The city of General Santos in South Cotabato has carved a reputation as among the primary source of tuna, not only for the country, but for the world. Thus, the city touted as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines once again celebrates the abundance of the fish prized for its quality and export value in a yearly feast called the Tuna Festival, which starts on Aug. 29. The theme is Layag-Gensan-One Pulse, One Force, One Cruise.
"Last year’s Tuna Fest was about our city having full of possibilities. Unlike last year where the celebration focused on business, for this year, we want to focus on the festivities and our people," festival director Bebot Haw said.
General Santos City is strategically located within the trading and economic center of SOCSKSARGEN Growth Area (South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos). The city partakes of the bounty of Sarangani Bay, which gives SOCSKSARGEN 1000 metric tons of tuna daily and export revenues reaching $ 250 million yearly.
This year’s celebration is seen to be the biggest yet. It coincides with the 39th founding anniversary of the city fondly called Gensan, and the launch of a new festival song entitled "Sikatuna! Sikatunay!"
TV stars Angelica Panganiban, Derek Ramsay and Pokwang will grace the rites at Oval Plaza on Sept. 1, while rock performers make an appearance, among them Bamboo, on Sept. 4, at the Lagao Gym , and Imago and Rocksteady on Sept. 5, at the the Oval Plaza.
There will be the first ever Gensan Eco Karera Race and 5th LBM (Langoy, Bugsay and Marathon) Race, as well as a grand float parade during the culmination day on Sept. 5.
To celebrate the bounty of tuna, there will be a week-long Sashimi night, a kite fest called "Sea Creatures in the Sky," Fish Fest at the Fishport, and a banca race sponsored by Mitsubishi.
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