GENERAL SANTOS CITY

General Santos (Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Heneral Santos;

Filipino: Lungsod ng Heneral Santos; previously known as
Dadiangás, and abbreviated G.S.C. or GenSan) is the
southernmost city in the Philippines. Classified as a highly
urbanized first class city, General Santos is the 15th most
populous city in the country with 538,086 inhabitants as
per census data of 2010. General Santos City is part of the
SOCCSKSARGEN region, and geographically in the
province of South Cotabato but administered independent
of it.

History
Organized under the National Land Settlement
Administration (NLSA) of the Commonwealth
Government headed by President Manuel L. Quezon,
General Paulino Santos led the relocation of 62 Christian
settlers from Luzon to the shores of Sarangani Bay aboard
the steam ship “Basilan” of Compania Maritima on February 27, 1939. The 62 pioneers (mostly
agricultural and trade graduates) were the first big batch of settlers to land in GenSan with the
mission to industriously cultivate GenSan's fertile expanse of land. After this first influx of
pioneers, thousands more from Luzon and the Visayas have subsequently migrated into the area.
This started the displacement of some native B'laan tribe to the mountains and lost their
livelihood.
The B'laan people are the original settlers of GenSan which they called Dadiangas during the
time. The B’laans live a nomadic way of life in and around GenSan. Evidence of their early
occupancy are the names of the places in the city which were derived from their native terms.
One significant name is Dadiangas (Ziziphus spina-christi), their native call for a tree which has
thorns on its trunk and stems that abundantly thrive in GenSan during the time. Under
Indigenous Peoples Right Act IPRA law RA 8371, these Dadiangas trees are now protected and
it is proven under the Philippine jurisprudence of the Supreme Court. In the present time, the
B'laan tribe live side by side in harmony with the new generation of settlers and other
immigrants.
In March 1939, the first formal settlement in the city was established in ’’Alagao’’ which is now
known as Barangay Lagao. Lagao district was known then as the “Municipal District of Buayan”
under the jurisdiction of the deputy governor of the Municipal District of Glan. Until it officially
became an independent Municipal District of Buayan on October 1, 1940 appointing Datu Sharif
Zainal Abedin—an Arab mestizo married to a daughter of a very influential datu of lower
Buayan—as the first district municipal mayor.
One year after the mark of Philippine Independence from the Americans on July 4, 1946, the
Municipality of Buayan became a 4th class regular municipality by virtue of the Executive Order
Number 82, dated August 18, 1947 by President Manuel Roxas, absorbing the Municipal District
of Glan whose low income bracket at the time disqualified it for the honor. Dadiangas was the
seat of government for the Municipality of Buayan electing Irineo Santiago as its first Municipal
Mayor on a local election that was held on November 11, 1947. Mayor Santiago was formally
inducted on January 1, 1948.[4]
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[5] 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 and multi-national
corporations such as Dole Philippines, General Milling Corporation and UDAGRI have
expanded into the area. Although it was then qualified to become a fourth class city from being a
municipality, the residents rejected a move by Congressman Salipada Pendatun to convert the
Municipality of Buayan into a city and to rename it ’’Rajah Buayan’’.
Finally, on July 8, 1968, upon the approval of Republic Act No. 5412, which was authored by
Congressman James L. Chiongbian, 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 of South Cotabato
World War 2
During World War II, General Santos City become one of the last frontiers between the
American, Filipino and Japanese forces. Japanese retreating forces made Klaja Karsts Land as
their last ground for defense, constructing round cemented bunkers and tunnels. Today, one can
still see bunkers at Sitio Guadalupe but unfortunately for the tunnels, most were deformed and
even destroyed by treasure hunters and land developers.
Geography
General Santos City lies at the southern part of the Philippines. It is located at 6°7'N 125°10'E
latitude. The city is southeast of Manila, southeast of Cebu and southwest of Davao.
The city is bounded by municipalities of Sarangani Province namely Alabel in the east, and
Maasim in the south. General Santos is likewise bounded by the South Cotabato municipality of
Polomolok and Sarangani Province municipality of Malungon in the north, and the municipality
of T'boli in the west.

Religion
The largest religious group in the city is the Roman Catholic, comprising about 80 percent of the
population, other Protestant Christian (Gospel Church) groups comprise eight percent of the
population. The remaining twelve percent belong to non-Christian faiths. Other religions are
Christian, Alliance, Baptist, Islam, Pentecostal, Church of God, Born Again, Iglesia ni Cristo,
Aglipayans, Evangelical, Seventh Day Adventist, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Protestanism.
 Economy
The city's major economic activity is primarily anchored in two sectors namely the agro-industry
and fishing industry.
Agro-industry: Endowed with rich volcanic soil, ample and well distributed rainfall all

City/ NAME OF ADDRESS ABC CHIEF OF SERVICE/

Province HOSPITAL HOSPITAL/MEDICAL CAPABILITY
DIRECTOR
Dr.George P. Ferdinand St., 100 DR. MARINEL A. LIM Level 1
Royeca Hospital Lagao
General
Santos (Formerly General
Hostpital)
throughout the year and a typhoon-free climate, General Santos City produces export quality
high valued crops such as corn, coconut, pineapple, asparagus, banana and rice. It also yields
quality exotic fruits, vegetables and cut flowers. The city is also a top producer and exporter of
quality livestock such as poultry, hogs, and cattle. But with the continuing growth in population
and economy in the passing of time, a number of the city's agricultural lands have gradually been
converted into built up areas in order to address the relatively growing need of dwelling and
viable spaces.
Fishing industry: General Santos City is the largest producer of sashimi-grade tuna in the
Philippines.Thus in as early as 1970, the title "Tuna Capital of the Philippines" has become a tag
to it. GenSan also accounts for the second largest daily total catch of fish in the country after
Navotas City in the National Capital Region. Locals in the city boast that fishes and seafoods do
not come fresher than what is found in their locality. The fishing industry in GenSan yields a
total daily capacity of 750 metric tons of fish catch alone and employs about 7,800 workers.
Which is why General Santos City is home to seven (7) tuna processing plants in the country.
The Fishport Complex in Barangay Tambler has a 750 metres (2,460 ft) quay and a 300 metres
(980 ft) wharf for 2,000 GT reefer carriers. The fishport is equipped with modern facilities that
comply with international standards on fish catch handling.
General Santos City has registered 1,365 new medium to large enterprises in 2011. An aggregate
investment involved is estimated PHP 1.202 billion. Top industry for new investment in 2011 are
as follows: Hotel and Restaurant-31%; Wholesale & Retail Trade-20%; Repair of Motor
Vehicles, Motorcycles and Personal & Household Goods, Real Estate & Renting Business
Activities-17%; Other Community, Social & Personal Services-8%; Financial Intermediation-
5%; Manufacturing-5%; Fishing-3%; ICT-3 %
As of 2000, there are 59 banks serving the city. This composed of 46 commercial banks, 5
savings banks, 7 rural banks and 1 cooperative bank. Aside from this, there are 48 lending
institutions as well as 49 pawnshops providing emergency loan assistance.
LIST OF GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS
REGIONAL OFFICE NO. 12
GENERAL SANTOS CITY
AS OF APRIL 15, 2016

LIST OF PRIVATE HOSPITALS

REGIONAL OFFICE NO. 12
GENERAL SANTOS CITY
AS OF APRIL 15, 2016
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Health
Regional Office No. XII
Regulatory Licensing and Enforcement Division (OHF)

List of Birthing Homes Facilities with License to Operate

As of April 2015

City/ NAME OF ADDRESS ABC CHIEF OF SERVICE/

Province HOSPITAL HOSPITAL/MEDICAL CAPABILITY
DIRECTOR
MINDANAO Cannery 100 DR. JOSEPH CYRIL O. Level 2
MEDICAL Road, City BAÑAS
General CENTER Heights
Santos
SOCSARGEN Bula-Lagao 240 DR. JEAN D. Level 2
COUNTY Road, Cor. ALCOVER
HOSPITAL Arradaza St.

GENERAL Nat'l. 202 DR. DANIEL G. YAP Level 2

SANTOS Highway, GSC
DOCTORS
HOSPITAL, INC.
ST. ELIZABETH Nat'l. 248 DR. JESUS C. Level 3
HOSPITAL,INC Highway, GSC VENERACION

R.O. DIAGAN #27 Quezon 40 DR. RENATO O. Level 1

COOPERATIVE Avenue, GSC DIAGAN
HOSPITAL

ALLAH VALLEY General 100 DR. GRACE COCJIN - Level 2

MEDICAL Santos TANZO
SPECIALIST Drive,Korondal
City
 MORBIDITY, LEADING CAUSES, NUMBER AND RATE (All Ages)
PER 100,000 POPULATION
5-YEAR AVERAGE (2011-2015) & 2016
DOH-REGIONAL OFFICE XII, PHILIPPINES

Source: FHSIS
 Figure 3: Morbidity, Leading Causes & Rate
2011-2015 Vs. 2016, DOH-REGIONAL OFFICE XII

Table 5: MORTALITY, LEADING CAUSES, NUMBER AND RATE (All Ages) PER 1,000
POPULATION 5-YEAR AVERAGE (2011-2015) & 2016 DOH-REGIONAL OFFICE NO. XII,
PHILIPPINES 2 0 1 6
 Figure 4: Mortality, Leading Causes & Rate
2011-2015 Vs. 2016, DOH-REGIONAL OFFICE XII

Report shows that in 2016, Cancer, all forms (C80); was the top among leading causes of mortality.
Followed by: Pneumonia, All types (J18.9); Cardio Vascular Disease (I51.6); Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease, unspecified (COPD) (I46.1); Renal Diseases (N19); Accidence/Violence/Wounds,
all types (X59); Heart Disease (I51.9); Hypertensive Diseases (I10-I15); Diabetes Mellitus (E14); and
Septicaemia, unspecified (A41.9). (Table 5/Figure 4)
 Table 6: INFANT MORTALITY, LEADING CAUSES, NUMBER AND RATE PER 1,000
LIVEBIRTHS 5-YEAR AVERAGE (2011-2015) & 2016 DOH-REGIONAL OFFICE NO. XII,
PHILIPPINES
2016

Source:FHSIS

Figure 5: Infant Mortality, Leading Causes & Rate

2011-2015 Vs. 2016, DOH-REGIONAL OFFICE XII

Source:FHSIS
The report shows that Sepsis/Septicemia (A41.9); was the leading cause of Infant Mortality. Followed
by: Prematurity/Preterm Baby (P07.30); Pneumonia, unspecified (J18.9); Asphyxia (P21.0);
Congenital Malformation/Anomalies (P22.9); Meconium Aspiration (P24.0); Congenital Heart
Disease (P21.9); Cardio Pulmonary Arrest (P29.1; Meningitis (P78.3); Sudden Infant Death (R95);
and Asphyxia Secondary to Food Aspiration (T71). (Table 6/Figure 5).

Table 7: MATERNAL MORTALITY, LEADING CAUSES, NUMBER AND RATE PER 100,000
LIVEBIRTHS 5-YEAR AVERAGE (2011-2015) & 2016 DOH-REGIONAL OFFICE NO. XII,
PHILIPPINES
2016

Figure 6: Maternal Mortality, Leading Causes & Rate 2011-2015 Vs. 2016, DOH-REGIONAL
OFFICE NO. XII, Philippines
 Report shows that Postpartum Hemorrhage (O72.1) was the leading cause of Maternal Mortality with
a rate of 32.83 per 100,000 livebirths. Followed by Eclampsia (O14.0) with a rate of 17.59 per 100,000
livebirths and 17.08 for the five year average (2011-2015); Hypertension in Pregnancy (O13.9) with a
rate of 8.21 per 100,000 livebirths and 3.35 for the five year average (2011-2015); Retained Placenta
(O73.0); Puerperal Sepsis (O85); and Anemia Complicating Pregnancy (O99.0). (Table

Table 8: UNDER FIVE MORTALITY, LEADING CAUSES, NUMBER AND RATE

PER 1,000 LIVEBIRTHS
5-Year Average (2011-2015) & 2016
DOH-REGION XII

Figure 7: Under Five Mortality, Leading Causes & Rate

2011-2015 Vs. 2016, DOH-REGION XII
 The report shows that Under Five Mortality accounted for 680 or 4.27% of the total deaths in the
region, with a rate of 7.97 per 1,000 livebirths. A decrease of 18.85% or 0.14 rate points, compared to
last year’s report. Among the provinces, South Cotabato has the highest under five mortality rate of
14.35 per 1,000 livebirths, while Sarangani has the lowest at 3.24 per 1,000 livebirths. Among the
chartered cities, Cotabato City has the highest, with the rate of 9.77 per 1,000 livebirths, while Gen.
Santos City has the lowest rate of 5.94 per 1,000 livebirths. (Table 13/Figure 10D).

Demographic Profile
The total population of REGION XII in 2016 was 4,768,454 (Per Department Memorandum No.
2014-0008, dated January 8, 2014. Based on NSO 2010 census of population). North Cotabato
Province (including Kidapawan City) has the largest population among the provinces of the region
with 1,422,359 or 29.83% of the total, followed by South Cotabato (including Koronadal City) with
920,191 or 19.30% of the total, Sultan Kudarat (including Tacurong City) with 864,026 or 18.12% of
the total and Sarangani with 560,355 or 11.75% of the total. Among the chartered cities Gen. Santos
City has the largest population with 631,629 or 13.24% of the total and Cotabato City with 369,894 or
7.76% of the total. (Table 2) The Region has population density of 238 persons/sq. km. Among the
cities, Cotabato City has the highest population density at 2,102 persons/sq. km, while Kidapawan
City has the lowest with 424 persons/sq. km. For the provinces, South Cotabato has the highest
population density with 216 persons/sq. km., while Sarangani has the lowest with 142 persons/sq. km.
(Table 1).
HEALTH STATUS

Crude Birth Rate (CBR) Region XII registered a total of 85,284 live births for 2016. Crude Birth
Rate (CBR) is computed at 17.89 per 1,000 population. A decrease of 5.14% rate points
compared to last year’s report. Among the provinces, South Cotabato has the highest Crude Birth
Rate (CBR) at 21.43 per 1,000 population, while Sultan Kudarat has the lowest at 16.57 per
1,000 population. Among the chartered cities, Gen. Santos City has the highest at 17.33, while
Cotabato City has the lowest at 11.90 per 1,000 population. (Table 13/Figure 10A)
Approximately 94.94% of the total Livebirths has a weight of 2,500 grams and above, 3.04%
belong to low birth weights (2,500 grams and less) and 2.02% accounts for the unknown.
Deliveries attended by skilled birth attendants (Doctors, Nurses & Midwives) in health facilities,
Trained Birth Attendants (TBA) and Others accounted for 86.35%, 12.07% and 1.58%
respectively.

Report shows that Region XII registered a total of 85,284 live births for 2016. Crude Birth Rate
(CBR) is computed at 17.89 per 1,000 population. A decrease of 5.14% rate points compared to
last year’s report (figure 12A). Among the provinces, South Cotabato has the highest Crude Birth
Rate (CBR) at 21.43 per 1,000 population, while Sultan Kudarat has the lowest at 16.57 per
1,000 population. Among the chartered cities, Gen. Santos City has the highest at 17.33, while
Cotabato City has the lowest at 11.90 per 1,000 population (figure 12C).
Crude Death Rate (CDR)
For the year 2016 Region XII has total deaths of 15,921, resulting to a rate of 3.34 per 1,000
population, which showed an increase of 2.2% rate points compared to last year’s report. Among
the total deaths, 60% were males and 40% were females. Male mortality rate was at 2.0 while
that for females was 1.34 per 1,000 population. Among the provinces, South Cotabato has the
highest Crude Death Rate (CDR) at 4.11 per 1,000 population, while Sarangani has the lowest at
2.25 per 1,000 population. Among the chartered cities, General Santos City has the highest at
4.68, while Cotabato City has the lowest at 2.77 per 1,000 population. (Table 13/Figure 10C).

For the year 2016 Region XII has total deaths of 15,921, resulting to a rate of 3.34 per 1,000 population,
which showed an increase of 0.22% rate points compared to last year’s report (figure 13A). Among the
total deaths, 60% were males and 40% were females. Male mortality rate was at 2.0 while that for females
was 1.34 per 1,000 population. Among the provinces, South Cotabato has the highest Crude Death Rate
(CDR) at 4.11 per 1,000 population, while Sarangani has the lowest at 2.25 per 1,000 population. Among
the chartered cities, General Santos City has the highest at 4.68, while Cotabato City has the lowest at
2.77 per 1,000 population. (Figure 13C).
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)
Infant deaths accounted for 3.25 of the total deaths of the region, with a rate of 6.06 per 1,000
livebirths. A decrease of 3.72% compared to last year’s report. Among the provinces, South
Cotabato has the highest infant mortality rate of 10.95 per 1,000 livebirths, while Sarangani has
the lowest with 1.58 per 1,000 livebirths. Among the chartered cities, General Santos City has
the highest rate with 7.22 per 1,000 livebirths, while Cotabato City has the lowest rate with 6.81
per 1,000 livebirths. (Table 13/Figure 10C)

Infant deaths accounted for 3.25% of the total deaths of the region, with a rate of 6.06 per 1,000
livebirths. A decrease of 3.72% compared to 2015 report (figure 14A). Among the provinces, South
Cotabato has the highest infant mortality rate of 10.95 per 1,000 livebirths, while Sarangani has the
lowest with 1.58 per 1,000 livebirths. Among the chartered cities, General Santos City has the highest rate
with 7.22 per 1,000 livebirths, while Cotabato City has the lowest rate with 6.81 per 1,000 livebirths
(figure 14C).
Leading Causes of Infant Mortality
Sepsis/Septicemia (A41.9); was the leading cause of Infant Mortality. Followed by:
Prematurity/Preterm Baby (P07.30); Pneumonia, unspecified (J18.9); Asphyxia (P21.0);
Congenital Malformation/Anomalies (P22.9); Meconium Aspiration (P24.0); Congenital Heart
Disease (P21.9); Cardio Pulmonary Arrest (P29.1; Meningitis (P78.3); Sudden Infant Death
(R95); and Asphyxia Secondary to Food Aspiration (T71). (Table 6/Figure 5)

Infant deaths accounted for 3.25% of the total deaths of the region, with a rate of 6.06 per 1,000
livebirths. A decrease of 3.72% compared to 2015 report (figure 14A). Among the provinces,
South Cotabato has the highest infant mortality rate of 10.95 per 1,000 livebirths, while
Sarangani has the lowest with 1.58 per 1,000 livebirths. Among the chartered cities, General
Santos City has the highest rate with 7.22 per 1,000 livebirths, while Cotabato City has the
lowest rate with 6.81 per 1,000 livebirths (figure 14C).
Under Five Mortality Rate
Under Five Mortality accounted for 680 or 4.27% of the total deaths in the region, with a rate of
7.97 per 1,000 livebirths. A decrease of 18.85% or 0.14 rate points, compared to last year’s
report. Among the provinces, South Cotabato has the highest under five mortality rate of 14.35
per 1,000 livebirths, while Sarangani has the lowest at 3.24 per 1,000 livebirths. Among the
chartered cities, Cotabato City has the highest, with the rate of 9.77 per 1,000 livebirths, while
Gen. Santos City has the lowest rate of 5.94 per 1,000 livebirths. (Table 13/Figure 10D)

Report shows that the Under Five Mortality accounted for 680 or 4.27% of the total deaths in the
region, with a rate of 7.97 per 1,000 livebirths. A decrease of 18.85% or 0.14 rate points,
compared to last year’s report. (figure 15A) Among the provinces, South Cotabato has the
highest under five mortality rate of 14.35 per 1,000 livebirths, while Sarangani has the lowest at
3.24 per 1,000 livebirths. Among the chartered cities, Cotabato City has the highest, with the rate
of 9.77 per 1,000 livebirths, while Gen. Santos City has the lowest rate of 5.94 per 1,000
livebirths. (Figure 15C).
Maternal deaths
Maternal deaths accounted for 0.38% of the total deaths in the region, with a ratio of 70.35 per
100,000 livebirths. A decrease of 6.25% or 1.18 rate points, compared to last year’s report.
Among the provinces, Sultan Kudarat has the highest maternal mortality ratio of 76.83 per
100,000 livebirths, while North Cotabato has the lowest maternal mortality ratio of 36.76 per
100,000 livebirths. Among the chartered cities, General Santos City has the highest rate of
146.15 per 100,000 livebirths, while Cotabato City has the lowest with 136.27 per 100,000
livebirths. (Table 13/Figure 10E).

Report shows that Maternal deaths accounted for 0.38% of the total deaths in the region, with a
ratio of 70.35 per 100,000 livebirths. A decrease of 6.25% or 1.18 rate points, compared to last
year’s report of 71.19 (figure 16A). Among the provinces, Sultan Kudarat has the highest
maternal mortality ratio of 76.83 per 100,000 livebirths, while North Cotabato has the lowest
maternal mortality ratio of 36.76 per 100,000 livebirths. Among the chartered cities, General
Santos City has the highest rate of 146.15 per 100,000 livebirths, while Cotabato City has the
lowest with 136.27 per 100,000 livebirths. (Figure 16C).
Leading Causes of Maternal Mortality
Leading Causes of Maternal Mortality Postpartum Hemorrhage (O72.1) was the leading cause of
Maternal Mortality with a rate of 32.83 per 100,000 livebirths. Followed by Eclampsia (O14.0)
with a rate of 17.59 per 100,000 livebirths and 17.08 for the five year average (2011-2015);
Hypertension in Pregnancy (O13.9) with a rate of 8.21 per 100,000 livebirths and 3.35 for the
five year average (2011-2015); Retained Placenta (O73.0); Puerperal Sepsis (O85); and Anemia
Complicating Pregnancy (O99.0). (Table 7/Figure 6)

Leading Causes of Morbidity

Leading Causes of Morbidity Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) with code JO6 in
International Classification of Diseases 10 (ICD version 10) was among the leading cause of
morbidity in SOCCSKSARGEN Region (XII) for CY-2016. Rounding up the top ten leading
causes of morbidity were: Hypertension (I10-11); Acute Respiratory Lower Infection (J22); 5);
Pneumonia (J18.9); Bronchitis/Bronchiolitis, (J20); Influenza (110); Diarrhea, all forms (A09);
Urinary Tract Infection (N39.0); Wounds, all types (T14.1); and Skin Disorder (R50.9). (Table
4/Figure 3) 9

Leading Causes of Mortality

Leading Causes of Mortality Cancer, all forms (C80); was the top among leading causes of
mortality. Followed by: Pneumonia, All types (J18.9); Cardio Vascular Disease (I51.6); Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, unspecified (COPD) (I46.1); Renal Diseases (N19);
Accidence/Violence/Wounds, all types (X59); Heart Disease (I51.9); Hypertensive Diseases
(I10-I15); Diabetes Mellitus (E14); and Septicaemia, unspecified (A41.9). (Table 5/Figure 4)
\