User:Rabsky 13
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[edit] History
On February 27, 1939, General Paulino Santos led the first and largest batch of settlers organized under the National Land Settlement Administration to the shores of Sarangani Bay. The 62 pioneers, who mostly came from Luzon, industriously tilled Cotabato's fertile expanse of land. After this first influx of pioneers, thousands more from Luzon and Visayas migrated into the area.
In January 1948, by virtue of Republic Act No. 82, Buayan District became a full fledged municipality whose territorial boundaries included the present municipalities of Sarangani and South Cotabato Provinces, namely Alabel, Glan, Malapatan, Malungon and Polomolok. NLSA Hospital Administrator Irineo I. Santiago became its first mayor.
Six years later, in June 1954, the Municipality of Buayan was renamed General Santos as a tribute to its great pioneer. This was made possible by Republic Act No. 1107 authored by Congressman Luminog Mangelen of Cotabato Province.
From 1963 to 1967, during the incumbency of Mayor Lucio A. Velayo, an upsurge in the municipality's economy was experienced as several large agri-based corporations such as Dole Philippines, General Milling Corporation and UDAGRI expanded into the area. Although it was then qualified to become a fourth class city, the residents rejected a move by Congressman Salipada Pendatun to convert General Santos into a city and to rename it Rajah Buayan.
Finally, however, on July 8, 1968, upon approval of Republic Act No. 5412, the Municipality of General Santos was converted into a city while keeping its name. It was inaugurated on September 5 of that year. Antonio C. Acharon became its first city mayor. In 1988, two decades after its inauguration, it was declared as a highly urbanized city.
[edit] Accessibility
Presence of transportation facilities -- international standard Airport, expanded Makar Wharf, good road network and adequate communication facilities within the city and neighboring places. It is very accessible as the gateway to the Philippines, it has regular air flight, sea travel, and land linkages to major points in the country.
General Santos City serves as the inbound destination for the sights, sounds and culture of SOCCSKSARGEN. Air, sea and land transport provides easy access to the key cities in the Philippines and the rest of the world. The City is base to the Philippines' second largest airport-in-area and has one of the most modern seaports in the country today.
- Air
With a runway that can comfortably accommodate landings of the most modern wide-bodied aircraft. The GSC International Standard Airport can be reached direct from Manila, Cebu, Ilo-ilo or via Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro and Davao through any Mindanao based flights. Though there are still no direct international flights in the area, Philippine Airlines Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific operate in GenSan, setting links to a wide range of destinations.
- Sea
GenSan's Makar Wharf is considered one of the best in the country. With a 740-meter docking length and a 19-meter width, the wharf connects the City to destinations within and outside the Philippines. Negros Navigation, WG&A and Sulpicio Lines provide the route while Indonesian shipping lines contribute their GenSan-Indonesian route for passenger and cargo traffic.
- Land
Inbound and around SOCSKSARGEN land travel is a fast and convenient ride. With more than 400 passenger buses and jeepneys wielding routes within, to and from the growth region, getting to your place of destination is a comfort. Tricycles - three wheeled motorcycles with side-cars, are the City's main mode of land transportation and has been in the road since the pioneering times. Air-conditioned taxis and rent-a-cars are also readily available. The Pan-Philippine Highway links GenSan to other Major cities in Mindanao and to the rest of the country.
[edit] Infrastructure and Economy
The presence of major economic infrastructure support facilities provide the city an edge in terms of comparative advantage due to its standards that are comparable to international benchmarks.
The International Standard Airport, It has a 3,200-meter runway capable of handling wide-bodied jets like Airbus 300 series and Boeing 747. This puts almost all key cities in the Philippines. It currently handles direct flights to Manila and Cebu through Air Philippines, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. And it also has connecting flights to Bacolod City and Iloilo City via Cebu.
The world class Fishport Complex has a 750-meter quay, 300-meter wharf for 2,000 GT reefer carriers, refrigeration facilities with 1,500 cold storage capacity, 60 tons/day ice plant, brine, air blast and contact freezers.
The 561-meter Makar Wharf is one of the most important ports in Mindanao. It has been expanded by 151 meters to accommodate more berthing capacity.
The abundant power supply, retailer of the National Power Corporation provides the power requirement of the city.
The communication services offered by major telephone companies. The area is also serviced by Mobile telecommunication system and the availability of internet service providers serve as key to be top of the domestic and international businesses.
