangay: General Santos City, Number of Beneficiaries by Livelihood Programs for Differently-abled Persons: General Santos City, Table 40. Special Need of Household Population by Barangay: General Santos City, Inventory of Resettlement Areas: General Santos City, No, of Schools, Enrolment, Classroom, and Teachers in Public and Private Schools: General Santos City, SY, Human Resources, Facilities and Services of the City health Office/City hospital: General Santos City, S E P P A G E 5

6 LIST OF TABLES, MAPS AND FIGURES LIST OF MAPS Name of Maps Page Number 1. Map of the Philippines with Major Cities Map of General Santos City with Barangay Boundaries Map of the Central Business District: General Santos City, Map of Members of the BIMP-EAGA 50 LIST OF FIGURES Name of Figures Page Number 1. Population Pyramid, General Santos City: Top 20 Export Destinations and Value: General Santos City, Registered New Businesses: General Santos City, Classification of Road by Surface Type, General Santos City, Volume of Cargoes, General Santos City, Aerial view of the General Santos City International Airport Proposed Design of the Fin-like Façade of the Expanded General Santos International Airport Day Care Centers: General Santos City Senior Citizen Office: General Santos City 56 S E P P A G E 6

7 FOREWORD The General Santos City Socio-Economic Profile (SEP) 2014 is an updated compilation of data or vital statistics that briefly describe the physical, social and economic condition of the city for the year. The SEP 2014 seeks to provide significant trends and general information for decisionmakers, planners, researchers and implementers as well as the public. The City Government of General Santos would like to thank the entire City s departments/offices, National Government Agencies (NGAs), private sector, and Non- Government Organizations (NGOs), for providing the necessary data to the City Planning and Development Office for the completion of this document. S E P P A G E 7

8 COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES General Santos City is strategically located. Its location provides good trade access to major foreign markets -- Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Pacific Islands, Japan, Hongkong, Middle East, Continental Europe and the United States. Given adequate policy support and enhanced infrastructure improvements, the city can play a major role in the ASEAN Integration. QUALITY OF LIFE The city has a stable peace and order condition.. It has been recognized as a Child Friendly City by the Department of Interior and Local Government. High-class educational institutions across all levels are available. 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 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 RESOURCE General Santos City has a total land area of 53,606 hectares, has a fertile agricultural lands of 15, hectares including vast tract of lands for economic activities and economic zones are available. It has an IT Park to cater to ICT (Information and Communication Technology) businesses in the city. 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 is among the best in the country; fifty nine (59) telecommunication towers are present in the city (41-Globe, 13-Smart, 5-Sun (CPDO)). Landline companies operating in the city are Philippines Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), Bayan Telecommunications, Inc. (Bayantel), Marbel Telecommunications and Globe Telecom (Globelines); these companies also provide internet connections for personal and business needs. S E P P A G E 8

9 MULTI-ACCESS TRANSPORT 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 HUMAN RESOURCES The city has a projected working age population (ages years old) for 2014 of 384,325 or 64% of the household population. Also, has a literacy rate of 98.4 percent (2010 data from Census of Population and Housing, PSA (formerly National Statistics Office). Good educational and training institutions are available. Two universities (MSU and NDDU) and a host of top-rated colleges (STI, AMA College, RMMC and Holy Trinity College) are operating in the city. 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 the people to find new forms of addressing their problems. Strong involvement and partnership between the government and various private stakeholders make General Santos an ideal place to demonstrate socio-economic actions. There are many civil society groups in General Santos City which is actively participating in the programs of the local government of General Santos City as well as extends a helping hand to the Generals. To name some we have BARRIOS (Building Alternative Rural Resource Institutions and Organizing Services Inc., Community Health and Development (COMDEV), GSC Chamber of Commerce, GSC Small and Medium Development Council Inc., Indigenous Peoples Alliance Movement (IPAM), International Care Ministry of the Phils. Inc.,KPS Foundation, Mahintana Foundation, OND HESED Foundation Inc., RD Foundation, SOCSARGEN Masonic Foundation and such. These civil society groups also belongs to local specials bodies; special bodies such as the City Development Council, Local Poverty Reduction Action Team, City Mining Regulatory Board, GSC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and etc. Thanks to these civil society groups, it helps the local government to implement its programs easier. S E P P A G E 9

10 MISSION AND VISION Vision By 2030, General Santos City, the Home of Champions, is a globally competitive and livable city where prosperous, healthy, friendly, well-educated and responsible citizens actively participate in effective governance for a sustainable future. Mission To provide opportunities to all sectors of society to be productive and responsible stakeholders, through execution of sound and beneficial programs, projects and initiatives anchored on the principles of justice and equity. DEVELOPMENT PARADIGM: S E P P A G E 10

11 1.O HISTORICAL SNAPSHOTS On February 27, 1939, General Paulino Santos landed on the shores of the beautiful Sarangani Bay with 62 first batchers of Christian settlers under the National Land Settlement Administration (NLSA) program of then President Manuel L. Quezon Ireneo L. Santiago was elected in November 1947 as the first 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, ), public school building and a constabulary barracks The Municipality of Buayan was renamed General Santos as a tribute to its great pioneer General Paulino Santos by virtue of Republic Act No (An act changing the name of the Municipality of Buayan, in the province of Cotabato to General Santos), authored by Congressman Luminog Mangelen of Cotabato Province 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 of entry in 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. S E P P A G E 11

12 1964- 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 Tinagacan. Multinational 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 began 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 hallowed halls of the Supreme Court in Thru the efforts of Congressman James L. 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 BLISS (Bagong Lipunan (New Society) Improvement of Sites and Services) 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 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 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, S E P P A G E 12

13 1988- Appointed as an OIC mayor starting March 1, 1987, Mayor Rosalita Nuñez was 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 - 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 involved 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 (1 st district representative of South Cotabato in 1987), 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 realm of local governance in The city was host to the Palarong Pambansa and the 1st BIMP-EAGA FRIENDSHIP GAMES 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 eight (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. S E P P A G E 13

14 2000- Among all the cities in the Philippines, the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center awarded General Santos City as the Most Competitive City (mid-sized category) Vice-Mayor Pedro Jun 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 In May 2004, Mayor Acharon and his 11 party mates 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 (PBaSIS) Integrated Survey was held in the later part of the year. The survey was conducted to produce a more reliable, useful result and possible collaborated delivery of services in the future based on problems identified on this project. The said output also aims to be geo-referenced using the city s Geographic Information System 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 development efforts are undergoing continued in the area and for the 3 rd time in 7 years, General Santos City was awarded as the Most Competitive City (mid-sized category) by the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center. The award was shared by six (6) other medium-sized cities namely, Cabanatuan, Lucena, Olongapo, San Pablo, Tagum and Tarlac City The Bulaong Land Transportation Terminal was expanded to accommodate a growing number of public buses in New investments came 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. S E P P A G E 14

15 2010- In May, Mayor Rep. Darlene Magnolia Antonino-Custodio was successfully elected as City Mayor while Rep.Mayor Pedro B. Acharon was chosen by the people as representative. Mayor Darlene started the program of replacing street lights with LED bulbs for during this year a citywide census was conceptualized and 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 is also useful in validating existing service statistics such as the Field Health Service Information System (FHSIS). On November 11, 2010, then Mayor Custodio issued 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 a.k.a. CityCen 2011 was implemented pursuant to EO No. 31 and 32, Series of 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), 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 Service Information System. It will also serve as basis for certification of barangay or purok and in granting of community tax certificates. S E P P A G E 15

16 2013- The final result of the census was declared official through SP Resolution No. 282 series of 2013 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. Also, during this year Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera was elected as the new mayor of General Santos City and he quickly implemented his programs such as, HEART (Helping Employ Affirmative Results on Time). This program intends to help all departments optimize their capabilities to deliver prompt and timely services to the public and their peers by improving work conditions, facilitating IT development per office; providing full support for departmental targets and granting the maximum allowable benefits and incentives for employees. IBA (Integrated Barangay Affairs), this program is a major governance and technical support to the barangays which will be implemented by the City Mayors Office, barangay projects and barangay request will be facilitated by this team. TAMBAL GenSan(Tulong Alay sa Mamayan, Bilisang ALaga sa nangangailangan sa Gen- San), this program will aimed to usher a comprehensive health program focusinges on preventive measures in at the barangay level. Also, on improvements of services in the district hospital, rural health units, lying-ins, botika sa barangay, etc. M-RCR(Manage Rescue Contain Rehabilitate) is a program to provide synergy in the movements of first responders in security and disaster operations, as well as facilitate, focus and prioritize plans, programs, activities and funds of the city that will assist in management of security concerns, improve response time on rescue operations, prioritize security and hazard prevention programs among the city, the barangay, stakeholders and mandate agencies will finally usher rehabilitation plans to affected areas. Another program of the Honorable City Mayor is the AKLAT (Alay sa Kabataan Lahat ng Aruga at Talino). This program will develop and shall facilitate the Education program of the city. This will provide programs and activity design that will cater to the Young Generals. For the period the Honorable Mayor Rivera administration banner slogan is GREEN to CLEAN Gensan, GREEN stands for Good governance with integrity and inclusiveness; Revenue growth through public-private partnership; Economic diversification of investments; Environmental security and rehabilitation; Nurture, protect, develop and empower. While CLEAN stands for Creating a Livable Environment for All Generals towards Nation building. These development strategies will focus on three priority targets which are Education, Health and Modified Social Services. S E P P A G E 16

17 2.0 GEOGRAPHY AND PHYSICAL FEATURES 2.1 Geographical Location General Santos City lies at the Southern part of the Philippines. It is located between and East longitude and between 5 58 and 6 20 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. Map 1. Map of the Philippine with Major Cities S E P P A G E 17

18 2.2 Political Subdivision The City belongs to the First Congressional District of South Cotabato and is one of the five (5) cities in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region (Region 12). Currently, the city is divided into 26 Barangays with 541 Puroks. Map 2. Map of General Santos City with Barangay Boundaries S E P P A G E 18

19 2.3 Land Area General Santos City has a land area of square kilometers. It is a highly urbanized city with a population density of 1, persons/square kilometer in 2010 registering an increase of 1.61% over the 2007 census. On the other hand, Brgy. Dadiangas West with an estimated land area of 0.86 sq. km. was noted to be the most densely populated barangay with 17,677 persons per sq. km. This is followed by Dadiangas South and Bula (Table 1). Meanwhile, among the least densely populated barangays Sinawal, Siguel, Olympog and Upper Labay, Tambler has the largest population. Table 1. Land Area, Population, Population Density and Distance of Barangays from Central Business District (CBD): Gen- eral Santos City *CBD- Central Business District *As Used by OCPDC for Planning Purposes * NSO PopCen 2010 S E P P A G E 19

20 Table 2. Distance (Km) of Neighboring Cities and Municipalities from General Santos City. *As Used by OCPDC for Planning Purposes 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 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 four (4) major rivers in the city namely, Buayan River, Silway River, Makar River and Siguel River. 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 and is now the major source of water in the city, for residential, commercial and industrial uses. S E P P A G E 20

21 3.0 DEMOGRAPHY 3.1 Barangay Population General Santos City grew rapidly over the years as shown in Table 3. In 1970, there are 14 barangays with a total population of 70,961; the city more than doubled its population in the span of 10 years with a total population of 149,396 in In 1995 from 14 barangays the city has grown into 26 barangays with a total population of 327,173 Generals as the population became known. The economy of Gensan boomed, its population correspondingly grew. The National Statistics Office (NSO) census of population in 2010 revealed that General Santos had a total of 538,086 Generals and counting. Table 3. Population from Censuses: by Barangay: General Santos City, 2014 * Total Population from National Statistics Office * Household population 2011 CityCen 2011 S E P P A G E 21

22 The age-sex population pyramid can also be used as a tool in evaluating the age-sex composition of the population. Figure 1 shows the population pyramid of General Santos City based on 2011 city census. The pyramid indicates the proportion of the population by sex for each of five-year age group of the total population. FIGURE 1. Population Pyramid, General Santos City: 2011 *As Used by OCPDC for Planning Purposes * CityCen 2011 Of the 26 Barangays comprising General Santos City, Barangay Calumpang contributed the biggest percentage (12.93 percent) to the total population of the city. Barangay Fatima and Barangay Labangal followed with percent and 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. Male Population outnumbered their female counterparts with a sex ratio of males for every 100 females. There were more males than females in the age group 0 to 14 years old and 25 to 59 years old. On the other hand, females dominated their male counterparts in the age group 15 to 24 years old and 65 years old and over. The city had a young population with a median age of 22.7 years old. This meant that in 2011; half of the population were below 22 years old. S E P P A G E 22

23 TABLE 4. Number of Households, Household Population by Age Group and by Sex by Barangay: General Santos City, 2011 *As Used by OCPDC for Planning Purposes * CityCen Dependent Population The proportion of the total population belonging to the age group 0 to 14 years old was percent. The oldest group (65 years and over) accounted for 2.97 percent of the city population while percent belonged to the economically active population aged 15 to 64 years old. The overall dependency ratio in 2011 was This meant that for every 100 persons aged 15 to 64 years old, there were about 56 dependents (52 persons aged 0-14 years old or young dependents and 4 persons aged 65 years old and over or old dependents). 3.3 Ethnicity About percent of the population of General Santos City classified themselves as Bisaya/Cebuano, percent as Hiligaynon/Ilonggo, and 4.8 percent as Maguindanaon. One out of eight persons belonged to other ethnic groups. The B laan which is 3.73% of the population of General Santos City comprises majority of the Indigenous People in General Santos City. S E P P A G E 23

24 Table 5. Top 10 Ethnicity of Household Population: General Santos City, Marital Status Source: CityCen 2011 The city's total household population was dominated by single persons that accounted for more than one half (56%) of the population. Legally married persons constitute only 35% or 184,908 as shown in the table below. Common law/live-in persons share a minimal percentage of 8%. Of all persons aged 10 years old and over, there were more single people (42.68%) than married (41.35%). However, this proportion went down by 2.52 percentage points compared to Notably, there was an increase in the proportion of common law or live-in from 7.32% in 2010 to10.29% in This indicates that more people settle for a live-in arrangement rather than to be solemnized legally. Table 6. Household Population by Marital Status and Barangay: General Santos City, 2011 Source: CityCen 2011 S E P P A G E 24

25 3.5 Population Projection Population projection presented in Table 4 was computed using the geometric formula. The base year is 2010, the result from the most recent census conducted by the NSO, now known as Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). TABLE 7. Projected Population, General Santos City *As Used by OCPDC for Planning Purposes * base year, 2010 PSA PopCen 2010 S E P P A G E 25

26 4.0 ECONOMY 4.1 Fishing Industry General Santos City as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines garnered the Guinness record on the largest display of tuna in The achievement and the name are proofs that the fishing industry in the city is the prime mover of its economy. The city is engaged both marine and inland fishing. Sarangani Bay is the main fishing ground but Tuna rich fishing grounds include Moro Gulf and Mindanao Sea which are also being frequented by local fishermen. Large volume of fish catch is being unloaded in the city s international fishport located in Brgy. Tambler. Moreover, some fish farmers have also established ponds for aquaculture ventures. These fish commodities are disposed in both the local and export markets. General Santos City has a total 4,468 fishing households or 3.45% of the total households. (City Agri) The city also has eight (8) Registered Canning Factories that employ 6,214 employees () (based on working permits issued, CMO-BPLD). Most of the canning factories are into processed canned tuna and exporting. (CMO-BPLD) Table 8 shows the increase in fishing and aquaculture production in General Santos City in The production value of fishing and aquaculture increased from 197 million in 2013 to almost 238 million in Table 8. Fishing Grounds and Aquaculture Production: General Santos City, Source: City Agriculturist Office S E P P A G E 26

27 Table 9 shows that there is a constant increase in fish unloading at General Santos Fish Port Complex every year. The daily average of fish unloading is Metric Tons in the Fish Port Complex in Table 9. Monthly Volume of Unloading (MT) by month at the Fish Port Complex in the last Three (3) Years: General Santos City, *Source: Philippine Fisheries and Development Authority, General Santos City Table 10. Unloading of Tuna and Other Species (MT) at Fish Port Complex: General Santos City, *Source: Philippine Fisheries and Development Authority, General Santos City S E P P A G E 27

28 4.2 Agriculture General Santos City has 29% of its land as agricultural area. It is the hub for business and trade particularly for fresh and processed agricultural products in the SOCSKSARGEN Region. In 2014, the City has a total of 5,718 farming households (CityAgri). The City has a total agricultural land area of 15, hectares (cultivated) located in 15 agricultural barangays. The city has nine (9) coastal barangays, or a total of 21 agri-fishing barangays as follows: (Agricultural Barangays)- Batomelong, Conel, Katangawan, Lagao, Ligaya, Mabuhay, Olympog, San Isidro, San Jose, Sinawal, Tinagacan and Upper Labay, (Coastal barangays)-baluan, Buayan, Bula, Dadiangas South, Dadiangas West, Calumpang, Labangal, Siguel, and Tambler. Major crops include rice, corn, coconut, mango and banana. Other crops include asparagus, cassava, pineapple, coffee, sugarcane, and assorted vegetables. Some barangays are also into aquaculture/inland fishing. Table 11. Cultivated Agricultural Area per Barangay: General Santos City, 2014 *Source: City Agriculturist Office In the year 2013 and 2014, General Santos City exceeded the national average of major crops produced per hectare. The national production average for Rice is 3.49 MT while Gensan produced an average of 4.76 and 4.79 respectively in 2013 and In terms of corn production, the national average is 2.08 MT and Gensan has produced an average of 3.44 MT in 2013 and 3.53 in The national production average of Mango is 6.05 MT; Gensan exceeded that amount by producing 6.20 MT in 2013 and 6.30 MT average of mango production in S E P P A G E 28

29 Table 12. Area Planted and Production by Major Crops: General Santos City, Source: City Agriculturist Office National Ave. data: DILG Scorecard LGPMS 4.3 Livestock The animal population accounted are backyard and commercial production. Barangays Katangawan and Ligaya have piggery houses intended for commercial production. Poultry species include chicken, ducks, turkeys and geese. Broiler chicken is produced on a large scale basis, for meat purposes. Poultry houses can be found in Barangays Katangawan, Ligaya, Olympog, and Sinawal. There are also producers of chicken eggs in Barangays Conel and Katangawan. In addition, the culture of ducks (Muscovy) for meat and balut purposes has also become another livelihood opportunity for the people in the rural areas of the city. At present, ducks are dressed to be utilized as lechon or the meat can be processed as burger patties. Table 13. Total Livestock Slaughtered (heads) by Type of Livestock and Value: General Santos City, Source: City Veterinarians Office S E P P A G E 29

30 The livestock shipped-in the City mostly came from the Provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and Sarangani. On the other hand, livestock shipped-out from the city will go to the cities of Manila, Cebu and Davao. The drastic decrease in shipped-out of livestock is because of dealers preferring to ship-out what they called meat in the box or livestock that is already slaughtered instead of shipping-out a live animal. Table 14. Number of livestock shipped-in and shipped-out by type of livestock : General Santos City, Source: City Veterinarians Office Table 15. Livestock Production Areas and Total Number of Farms for each Livestock: General Santos City, 2014 Source: City Veterinarians Office S E P P A G E 30

31 4.4 Top 20 Exported Products For two consecutive years, Canned Pineapple remains the top exported product with a total value of 224,439, US dollars (273,789, kg), followed by Canned Tuna with a total value of 163,584, US dollars (47,164, kg) and Crude Coconut Oil with a total value of 118,875, US dollars (100,909, kg). Tuna exported products has a combined value of 349,019, US dollars (99,015, kg) or 41.07% of the total value of all exported products in The record of Bureau of Customs shows that the total value and volume of the Top 20 exported products together with the other exported product totalled 849,887, US dollars with a combined volume of 749,184, kg Table 16. Top 20 Export Products by volume and value: General Santos City, 2014 Source: Bureau of Customs, General Santos City S E P P A G E 31

32 4.5 Top 20 Exporters The top three (3) exporters still remained the same in the last two (2) years. The following companies are: Dole Philippines Inc. with a total exported value of 283,448, US dollars (392,790, kg), followed by Cargill Oil Mills Phils. Inc with a total exported value of 125,498, US dollars (134,684, kg) and Gen Tuna Corp. with a total exported value of 82,173, US dollars (18,636, kg). Table 17. Top 20 exporters by volume and value: General Santos City, 2014 Source: Bureau of Customs, General Santos City 4.6 Top 20 Export Destinations United States of America is the top export destination in 2014 with a total export value of $275,070, followed by Japan, Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, China and Korea. S E P P A G E 32

33 Figure 2. Top 20 Export Destinations and Value (US $): General Santos City, 2014 Source: Bureau of Customs, General Santos City 4.5 Commercial Activities Typical of highly-urbanized cities in the country, General Santos City has its own share of commercial strips and a central business district. Major commercial strips of the city include the stretch of Daproza Street, Jose Catolico Avenue, Pedro Acharon Sr. Boulevard, National Highway and Ireneo Santiago Boulevard. There are six (6) malls in the city, four (4) of which are located in stretch of Jose Catolico Avenue, one (1) located in Santiago Boulevard, and one (1) located at Daproza Avenue. The city s Central Business District on the central portion of the city is concentrated in Pioneer Avenue (both Barangays Dadiangas South and Dadiangas West) and Santiago Boulevard. S E P P A G E 33

34 Map 2. Central Business District: General Santos City, 2014 Source: City Planning and Development Office Among all the registered businesses in General Santos City, Retail/Wholesale businesses has the highest count with a total of 3,043, followed by businesses which render service or contractors with a total of 2,375. General Santos City has thirty (30) registered Hotels and four of it are newly built. The city also has thirty six (36) Pension Houses and five (5) of these Pension Houses are newly built. The total combined number of rooms of these registered hotels and pension houses is one thousand seven hundred eighty three rooms (1,783 (CEMCDO)).One hundred forty nine (149) Restaurants are scattered all around the city and there are fourteen (14) newly opened Restaurants which are ready to serve their customers. The city also hosts local and national conventions because of the presence of convention centers. Venues for such events can be catered by Phela Grande Convention Center, SM Trade Halls, KCC Convention Centers, Family Country Homes and Convention Centers are just a few of the list of possible venues for big events. The total declared gross sale of these 10,232 registered businesses is 76,571,132, in Out of the 10,232 registered businesses in General Santos City, 1,342 are New Businesses. The total investment of these Registered New Businesses is 1,640,055, Below is the summary of the Registered Businesses and New Businesses in General Santos City in the year S E P P A G E 34

35 Table 18. Number of Registered businesses by Nature of Business, 2014 ***NOTE: Includes Additional Line of Business *Source: CMO- Permits and License Division TRACS 2014 Among all the registered businesses in General Santos City, Retail/Wholesale businesses has the highest count with a total of 3,043, followed by businesses which render service or contractors with a total of 2,375. S E P P A G E 35

36 Figure 3. Registered New Businesses: General Santos City, 2014 *Source: CMO- Business Permits & License Division TRACS 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 industrial support services. 4.8 Internal Revenue Collection Table 19 shows the constant increase of tax collection by the Bureau of Internal Revenue in The average annual increase of the tax collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue in 2011 to 2014 is 257,344, S E P P A G E 36

37 Table 19. Internal Revenue Collection : General Santos City, *Source: Bureau of Internal Revenue, General Santos City 4.9 Real Estate According to the City Assessor s Office of General Santos City, as of December 31, 2014, the total market value of land of assessed area in General Santos City increased from 32,489,478,629 in 2013 (as of December 31, 2013) to 32,987,820,214, as shown in Table 20. Table 20. Assessed Area and Market Value of Lands by Classification: General Santos City, *Source: City Assessors Office, GSC S E P P A G E 37

38 The table below shows the Average Land Value of General Santos City in the year Table 21. Average Land Value in General Santos City: General Santos City, *Source: City Assessors Office, GSC 4.10 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 Business License/ Stickers 3. Regulations and Restrictions in Amusement and Fun Establishments 4. Zoning Ordinance 5. Ordinance on Billboards 6. Sanitary and Health Ordinance 7. Solid Waste Management Ordinance 4.11 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 SM City Gensan, Veranza Mall, Robinsons Place Gensan, Green Leaf Hotel (the only Four Star Hotel in Gensan ), Ruby Appliance and expansion of service operators such as Hospitals, Educational Institutions, Restaurants, among others has enhanced the confidence of the local leadership Cost of Living The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is an important indicator of the economy used to compare price movements. It also measures the value of a peso relative to a base year period. It also determines inflation rate. The price level of consumer goods and services purchased by consumers did not change very significantly from January December On the average, Consumer Price Index for 2014 is at 139.4, Inflation Rate is at 4.2 and the purchasing power of Peso at.72. S E P P A G E 38

39 Table 22. Consumer Price Index, Inflation Rate and Purchasing Power of Peso by Month: General Santos City, 2014 *Source: Philippine Statistics Authority, General Santos City The latest poverty estimates of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB- now part of Philippine Statistical Authority) shows a much higher poverty incidence in the Region of 37.5 than the country at 22.3 in In Region XII poverty incidence or the proportion of families with per capita income falling below the poverty line, worsened with an increase of 6.4 from 2009 to Among the provinces in Region XII, the province of South Cotabato which includes General Santos City also had an increase of 1.2% from 2009 to Table 23 also showed that the per capita poverty threshold in the region, or the amount needed by a person to satisfy his food and other basic needs annually, was estimated at P9797 in 2012 or about P816 monthly. This would mean that in 2012, a family of five in the region needed a monthly income of P4,080 or P48,960 annually to provide for the family's basic food and non-food needs to stay out of poverty. Table 23. First Semester Per Capita Poverty Threshold and Poverty Incidence among Families, Philippines, Region XII and Province: 2006, 2009 and 2012 *Source: NSCB, Region XII S E P P A G E 39

40 4.13 Water The main source of water of General Santos City is ground water. Rural Waterworks and Sanitation Association (RWSA) and General Santos City Water District (GSCWD) are the two major water providers of the city. As of 2011, there are 127 RWSA s operating and serving seventeen (17) barangays. It consists of 122 deep wells (11 non-functional), and five (5) spring development. RWSA water rate ranges from 7 per cu.m as the lowest and 30 per cu.m as the highest. About thirty eight thousand six hundred thirty nine (38,639) households and fifteen (15) barangays in General Santos City is being served by General Santos City Water District. Other households have their own supply of free flowing water. Table 24. Water Rates by Classification: General Santos City, 2014 Minimum of 10 cu.m. = Price per liter = Price per cu.m. = *Source: General Santos City Water District S E P P A G E 40

41 4.14 Electricity The only electricity provider in General Santos City is the South Cotabato Electric Cooperative II (SOCOTECO II). It distributes the power into three (3) Business Areas (Districts) namely Central, East and West. Based on 2010 National Statistics Office (NSO) Census of one hundred twenty five thousand three hundred sixty eight (125,368) Households, SOCOTECO II has established in 2013 that a total of 88,798 households or 71% (both urban and rural) are served with electricity. Some 36,570 Households or 29% are left unserved. There are two (2) Transmission or Distribution Lines in General Santos City. Lines owned by NGCP- Power Transmission Line and SOCOTECO II Sub-Transmission Lines. Both lines have been constructed since 1977, and are continuously expanded on 138KV, 230KV and 69KV, respectively. The performance of the South Cotabato Electric Cooperative II (SOCOTECO II) is rated fairly despite the occurrence of rotational brown outs within its coverage area. This is due to the insufficient supply of power generated for the entire Mindanao area. Other identified causes of local electric power interruptions (except when power supply of the provider becomes deficient) are: power overload that automatically trips off the pole mounted transformer on the site; heavy rains with gusty winds and thunderstorms; curtailment of power due to scheduled rotational brownouts; and the regular repairs and maintenance of lines and transformers which should not be more than six (6) hours brownout time. (SOCOTECO II) Table 25. Rate per Consumer Classification: General Santos City, 2014 Source: Socoteco II S E P P A G E 41

42 4.15 Crime Statistics The leap in crime incidence from 2012 to 2013 is not because of worsening crime situation, but is actually the product of a more efficient and accurate crime reporting according to PNP Spokesman Chief Supt. Leonardo Espina. There was a change in the crime reporting system (1 The crime reporting system was changed to correct dysfunctions and lapses while formulating a uniform procedure for the PNP to report and collect crime data across all agencies involved in the Criminal Justice System and use the same as working basis for policies and programs on various anti-criminality measures. In the previous years, carnapping/ carjacking and cattle rustling were not part of Crimes Against Property in addition to robbery and theft which are included in the new reporting system implemented in 2009 and requiring all police units to submit the Unit Crime Periodic Report (UCPER) to the PNP National Headquarters for consolidation into the National Crime Reporting System (NCRS). All crime incidents, whether reported by the victims, witnesses or third parties are recorded in the Police Blotter and all crime statistics shall be compiled from all sources such as barangay, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other agencies with law enforcement functions as opposed to the old system of crime reporting from the field called Police Regional Office Periodic Report (PROPER).) of the PNP; they implemented the National Crime Reporting System (NCRS) in all PNP units to report crimes incidents to the national headquarters for centralized recording thus, there is a huge difference in the reported crimes from 2012 to Reported crime incidence in the city has decreased by percent in Crime solution rate has improved in 2014 (41.59%) increasing by percent compared a year ago. Robbery has the highest percentage of unsolved crime. 26. Crime Statistics: General Santos City, 2014 *Source: Philippine National Police, Camp Fermin Lira, GSC S E P P A G E 42

43 5.0 TOURISM 5.1 Tourist Attraction The city has thirty four (34) tourist attractions. Twenty two (22) are natural attractions. Some of these attractions are the highlands of Klaja Eco Park, 12 waterfalls of Amsicong, Malakong Wall, Nopol Hills, Sanchez Peak, Bagong Buhay Peak, El Minit Geyser. Most of these attractions are located within forest land. Eleven (11) are man -made attractions. One of this is the GSC Fish Port Complex; guests will see the world-class facilities of the port and also different tuna species. It is best to visit the place during 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM to witness the busy and lively activities of the port. 5.2 Cultural and Tourism Activities Annually, General Santos City celebrates nine (9) major cultural and tourism activities. These are the following: Foundation Anniversary/Kalilangan Festival every 27 th day of February which garnered an award in 2011 as the Best Tourism event of the Philippines (culture and arts category, city level), Summerfest every April, Gensan Eco Karera every 1 st week of May, Yaman Gensan and Lechon Festival every June, City Charter Anniversary/Tuna Festival every 5 th day of September, National Tourism Week every last week of September which garnered an award in 2011 as the Best Tourism Week Celebration of the Philippines, E-Business Week in Gensan every 2 nd week of November, and the Pasko sa Gensan every December. Barangays of the city also celebrates its foundation anniversary and patronal fiestas. 5.3 Foreign Tourist Foreign tourist arrivals in General Santos City increased from 2011 to However, local tourist arrivals in the city decreased in 2011 to 2012 by 19% but a greater increase is noted in 2012 to 2013 by 170%. Table 27 shows that January has the highest count of tourists served that accumulated to 528 while on the month of July had the least number with only 18. For the entire year, the following months exceeded the total average of tourists served which is 118: January - 528, September and November The manifestation of the City Circuit Tours which were set and managed by Wow GenSan Association of Tourist Agents (WGATA) members are now in growing popularity among GenSan visitors. They provide tourism services for tourists, such as letting the tourist taste the signature dishes of the City, touring them around the city, and letting them see the culture of the city. S E P P A G E 43

44 Table 27. Annual Foreign Visitor Market Summary by Month: General Santos City, 2014 Source: City Economic Management & Cooperative Development Office Table 28. Annual Tour Operators Report by Month: General Santos City, 2014 Source: City Economic Management & Cooperative Development Office S E P P A G E 44

45 6.0 TRANSPORTATION 6.1 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, multicabs, taxis and tricycles provide the means of conveyance along most major corridors in the city. The city has five (5) operational traffic signal lights; two (2) along Pioneer Avenue and three (3) in National Highway. There are 1,472 recorded Inter-city Public Land Transportation units in the city. Public Utility Vans dominate with a total of 696 Or 47%. Followed by the Public Utility Jeepneys at 371. Public Utility buses servicing the city has a total of two hundred twelve (212). And there are eighty seven (87) multicabs and one hundred (106) taxis. Franchising of the four-wheeled public transport vehicle are with the Land Transportation and Franchising Board. On the other hand, franchising of tricycles is handled by the Motorized Tricycle Franchising Regulatory Board (MTFRB), currently there are six thousand three hundred fifty eight (6,358) tricycles with franchise in the city. Tricycles and mini-tricycle or trisikads on the other hand provide the short distance transport in most barangays. In recent years, habal-habal or single motorcycle service providers provide a competitive alternative to public conveyance. Proliferation of this type of transport also causes traffic problems in the key points of the city. General Santos is a three (3) hour land travel to the cities of Davao and Cotabato. Below is the bus fare of the three (3) Bus companies plying the routes to and from General Santos City. Table 29. Bus Fares by destination and by Bus Company: General Santos City, 2014 *Source: Office of the City Administrator- City Terminal, GSC **Note: Student and Senior Citizen Fare Rates are the same (they are given 20% discount) S E P P A G E 45

46 6.1.1 Accessibility Accessibility is among the city s prime advantages. Considered as the heart of SOCSARGEN area the city is provided with good access road to and from adjacent cities, such as Koronadal, Tacurong, Digos and other municipalities/cities. National Highway road in the city has a road width of sixty (60) meters, City road width ranges from 6.70 meter to 15 meters while Barangay Road width ranges from five (5) meter to 12 meters. (City Engineers Office, DPWH) Main roads such as National Highway provide inter-city linkages. A few concrete bridges connect gaps in the road network which provides important access to Sarangani Province and South Cotabato Road Network General Santos City is more often a transit point than a final destination. A total of kilometers of national road connects the city to its provincial and regional neighbors. Out of these, kilometers or 68% are concrete roads and kilometers or 32% are asphalt paved roads. Digos-Marbel Road is the primary road connecting General Santos City to South Cotabato. The other primary links to Sarangani Province are Digos-Makar Road, Makar-Kiamba Road and Digos-Makar-Buayan-Glan Road. Intra-city linkages are also well established through with its city and barangay roads. The city roads have a total length of kilometers. Concrete roads account for 39.01% or kilometers, asphalt roads is about 1.38% or kilometers. City gravel road is a meager 0.16% or 0.51 kilometers while there are kilometers or 59.43% of earth roads. As of 2014, the city has a total of twenty seven (27) bridges which are all in good physical condition. The load capacity ranges from 10 to 20 tons. Fourteen (14) of these bridges are classified as national, while the remaining thirteen (13) are under the jurisdiction of the city. By type of built, fifteen (15) are Reinforced Concrete Deck Girder (RCDG), two (2) are Bailey bridge, six (6) are Pre-Stressed Concrete Deck Girder (PCDG), three (3) are Double Barrel with concrete flooring (DB) and one (1) Partially Restrained Seismically Isolated (PRSI). Figure 4. Classification of Road by Surface Type, General Santos City, 2014 S E P P A G E 46

47 Table 30. Local and National Road Inventory: General Santos City, 2014 Source: City Engineers Office, GSC *National Road Data from: Note: Primary Road are roads that connects cities of > 100,000 population Secondary Road- others roads w/c complement with the national arterial roads to provide access to main population and production centers of the country. Tertiary Road- other existing roads under DPWH w/c perform a local function. In the Map, these roads are represented only by letters to distinguish them. S E P P A G E 47

48 Table 31. Inventory of Bridges: General Santos City, 2014 Source: DPWH, CEO Source: City Engineers Office, GSC *National Road Data from: Note: Primary Road are roads that connects cities of > 100,000 population Secondary Road- others roads w/c complement with the national arterial roads to provide access to main population and production centers of the country. Tertiary Road- other existing roads under DPWH w/c perform a local function. In the Map, these roads are represented only by letters to distinguish them. S E P P A G E 48

49 6.1.3 Traffic Management The city has two offices that ensure the management of the city s traffic flow: the General Santos City Traffic Management Office (GSCTRAMCO) and the Philippine National Police Traffic Enforcement Division/ Highway Group of the City Police. The GSCTRAMCO employs traffic aides who direct traffic on congested streets and intersections. Impounding of stalled vehicles is also carried out by the division to ensure that streets and thoroughfares are free from any obstruction that may result to congestion and bottlenecks. On the other hand, the PNP Traffic/Highway Group takes care of major thoroughfares, responds to traffic emergencies and issues violation tickets to traffic violators. The table below shows that the top three (3) highest registered vehicles are the Motorcycles, Jeepneys and Tricycles respectively. These type of vehicles are used as public utility vehicles. Thus, this indicates that General Santos City has many riding public and transport services are in demand in the city. Table 32. Number of Registered Vehicles by type of Vehicle : General Santos City, 2014 *Source: Land Transportation Office, General Santos City Transport Terminal The City has two overland transport terminals, namely, Eusebio Bulaong Transport Terminal and Lagao Food Terminal. The hectares Bulaong Terminal is owned by the LGU and managed by the Office of the City Administrator. The operation and maintenance of these terminals are provided for in Ordinance #08, series of Lagao Food Terminal is also owned by the LGU but the maintenance and management of it is being handled by Barangay Lagao. Bulaong Terminal caters to inter-regional buses from General Santos City to Davao, Cotabato City, Cagayan De Oro, Marbel and Tacurong City. There are four (4) bus companies providing service to the commuters of the city, these are the Yellow Bus Line, Holiday Bus, Husky Bus Line and the Rural Transit. In the 2013 Report of the City Administrator's Office, Bulaong Terminal has an average 345 trips per day. The City has several private and informal terminals in the City. Most of the inter-city terminals are located in the major malls of the city. S E P P A G E 49

50 6.2 Water Transportation The presence of the commercial wharves in Barangay Dadiangas South and Barangay Dadiangas West provides 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. On the other hand, the Port of General Santos (Makar) which is located in Barangay Labangal provides interisland and international point of entry and exit for cargoes. Makar Port is so far the only port in Mindanao that is gantry-ready and has actually the deepest controlling draft at twelve (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 units) an hour per crane, way above the discharge rates of the North Harbor in Cebu and Davao port which are just 5-8 TEUs per hour per crane. It is also strategically located in the heart of the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asia 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 West Coast of United States corridor and other prime destinations in Europe and the West Coast of United States. Map 4. Map of Members of the BIMP-EAGA S E P P A G E 50

51 Table 33. Shipping Operations and Volume of Cargoes: General Santos City, 2014 *Source: Philippine Ports Authority, General Santos City (**NOTE: Due to Passengers prefers traveling by Air and Shipping Companies losing profit, Passenger Vessel plying Manila-General Santos route and vice versa ceased its operations. (Since JULY 2012) ) Figure 5. Volume of Cargoes in Metric Tons, General Santos City, 2014 *Source: Philippine Ports Authority, General Santos City S E P P A G E 51

52 6.3 Air Transportation Located at Barangay Fatima, the General Santos International Airport is the largest airport in Mindanao. This international standard airport has a 3,227-metre concrete runway capable of handling widebodied jets like Airbus A340 and Boeing It is seventeen (17) kilometers from downtown General Santos. A six (6) 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 (USAID). General Santos City is only an hour and twenty minutes flight at some 1,200 statute miles from Manila, the main gateway and capital of the country. It is served by four (4) carriers Philippine Airlines (PAL), PAL Express, Cebu Pacific and Tiger Air providing daily flights to Manila, Cebu and Iloilo. Cebu Pacific and Tiger Air offer night flights to their customers. Currently, General Santos International Airport has an ongoing expansion and rehabilitation project funded by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) which is roughly around 25,000, General Santos International Airport has a total of two thousand two hundred fifty five (2,255) flights going in and out of the city in 2014 and these flights brought a total of three hundred fifty three thousand three hundred forty two (353,342) passengers in the city. Out of these flights there are about four thousand five hundred twenty four (4,524) non-revenue passengers or passengers that are travelling for free or with discount, non-revenue passengers also includes infants who does not occupy seats. There were also one thousand one hundred sixteen (1,116) Deadhead passengers which are mostly employees from aircraft companies who travel for free on work related reasons. General Santos International Airport has two hundred twenty four (224) Transit passengers or passengers who are changing from one aircraft to another. Table 34. Flight Operation and Volume of Passenger and Cargoes by Month: General Santos City, 2014 Source: Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, General Santos City S E P P A G E 52

53 Table 35. Current Facilities of General Santos International Airport: General Santos City, 2013 Source: Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, General Santos City Figure 6. Aerial view of the General Santos City International Airport Figure 7. Proposed Design of the Fin-like Façade of the Expanded General Santos International Airport. Source: S E P P A G E 53

54 7.0 SOCIAL SERVICES 7.1 Social Welfare The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) is the local governments primary welfare agency. It is responsible for uplifting the living condition and improving the quality of life of the poorest sector of the population through its various comprehensive programs and services. These programs are designed to enable the poor to become self-reliant and contribute to local and national development Below are the social welfare agencies and organizations that 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. Table 36. Registered Social Welfare Agencies: General Santos City, 2014 *Source: City Social Welfare and Development Office S E P P A G E 54

55 7.2 Early Childhood Care The return from investing in early childhood is a cumulative effect of early nutrition, health care and cognitive stimulation. Interventions that start early, especially before the age of two have the highest gain. With that 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 teacher. Under the oversight of the CSWDO, it promoted the inclusion of children with special needs at day care centers and advocated 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 the 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 one hundred seventy seven (177) day care centers (one hundred sixty eight (168) of it is constructed by the city) in General Santos City which serve children and are presently managed by nongovernment entities, barangays or the city government. As of 2014 there are one hundred seventy nine (179) day care center teachers, four (4) of which are volunteers and seven thousand nine hundred sixty three (7,963) day care center enrollees (CSWDO). Figure 8. Day Care Centers: General Santos City S E P P A G E 55

56 7.3 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 General Santos City Senior Citizens Center funded by Senator Edgardo Angara was the one of the first facility in the country for the elderly people. 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 function is 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 and during every Barangayan (program of the local government) the local government with the help of PHILBEST distributes groceries for the Senior Citizens. Also with the help of RD Foundation medical missions for the Senior Citizens happens every quarter of the year. The national government funded the Social Pension Payout for the qualified Indigent Senior Citizen to support them with their needs. There are about one thousand fifty three (1,053) beneficiaries of this pension which provides 1,500 quarterly or 500 per month. During the month of October Senior Citizens week is celebrated. Various activities for Senior Citizens such as sports fest, medical missions are held during this week of October. Figure 9. Senior Citizen Office: General Santos City S E P P A G E 56

57 7.4 Women/ Solo Parent The city government recognizes the role of women in nation building and has ensured fundamental equality before the law of women and men. The city government recognized and advocates women rights. It provides opportunities for promotion of gender equality. On the other hand, the city government continuously promoted the family as the foundation of the nation. It strengthens its solidarity and ensures its total development. The table below shows the livelihood programs implemented by the city for women in Table 37. Number of Beneficiaries by Livelihood Program: General Santos City, 2014 *Source: City Social Welfare and Development Office Table 38. Household Population 15 Years Old and Over Who are Solo Parents by Barangay: General Santos City, 2011 Source: CityCen 2011 S E P P A G E 57

58 7.5 Differently Abled Persons Those persons suffering from restrictions from different abilities as a result of mental, physical and sensory impairment, to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being 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. 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 city government. There are three hundred fifty eight (358) registered Persons with Disabilities in 2014 and table below shows the livelihood programs implemented by the city for them. Table 39. Number of Beneficiaries by Livelihood Programs for Differently-abled Persons: General Santos, 2014 * Source: City Social Welfare and Development Office Table 40. Special Need of Household Population by Barangay: General Santos City, 2014 Source: CityCen 2011 S E P P A G E 58

59 7.6 Socialized Housing In response to the growing needs for socialized housing among constituents, the city government has provided a number of relocation sites and works in tandem with non-government organizations in the provision of housing facilities. The table below shows the resettlement areas in the city. Table 41. Inventory of Resettlement Areas: General Santos City, 2014 Source: City Housing and Land Management Office S E P P A G E 59

60 8.0 EDUCATION Of the twelve (12) higher educational institutions, the city hosts two (2) universities namely: Mindanao State University and Notre Dame of Dadiangas University both of which have achieved remarkable accreditation standards. Pre-school operators accounted for eighty-nine (89) establishments. For the School Year , the city has a total of four thousand eighty two (4,082) teachers; three thousand four hundred fifty one (3,451) are public school teachers, six hundred seventeen (617) from the private schools and fourteen (14) teaching special education. More than half of the public school teachers (61.40%) are teaching in the elementary level while more than one third (38.60%) are teaching in the secondary level. Table 42. No. of Schools, Enrolment, Classroom, and Teachers in Public and Private Schools, General Santos City, SY *Source: Department of Education, General Santos City **Note: Data from No. of Classroom/Classes is from SY data S E P P A G E 60

61 9.0 HEALTH 9.1 Resources, Facilities and Services Thirty eight (38) barangay health stations are strategically located in various barangays to provide local health services to residents of the city. 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. The health centers are under the administrative and technical supervision of the City Health Office whose responsibilities extend to continuous monitoring of water supply to ensure 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. There are thirty two (32) lying-in/birthing homes scattered all around General Santos City, twenty-six (26) of which are privately owned and registered at Permits and License Division (as of 2014) while six (6) of those are government owned. These lying-in/birthing homes provide supplementary health service to mothers. Their services includes: attendance to normal deliveries, referrals of all cases with complications to hospitals, referrals to newborn screening and care, and breastfeeding. Table 43. Human Resources, Facilities and Services of the City Health Office/City Hospital: General Santos City, 2014 *Source: City Health Office, General Santos City S E P P A G E 61

62 The Socio-Economic Profile 2014 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 appreciate 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 Philippines 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 cpdo@gensantos.gov.ph Website Photos by: General_Santos_South_Cotabato_Province_Mindanao-Vacations.html S E P P A G E 62

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