1 FOREWORD The General Santos City Socio- Economic Profile (SEP) 2015 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 2015 seeks to provide significant trends and general information for decision-makers, 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 (NGA), Private Sector, and Non-Government Offices (NGOs), for providing the necessary data to the City Planning and Development Office for the completion of this document. 2 COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES General Santos City is strategically located. Its location provides good trade access to major foreign markets such as Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Pacific Islands, Japan, Hong Kong, Middle East, Continental Europe and United States. Given adequate policy support and enhanced infrastructure improvements, the city can play a major role in 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. In 2005, the city was recognized as the Cleanest and Greenest Highly Urbanized City in the Philippines. 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, and 15,697.96 hectares of it is fertile agricultural land, including vast tract of lands for economic activities and economic zones are available. It has an I.T Park to cater 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 well known corporations, banks, manufacturers and retail outlets. Power and Water rates are among the most 3 competitive in Mindanao. World Class telecommunication infrastructures is among the best in the country; fifty nine (59) telecommunication towers are present in the City (41- Globe, 13- Smart, 5 Sun Towers (CPDO)). Landline companies operating in the City are Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), Bayan Telecommunications (Bayantel), Marbel Telecommunications and Globe Telecom (Globelines); these companies also provide internet access for personal and business needs. 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 RESOURCE In 2015, the City has a projected working age population (15-64 years old) of 394,740 or 64% of the household population. Also, has a literacy rate of 98.4% (2010 data from Census of Population and Housing, Philippine Statistics Authority ((PSA) (formerly known as NSO)). Good Educational and training institutions are available. Two universities (MSU and NDDU and soon to rise University of Santos Tomas- General Santos) 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 stakeholders make General Santos an ideal place to demonstrate socio-economic actions. There are many civil society groups in General Santos which is actively participating in the programs of the local government of General Santos as well as extend a helping hand to the “Generals”. To name some we have BARRIOS (Building Alternative Rural Resource Institution and Organizing Services Inc.), Community and Health and Development (COMDEV), GSC Chamber of Commerce, GSC Small and Medium Development Council Inc., Indigenous Peoples Alliance Movement (IPAM), International 4 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 special 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 has helped the local government to implement its programs much easier. 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. 5 HISTORICAL SNAPSHOTS February 27, 1939- General Paulino Santos landed on the shores of the beautiful Sarangani Bay together with the first 62 batchers of Christian Settlers under the National Land Settlement Administration (NLSA) program of President Manuel L. Quezon. 1939- Datu Sharif Zainal Abedin was appointed as the 1st Municipal District Mayor of Buayan Municipal District. November 1947- Irineo L. Santiago was elected as the first Mayor of the Municipality of Buayan. 1954- Authored by Congressman Luminog Mangelen, Republic Act 1107 was approved on June 15, 1954. Through this Republic Act, the Municipality of Buayan was renamed to General Santos as a tribute to its great pioneer. 1955- Mayor Pedro Acharon Sr. administration concerned itself with the barrio programs of President Magsaysay; feeder roads connecting remote barrios to the national highway were constructed. Artesian wells were established to solve the problem of water supply among the rural folks. Mayor Acharon also finished the Makar Wharf project of former Mayor Santiago and declared it an open port of entry in 1959. 6 1960- During Dr. Jorge Royeca’s administration the Municipality of General Santos was declared as the cleanest town in the province of Cotabato. Cleanliness, Beautification and Health Services was emphasized during Dr. Royeca’s term. 1964- The First two public secondary schools were established during Mayor Lucio Velayo’s term, one in Bula and the other in Conel. STANFILCO (Standard Fruits Company) and the Coca- Cola bottling companies were also established. The field of Media Communication saw a rapid stride during Mayor Velayo’s administration with the publication of the first local newspaper, the Southern Review and the establishment of the first radio station, the DXGS. Multi-million agri-based corporations such as Dole Philippines, General Milling Corporation and UDAGRI began operating in the area. 1968- The passage of Republic Act 5412 which was approved on June 15, 1968 transforming the Municipality of General Santos into a City was made possible thru the efforts of Congressman James L. Chiongbian and this made Mayor Antonio Acharon the last Municipal mayor and became the first City Mayor of General Santos. The educational needs of the City were given emphasis during Mayor Acharon’s time with the opening of several public elementary schools in six barangays (Apopong, Sinawal, Upper Labay, Labangal, Dadiangas Heights and Sitio Uhaw, Tambler). Other important infrastructure projects during Mayor Acharon’s term were: Government Hospital, a new public Market, concreting of major Streets and Highways, building of bridges and dikes, and the improvement of Makar Wharf and the start of the construction of the modern City Hall. In 1975 the Department of Finance declared General Santos City as a first class City based on income. Mayor Acharon’s term is the longest, spanning almost for two decades. 1986- After the peaceful People Power Revolution, Atty. Dominador Lagare was appointed as the Officer-in-Charge of the City. The incumbency of Atty. Lagare was too short to fully appreciate his impact to the development of the City. It was during his term that the construction of the unfinished City Hall was completed. 7 1987- After being appointed as the OIC Vice-Mayor of the 6th City Council, Rosalita T. Nuñez served as the OIC City Mayor on May 22, 1987 to December 3, 1987. 1987- J.F. Antonio S. Munda was the OIC City Mayor of General Santos City (December 1987-1988). 1988- Elected as Mayor; Mayor Rosalita T. 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. 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