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July - September 2016 | CEMCDO Digest 1

CEMCDO DigestC I T Y E C O N O M I C M A N AG E M E N T A N D C O O P E R AT I V E D E V E L O PM E N T O FFI C E

Volume No. 4 | 4th IssueJuly - September 2016

18th Tuna Festival and Gensan’s 48th City Charter Anniversary Filled Gensan’s Thoroughfares With Festival Goers Page 6

CAEXPO Complex, Nanning City, China

The Philippines Won the Best City of Charm Pavilion, featuring General Santos City as the City of Charm,

during the 13th CAEXPO in Nanning City, ChinaPage 8-9

18th National Tuna Congress Filled Up Gensan’s Accommodation Establishments Page 5

Gensan Airport Now Wi-Fi Connected Page 4

YAMAN Gensan Trade Fair & Exhibits 4-15

Four (4) Investment Division Staff Attended the 25th Mindanao Business Conference Page 12

1st SOX Start-Up Challenge a Boost in Local ICT Development Page 13

LGU-Gensan Bagged Three Major Awards during the Tourism Stars Award Night Page 4

MSU Accountancy Graduate was Crowned Miss Tourism Gensan 2016 Page 6

World Tourism Day 2016 (Gensan’s National Tourism Week Celebration)

Page 7

July - September | CEMCDO Digest2

CEMCDO Digest

CEMCDO DIGEST is the official publication of the City Economic Management

and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO) published quarterly. This

edition focuses on the 3rd quarter of 2016 accomplishments of the office.

It aims to give its readers substantial information regarding the programs and

activities of the department and the city all year round. This is to maximize the

participation in the activities and to sustain the city of General Santos as an

investment hub and tourism destination in the country.

About the Cover

Going global and opening our doors to Asean, CEMCDO ventured into foreign

markets by way of participating in ASEAN Exhibits, Investment Fora and

Product Showcase missions. Having chosen as the Philippines City of Charm

during the 13th CAEXPO in Nanning, China, Gensan was able to showcase its

potential what we have, what we can offer and what we can do. Chinese

businessmen and investors

started sending delegations

to the city exploring trade

and business possibilities

with Southern China.

While promoting abroad,

the need to level up our

festivals, events and other

activities at home, were done

during the third quarter. As a

result, international, national

and regional awards &

recognitions were received

by the office. The third

quarter offered more rewarding accomplishments, simply because of unity,

cooperation and commitment of each division of the department.

Ronnel C. RiveraCity Mayor, General Santos City

Engr. Riza Marie T. PachesActing Department Head

Editorial Staff

Editor-In-ChiefArabecque TW. Batilong, MA, RSWActing Assistant Department Head

Associate EditorMaria Cora C. Tito

Tourism DivisionLay-Out Artist | Design

Arthur S. Sibag

Contributors

Joaquin Tiongco, MBAInvestment DivisionMaria Cora C. Tito Tourism DivisionAlma Zerrudo

Special Projects & Cooperative DivisionShirley T. Cunanan

Administrative DivisionPublisher

City Economic Management andCooperative Development Office

in this issue• About CEMCEDO Digest • About the Cover• In this Issue• Messages • Gensan Bagged Three Major Awards during the Tourism Stars Award Night • Gensan Airport Now Wi-Fi Connected• 18th National Tuna Congress Filled Up Gensan’s Accommodation Establishments• TAU SOX: Festival of the First People Conducted • 18th Tuna Festival and Gensan’s 48th City Charter Ann. Filled Gensan’s Thoroughfares with Festival goers• MSU College Graduate was Crowned Miss Tourism Gensan 2016• World Tourism Day Activities (Gensan’s National Tourism Week Celebration)• The Philippines Won the Best City of Charm Pavilion, featuring General Santos City as the City of Charm,during the 13th CAEXPO in Nanning City, China• Who Visited Us EBS Korea TV Visit during Tuna Festival Misamis Occidental SP Members Visit to Gensan• National Exhibitions Participated Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) International Travel Festival (ITF)• Four (4) Investment Division Staff Attended the 25th Mindanao Business Conference• 1st SOX Start-Up Challenge a Boost in ICT Local Development• YAMAN Gensan Trade Fair & Exhibits• Very Good Economic Performance Continues

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About CEMCDO Digest


Congratulations!

General Santos City remained a dynamic Gateway of SOCCSKSARGEN Tourism during the last quarter of 2016 hosting and participating in local, national and international events that enticed guests and tourists from near and far.

Gensan’s participation in the Philippine Travel Mart made the SOCCSKSARGEN Pavilion even more special and unique when it showcased tuna sashimi and tuna lechon. This also became a venue for hundreds of people who queued to get a taste of tuna, to learn more about Gensan and the region and further supporting Gensan’s claim as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

Featured as the City of Charm in the Philippines’ Pavilion in the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, China, General Santos City’s tourism and investments potentials were likewise put on centerstage resulting in business interests in the city. The stage was also shared with the whole of SOCCSKSARGEN Tourism where the bigger-than-life photos, cultural icons/performances, actual tnalak weaving and audio visual presentation altogether became crowd magnet. Short term accomplishments include publication and broadcasting of the pavilion in seven international press, and long term engagements like inclusion of Tboli artifacts in Guangxi Museum and mutual cooperation on tourism promotion and development with the Guangxi Ministry of Tourism.

Aptly capping the year was the celebration of Tourism Week where the various developments in the tourism industry was given attention during the week long festivities participated in by private sector groups and academic institutions. The Tourism Summit jointly organized by DOT 12 and Gensan-CEMCDO laid down new perspectives for tourism promotion and development.

Corollary to this was the appropriate recognition made by the DOT 12 to the contributions made by the tourism stakeholders in the region. General Santos City bagged several awards like LGU Best Performer in Day and Overnight Tourist Arrival, Top 9 MICE Destination in the Philippines, Most number of Star Rated Hotels and Halal Certified Establishments in the Region, Best Tourism Student, Blogger of the Year and Best TV Station of the Year.

Obviously, General Santos City has so much to share. More than just a gateway and a service center, Gensan throbs life, tourism life.

Congratulations and more power.

NELLY NITA N. DILLERA, CESO IIIRegional Director, DOT 12

The fourth issue of the CEMCDO Digest is handled by the Tourism Development & Promotion Division and features the events and activities conducted and support by the Department during the 3rd quarter of this year. These big events includes the

18th Tuna Festival, Tuna Congress, the National Tourism Week Celebration and the kick-off of the Yaman Gensan. The city also hosted several government and private sector meetings, conference and exhibits. Another proof of Gensan’s potential as one of the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions/conference and exhibits) destinations in the country.

On top of these activities, the City through the CEMCDO participated in the Philippine Travel Mart in Manila and the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning, China. In all these activities, we never failed to attract interested stakeholders on tourism, investments and enterprise development. From the CAEXPO , two delegation of Chinese investors visited the city for possible investment in the areas of housing, construction and industrial development. The participation of MSMEs during the festivals and events of the city was also commendable.

In terms of investment, a number of local business groups have ventured into construction of more commercials spaces, accommodation facilities and modernization of their establishment. Notable is the expansion and modernization of Gaisano Mall, one of the pioneering enterprise in the wholesale and retail business of the city. The inauguration of the RD City, an economic zone located at the boundary of General Santos City and Polomolok in South Cotabato is seen to attract local and foreign direct investors in this side of the country.

While the city moves upward economically, it is not the time to rest on our laurels and be complacent. In fact, we have finished setting the goals, objectives, programs, projects and targets for the next six-year to support and boost the city’s competitive edge. The Local Development and Investment Program of the competitiveness cluster was already incorporated in the city’s plans and programs. We will work towards achieving what we have set in order to strengthen our local economy and our role in investment, tourism and services within the BIMP-EAGA region.

It is our pleasure to work with all of you for a better and prosperous city.

Magandang Gensan!

ENGR. RIZA MARIE T. PACHESActing Department Head, CEMCDO

Messages


Greenleaf Hotel, General Santos City , September 26, 2016. CEMCDO Tourism Division is happy and proud to announce that General Santos City bagged 3 major awards: 1)Top 9 MICE Destination of the Philippines 2) Excellence in Tourism City Government Category and 3) Best Performers in Tourist Arrivals during the Tourism Stars Award Night.

Gensan Bagged Three Major Awards during the Tourism Stars Award Night

1 National AwardTop 9 MICE Destination of the Philippines

2 Regional Awards: Excellence in Tourism City Government Category

Best Performer in Tourist Arrivals(Overnight & Day tourist arrivals)

Aside from the LGU awards, eight (8) accommodation establishments after being accredited with DOT, were finally star- rated namely: 4 Star Hotel - Greenleaf Hotel the only 4 star hotel in the city and in the region3 Star Hotel - East Asia Royale Hotel2 Star Hotels - Microtel Gensan by Wyndham, Phela Grande Hotel, Family Country Hotel & Convention Center, Sydney Hotel, Sun City Suites and MP Roadhaus Economy Hotel.

In addressing the need to cater halal food to our BIMP counterparts by way of globalization and borderless ASEAN, the city came up with a special food preparation practices to cater to these special types of halal foods for our Muslim guests and visitors.

As such, three ( 3) tourism establishments in the city, were issued Halal Certification to wit: Family Country Hotel & Convention Center, Greenleaf Hotel and Hotel San Marco.

Triumphantly, in the field of education, web promotions, and Telecommunication the Best Tourism Student, (Tricia Fe Rulete of Joli Ilagan-Bian International School), Blogger of the Year (Mr. Nardz Navarro) and Best TV Station of the Year (ABS-CBS Regional Station) were all received by Gensan.

Kudos to all Generals!

Gensan Airport Now Wi-Fi ConnectedSeptember 1, 2016. General Santos City Airport. Fast, easy access and free wi-fi connection was launched at the Gensan airport in time for the Tuna Festival celebration. Powered by SMART Communications, the city expressed heartfelt thanks for the said telecom company, for supplying this much needed technology for all Gensan incoming and outgoing passengers.


18th National Tuna Congress Filled Up Gensan’s Accommodation Establishments

SM Trade Halls, SM City Gensan, August 29- September 2, 2016. Tuna producing countries of the world converged in Gensan for the annual National Tuna Congress. Now on it’s 18th year, “Gearing up for the Future” is the theme. SFFAII, the main organization conducting the event, produced seventeen (17) resolutions, four (4) of which emanates from the CEMCDO. The bottomline of these resolutions were mainly for the sustainability of the tuna fishing industry of the city.

The delegates of the congress, the trade fair exhibitors, and the invited national officials together with their parties were among those that filled up the accommodation establishments of the city. The Tuna Congress and the Tuna Festival were among the peak season for hotels, inns, pensions and lodging houses. All hotel rooms were fully booked during that time. Festivals remained as drivers of Gensan’s economic dynamism, where multi- stakeholders are the one benefitted.

From L to R: City Councilor Jose Orlando Acharon, Gensan City Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera, DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, NTC Chairperson Joaquin T. Lu, DTI 12

Regional Director Ibrahim Guiamadel during the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the 18th National Tuna Congress Opening last August 30, 2016.

The SarGen Indigenous People converged in Gensan to celebrate life, harmonious coexistence and peaceful collaboration.

Generate awareness, understanding and appreciation on the cultural heritage of the different IP Groups of SOX were the major objectives of the event. It was a product of the convergence efforts between DOT 12, NCCA & LGU Gensan.

TAUSOX: Festival of the First People Conducted

In the anthropological and sociological landscape, the term “first people” refers to people whose practices, whether artistic or ritualistic confirms the presence of a cultural identifier which in anthropology connotes certain function and purpose.

The Nusantao Hypothesis, Nusantao maritime trading and communication network 1964 derived from the

Austronesian root word “Nus” which means south and “Tao” or “Tau” which means people.

This project aims to rediscover and understand the various themes whether it is classified as aesthetic and

anthropologic to which be determined as practices of the First People as against or as derivative of Indigenous People’s practices or maybe similar.The FORA designed for this purpose shall expose various concept and construct.

The EXHIBITIONS in various visual forms hopefully will give light and meaning to various shapes and interpretations. The CULTURAL PERFORMANCES and

TRADITIONAL SPORTS hopefully will be distinct in terms of choreography, function and entertainment. The FOOD DISPLAY hopes to enlighten us to what purpose is its preparations and processes, whether its function as ritual practices, culinary and celebration.


18th Tuna Festival and Gensan’s 48th City Charter Anniversary Filled Gensan’s

Thoroughfares with Festival GoersFestival goers , expectators and guests flocked Gensan ‘s thoroughfares during the festival week. The annual most awaited Tuna Festival gathers people from all walks of life, as the city celebrates thanksgiving for the bounty of the sea. Fishing, as the city’s prime industry, and having tuna- as Gensan’s economic and dining superstar, continues to draw more guests for the city, benefitting not only the major stakeholders but almost all related industries and businesses.

The celebration gained more prominence and among the nation’s list of festivals, as we continue to innovate and introduce new events to fit this year’s theme “ Tuna toneladang Saya”.

DOT Assistant Secretary Catherine S. de Castro represented His Excellency, the President, as the Guest of Honor during the Grand Opening Ceremony of the 18th

Tuna Festival last September 1, 2016

Oval Plaza, General Santos City. September 2, 2016. In almost two months of hectic rehearsals, the organizer of the Miss Tourism Gensan 2016 winners were finally declared as follows: Miss Tourism Gensan 2016 is Maria Clarissa Javison, 1st Runner

MSU Accountancy Graduate was Crowned Miss Tourism Gensan 2016

up ( Miss Culture & Arts) , Irene Grace Untong, 2nd Runner up ( Miss Ecotourism) Eunice Melicor, 3rd Runner up (Miss Agri Tourism) Edel Mae Quibol.

Miss Tourism Gensan is the only government organized beauty pageant, purposely to hone young ladies in the field of personality development, public relations, promotions and reception. The first three winners , aside from cash prizes, enjoys a one year job contract at the Tourism Division of CEMCDO.


World Tourism Day Activities(Gensan’s National Tourism Week Celebration)

Veranza Atrium, General Santos City. September 21 – 27, 2016.

September 26, 2016 at KCC Convention Center, Tourism Summit Speakers from left, Mr. Romeo “Salbe” A. Garsan , DOT XII RD Nelly Nita N. Dillera, DOT Under - Secretary Daniel Angelo E. Mercado ( representing DOT Secretary Corazon Wanda T. Teo), ISST President and former DOT Secretary Dr. Mina F. Gabor, Mr. Homer Nievera, PHILTOA VP Mr. Arjun Schroff, RTC 12 President Michelle L. Solon and Mr. Homer Nievera.

Opening Program of WTD September 21, 2016 with DOT 12 Regional Director Nelly Nita N. Dillera, CESO III

as the Keynote Speaker.

Ribbon Cutting for the Opening of Hospitality Industry Exhibits September 21, 2016. In the photo are: CEMCDO

Acting Dept. Head Engr. Riza Marie T. Paches, HRMDO Dept. Leah Y. Tolimao, DOT 12 Regional Director Nelly Nita N. Dillera, CESO III and DTI Gensan OIC Engr. Arnel Sayco.

Tourism Industry Showcase featuring TREs and Tourism Schools every- afternoon during the WTD Week. Winning booth of the hospitality Industry Exhibits.

Participating Artist for 3D Mural Competition at the fence of GSNSAT

Tourism Quiz Bee as the educational component of the WTD activities

Oathtaking ceremony of Gensan Food and Beverage Association (GEFBA) new set of officers

last September 27, 2016


The Philippines Won the Best City of Charm Pavilion, Featuring General Santos City as the City of Charm,

During the 13th CAEXPO in Nanning City, China

Nanning City, Guangxi Province, China. September 8-14, 2016. Besting eleven (11) countries during China – Asean Expo 2016 (CAEXPO), General Santos City, represented by Engr. Riza Marie T. Paches, Department Head of CEMCDO, Maria Cora C. Tito , the City Tourism Officer and Alma Zerrudo, from the Enterprise Division, brought home the bacon.

The Philippine delegation actually won three awards, namely, the Best City of Charm Pavilion, Best in Investment Organization and Best in Trade Cooperation. Bringing home the first International Award for the city of General Santos with both pride and honor.

The Philippine Business Delegation during the Philippine Promotion Conference and Business Matching with Senator Cynthia Villar as head of the Delegation.


The Philippines Won the Best City of Charm Pavilion, Featuring General Santos City as the City of Charm,

During the 13th CAEXPO in Nanning City, China

Nanning City, Guangxi Province, China. September 8-14, 2016. Besting eleven (11) countries during China – Asean Expo 2016 (CAEXPO), General Santos City, represented by Engr. Riza Marie T. Paches, Department Head of CEMCDO, Maria Cora C. Tito , the City Tourism Officer and Alma Zerrudo, from the Enterprise Division, brought home the bacon.

The Philippine delegation actually won three awards, namely, the Best City of Charm Pavilion, Best in Investment Organization and Best in Trade Cooperation. Bringing home the first International Award for the city of General Santos with both pride and honor.

In full gala Philippine Attire, the Philippine Delegation composed of BOI, CITEM, DOT and the City of General Santos at the Philippine Pavillion in Nanning City, China


2 weeks after the China trip, six (6) Chinese Investors from Guangzhou & Shenzhen visited CEMCDO Office and explored possible housing business ventures. This was an offshoot of our CAEXPO activities, results of which are readily evident.

Mr. Kim Byoung Soo of EBS Korea TV came during the Tunafest

September 2-11, 2016, to cover the festival and the Tuna Fishing

Industry in Documentary Form. After finalizing his output, a

copy of his documentary film will be given the City.

Who Visited Us

Misamis Occidental SP Members Visit to Gensan

EBS Korea TV visit during Tuna festival

PAL Express executives visited the office to expand workforce selection in Gensan. Stewardess and Stewards were open job vacancies that were screened during their visit.

Another group of 20 Chinese businessmen arrived Gensan and again explored possible business ventures. They also attended the Lieoning Business Forum at Greenleaf Hotel.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members from Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental headed by the SP Secretary Atty. Irene Zapatos, visited Gensan, for their benchmarking activity. The city, honored for being chosen as their venue for their study mission, welcomed and toured them around.


2 weeks after the China trip, six (6) Chinese Investors from Guangzhou & Shenzhen visited CEMCDO Office and explored possible housing business ventures. This was an offshoot of our CAEXPO activities, results of which are readily evident.

Mr. Kim Byoung Soo of EBS Korea TV came during the Tunafest

September 2-11, 2016, to cover the festival and the Tuna Fishing

Industry in Documentary Form. After finalizing his output, a

copy of his documentary film will be given the City.

Who Visited Us

Misamis Occidental SP Members Visit to Gensan

EBS Korea TV visit during Tuna festival

PAL Express executives visited the office to expand workforce selection in Gensan. Stewardess and Stewards were open job vacancies that were screened during their visit.

Another group of 20 Chinese businessmen arrived Gensan and again explored possible business ventures. They also attended the Lieoning Business Forum at Greenleaf Hotel.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members from Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental headed by the SP Secretary Atty. Irene Zapatos, visited Gensan, for their benchmarking activity. The city, honored for being chosen as their venue for their study mission, welcomed and toured them around.


Philippine Travel Mart (PTM)

International Travel Festival (ITF)

General Santos City remained a dynamic Gateway of SOCCSKSARGEN Tourism during the last quarter of 2016 hosting and participating in local, national and international events that enticed guests and tourists from near and far.

Gensan’s participation in the Philippine Travel Mart made the SOCCSKSARGEN Pavilion even more special and unique when it showcased tuna sashimi and tuna lechon. This also became a venue for hundreds of people who queued to get a taste of tuna, to learn more about Gensan and the region and further supporting Gensan’s claim as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines.

International Travel Festival (ITF) at Ayala Center, Cebu City last July 14-17, 2016 was another venue of promoting the city as a significant travel destination. Tour packages were distributed and promoted with the help WGATA.

The activity generated a tourist interest of 84%.

National Exhibitions Participated

Selling SOX Tour Packages


This year’s 25th Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon), an annual gathering of all local chambers in Mindanao, was hosted by Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. and Surigao City, Province of Surigao del Norte. The conference officially commenced on the 24th day of August until the 26th, 2016 at the Gateway Hotel.

This year’s host, Surigao City, boasts its abundance on agri-fishery products, eco-tourism sites, and other international activities that are annually celebrated in the province such as the International Siargao Surfing Cup and International Game Fishing Festival. Also, mining is the province primary industry with seven (7) mining companies at present. Moreover, MinBizCon highlights the latest development on government programs and policies that are aimed at strengthening partnerships and stimulate inclusive growth across the country.

Four (4) Investment Division Staff Attendedthe 25th Mindanao Business Conference

Anchored on the theme “Mindanao: ASEAN’s Emerging Economic Hub”, it emphasized on the socio-economic performance of Mindanao and its competitive advantages with its strategic location as the gateway to the ASEAN Region.

Dir. Reynaldo R. Cancio of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) discussed the advantages of the country in the Brunei Darussalam-

Indonesia-Malaysia Philippines East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and other Asian regions.

Dubbed as the “rising tiger of Asia” by World Bank, the country’s economic performance has also been improving with a GDP growth rate of 7% in 2nd quarter of 2016, higher than the 5.9 percent growth in the same period in 2015.Evidently, the country’s advantage makes an edge to compete into the global sphere with a high literacy rate of 94.6%,

fluency in speaking English, and is cost competitive compared to other countries making it more attractive to investments. The country also has younger workforce than other Asian countries with a median age of 23.1 years old.

As to the strategies and plans for Mindanao, Ms. Janet M. Lopoz, Undersecretary of the Mindanao Development Authority, discussed the positioning of Mindanao to the BIMP-EAGA highlighting on the inter-connectivity of Mindanao Development Corridors- Northern MDC, Western MDC, and South-Central MDC. With its strategic location, Mindanao has easier access to Asian countries to transport its goods, services, and other high value products such as coconut, coffee, pineapple, banana, seaweeds, and others.

On the other hand, Mr. Karl Kendrick Chua, Senior Country Economist of World Bank Philippine Office led the formulation of the Mindanao Jobs Report which focused on factors affecting the development of some areas in Mindanao such as rebellious acts and unequal distribution of wealth all over the country.

Further, Mindanao’s economy is primarily driven by the agriculture value chain (AVC) which accounts 30% of Mindanao’s GDP, with 47% of 9.2M employed Mindanawons work in AVC. However, there are 27% or 1.2M who are food poor as against the 12% or .6M both in Luzon and Visayas.

The findings of their research recommend to 1) enhance cities as agribusiness hubs 2) attract IT-BPOs 3) reduce the cost of doing business 4) develop non-agro-based manufacturing and 5) ensure sustainability of cities through land policy.

In general, the 25th Mindanao Business Conference proved to be a good venue among business sector, local government units and other institutions to discuss current and prevailing issues in Mindanao region and present the plans and ideas for the inclusive growth and development in the area.

The event was also an opportunity for new investments and a venue to promote areas of investment like in General Santos where the city is positioning itself as agri-industrial, trade, tourism and transportation hub of SOCCSKSARGEN Growth Area.


1st SOX Start-Up Challenge a Boost in Local ICT Development

The local development and promotion of information & communications technology/ business process management (ICT/BPM) industry made a boosts in the city through the conduct of the 1st SOX Start-Up Challenge held on September 14 – 16, 2016 at the Veranza Mall Function Room. As a response from the private sector’s clamour for more local ICT development programs, the LGU-General Santos City through the City Economic Management & Cooperative Development Office, the Department of Trade and Industry – Region 12 (DTI-12) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology – Region 12 (DICT-12) collaborated with the private sector led by the ICT Solutions Association of Region-12 (ISA-12), Custard Apple Outsourcing, Red Core Solutions, Inc. and CubePixel Studios for the staging of the 1st Start-Up ICT Challenge in the city. The 1st SOX Start-Up Challenge was conducted as a kick-off project with the objective to make General Santos City a “next-wave city” status conferred by the DICT, National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) and the Business Process Association of the Philippines (BPAP).

This public-private partnership is in line with the program of the SOCCSKSARGEN industry cluster initiated by the DTI-12 for the promotion and development of ICT/BPM in the region as a means to boost the service industry of the local economy.

The SOX Start-Up Challenge aims to nurture innovative, technology-based solutions to government or community problems, and build capability within the local talents in the city.

A total of 18 participating teams participated in the challenge together with their innovative ideas ranging from offering solutions to traffic problems, social media solutions, land information system, mobile technology application and others.

The culmination activity on the 3rd and last day of the event highlights the presentation of ideas/solutions through a 5-minute pitch of each team through a panel of judges from the public and private sectors.

The final list of the participating teams is listed below:

Team Start-Up Awards1 ACLC SQUAD B Mobile & Web Vehicular Management System 1st Place2 FERMIN FRUYLAN III Cemetery Information System 2nd Place3 CREATIVE SPHERE STUDIOS Social Business Network 3rd Place4 SKSU e-jobs: An Online Career and Rent-a-Page Portal Finalist5 MINE TRASH Waste disposal and segregation system converted to revenue Finalist6 FRANZ DURAN Rapid HR Solutions Finalist7 CRONASIA 4G Express Grades Notifier Finalist8 RMMC Attendance Monitoring via SMS Finalist9 STRAT-IT GenSan Food/Resto Locator Finalist10 MSU V.3 Laundry pickup and Delivery Business Finalist11 MSU TBD Attendance System via Face Recognition Finalist12 TRACE e-Card for easy Supermarket Transactions Finalist13 IT PHO SARANGANI Patient Discharged Records Management System Finalist14 ACLC SQUAD A GenSan Animators Hub Finalist15 MSU V.1 GenSan Restaurant Finder Finalist16 CYBER GEEKS SOX Start-Up Portal Finalist17 TEAM HTC GenSan Job Matching App via SMS Finalist18 SIS ITD Hearing Navigation Devise for the Blind Finalist


1. Dynamic MSMEs Energized the YG Trade Fair & Exhibits (October 10-16, 2016)MSME Trade Fair is an exhibit of small producers showcasing Gensan made products featuring non-food & food items. It also features a series of food and craft demonstrations done by selected exhibitors during the event. These exhibitors does demo on Tuna Value added products, fancy balloon making, corn husk making and a livelihood film showing participated by different sectors from different barangays. After the 7 days, a total sales of P402, 580.15 was earned out of the 32 exhibitors.

YAMAN Gensan Showcased Local Entrepreneurs

32 MSMEs joined YG Trade Fair1. Sugar & Spice Aromacology- Body Massage2. GAMPA- Tuna Value Added Products3. Ruhamah Merchandising- Slippers and Bags4. Natures Harvest Asia- Organic Food Products5. Sacc Food Products- Tuna Value Added Products6. Kuya Pede’s- Vege Chips7. Happy Wellness Center- Health and Weighing services8. Dok Medico Alternatibo- Scar remover9. Ellyn’s Tuna Chicharon- Tuna Chicharon10. Rural Improvement Club- Various Agri Products11. Gensan Producer’s Association12. Jorge Food and Drinks- Fruit drinks13. Virginia- sponsor Partner14. Socsargen Gasul- Sponsor Partner15. FBB Pastillas- Candies16 GMAY Creations- Cakes and Pastries

17. Tay Roming’s Coffee18. ABS Food Products- Siomai & Kakanin19. Mira’s Craft- Corn Husk20. Happy Boom Balloons- Balloon Makers21. Yankeess- Tuna Value Added Products22. Café Frio- Coffee 23. Kayamanan ni Juan- Fashion Accesories24. Rosechie Food Products- Fruit Tarts25. Gaisano- Sponsor/Partner26. Gensan Womens Federation- Slippers27. Nourskin- Sponsor Partner28. Uniwide Digital Advertising29. CFTEMCO- Fruits & Vegetables30. Memory Avenue- Souvenirs31. REMA Food Products- Calamansi Juice32. MAMRE Mktg. coop- Natural Food Products

On the Last day of the trade fair a simple closing program was held, certificates were given to the trade fair exhibitors as a token of appreciation for their valuable participation of the event. Truly the event portrays the vast promising products General Santos has to offer not just to the local market but to the international as well.

2. 47 Companies Participated the YaMan Gensan Job’s Fair (October 13, 2016)

Yaman Gensan Job’s Fair is in partnership with PESO to cater job seekers and unemployed. This year, 641 applicants applied searching for job vacancies.

no. Indicator Local Overseas Total 1 job vacancies registered 1205 4700 59052 total registered job applicants 454 187 641

male 163 119 282female 291 68 359

3 total applicants interviewed 511 157 668HOTS 52 4 56Qualified 51 27 78Applicants for further interview 307 110 417not qualified 101 16 117

4 Total applicants Hired on the spot 52 4 56male 15 1 16female 37 3 40

5 total applicants for further interview 307 110 417male 150 60 210female 157 50 207

6 Total number of participating company 37 10 47

3. 6 High Schools Enjoyed the Junior Entrepreneur’s Camp (October 17-18)

October 17 launch the conduct of Yaman Gensan JEC in partnership with Department of Education General Santos Division headed by Dr. Sylvia Acuña. It marked the official opening of the 2-day event of Junior Entrepreneurs Camp ( Oct 17-18, 2016), it was participated by different high schools in the city, which are the following;

1. GSCNHS 2. GSCNSSAT 3. LNHS 4. SPED 5. ALS 6. New Society NHS In this said event the entrepreneurial skills of high school students were portrayed. Students demonstrated their skills in therapeutic massages and other cosmetic services like the skills in nail arts, cooking and display of non-food products. A beauty pageant was conducted as the final activity. Mr. JEC was from the GSCNHS and Ms. JEC was from GSC SPED INTEGRATED SCHOOL. Total earning for the junior entrepreneurs camp trade fair earned a total of P8,447.00.

Data Source: Public Employment Service Office (PESO) - General Santos City


4. Business Students Entrep Skills Enhanced during the Young Entrepreneur’s Fair (October 19-21) College students taking up careers in Entrepreneurship take center stage during the “Young Entrepreneurs Fair” that lasted for three days (Oct 19- 21, 2016), it was participated by different universities and colleges Holy Trinity College, AMA Computer Learning Center, STI, Villamor Business College, Stratford International, BCSI, JIB International School, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College, and

GCT. The event was hosted by the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University. The first day was highlighted by the showcase of the student’s innovative ideas in business as seen in their creative booths. Their booths also showcased the vast richness of the Generals from different innovative tuna products and food processes up to the very creative arts and crafts. Indeed, the students showed a lot of potentials in doing business.

Day 2 was the establishment of series of games and competitions, featuring the different skills and knowledge of young entrepreneurs. The competition ranges

from quiz bowls, business pitching, radio and TV advertising, most creative logos, slogans and booths.

Day 3 was the continuation of the final round of the competition. The highlight of the event, was the Mr. and Ms. YEF pageant. Contestants showed not only their beauty and talents but also their prowess in business knowledge. The winners of the pageant was both from the RMMC. As the evening ended, the holy Trinity College was declared the overall champion. The said event also earned a total of P45, 671.05 from the different college booths.

In its latest concluded 2016 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index, 3rd CMCI Regional awarding ceremony, RC3—Regional Competitiveness Coordinating Committee—recognized and ranked the city no. 15 in highly urbanized cities category clinching it based on the aspects of economic dynamism, government efficiency, and infrastructure placing nos. 10, 12, and 24 correspondingly. This is an improvement coming from the spot no. 17 in the competitiveness index established in 2015; creeping two-tier upward to signal the city has what it takes to change course for the better and rise to competitiveness. But, lest it is construed there is contentment on this, it should not be inasmuch as the thrust really is to barge into one of the most competitive cities in the country; making it a feat more significant allowing for its landing in the top 10 ranking. Perhaps a tall order, save for the city has the tools to compete and match up with other cities considering it is a financial and trading hubs. As all roads lead to Gensan, it is a gateway to the economic activities of Region 12. And it should be recalled for good measure that in two consecutive years in the past, Gensan used to lord it over other highly urbanized cities besting them in not a few categories on competitiveness ranking

Very Good Economic Performance ContinuesRECENT DATA ON COMPETITIVENESS RANKING, TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND ENTERPRISE PROGRAM shows a continuing resilient performance of Gensan.

of the Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project conducted by the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Policy Center.

Likewise, the city recorded 1,204,459 tourist arrivals, both local and foreign person, in the year 2015—ranking first in SOCCSKSARGEN, which indicated that tourism is alive and doing good here. Combining this with another equally important highlight that contributed to the saga of the aforementioned caption is the crafting of a policy helping tourism related/oriented establishments improved its capability to serve tourists, which resulted to the record-number 43 accredited establishments [nowhere in the past has come closer to this number]; that by being a DOT accredited establishment embodies good practice easily embraced. All in all, there is the Department of Tourism XII substantiating this by way of their recognition on June 2, 2016 for the record matter-of-factly. Thus, tourism is thriving in the city.

On the last program, one million eight hundred thousand four hundred eighty five pesos and sixteen centavos (P1,800,485.16) in absolute number were spent that indeed new money was poured in circulation pump-priming

the local economy benefitting micro, small and medium entrepreneurs and its advancement thereupon. This amount came from the implementation of Bottom-Up Budgeting (BuB) accessed through the Department of Trade and Industry as a national program for the year 2015 culminating in December 2015. The strategy was focused on industry clustering covering 1,800 beneficiaries from different barangays, which is vital in building the local government and community; that the more new entrepreneurs developed, there is propensity afterwards to improve the livelihood of the people in general and the economy in particular, and essentially counting as one good management of the local economy.

There is a compound adjective that best describes the city’s performance along the only three parameters in that it is “very good.” [email protected]


City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office3rd Floor, Investment Action Center, City Hall Compound, General Santos City

083.302.2595 | 083.553.8338 | [email protected] | [email protected] | www.gensantos.gov.ph

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