The Local Government Unit (LGU) of General Santos City, often referred to as LGU–Gensan, is the official governing body of General Santos City, located in the southern region of the Philippines. As a highly urbanized city in the SOCCSKSARGEN region, LGU–Gensan plays a pivotal role in governance, infrastructure development, economic progress, and public welfare for over 600,000 residents. Under the leadership of Mayor Lorelie G. Pacquiao, the LGU continues to advance initiatives focused on inclusive growth, innovation, and resilience.
Core Mandate and Public Services
LGU–Gensan delivers a comprehensive range of public services aligned with national development goals and local priorities. Key service domains include:
Governance and Public Safety
- Maintenance of law and order in collaboration with the Philippine National Police
- Implementation of city ordinances and local legislation
- Local civil registration and licensing services
Social Services
- Health services through the City Health Office, barangay health centers, and Gensan Medical Center
- Social Welfare programs via the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO)
- Educational support, scholarship grants, and day care services
Economic Development
- Business permit and licensing system (BPLS)
- MSME support via the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO)
- Agriculture and fisheries development
- Investment facilitation through the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (LEDIPO)
Environmental and Infrastructure
- Solid waste management and urban greening programs
- Zoning and urban planning through the City Planning and Development Office
- Public infrastructure development including roads, markets, terminals, and utilities
Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Response
- Comprehensive DRRM planning and community training programs
- Real-time weather and risk advisories
- Emergency response coordination during calamities
Specialization and Unique Value Proposition
General Santos City is a key economic driver in southern Mindanao, known for its robust agro-industrial economy and status as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines. LGU–Gensan’s core strengths include:
- Highly urbanized chartered city governance
- Investment-friendly local policies and digital permit systems
- Strategic logistics hub in Mindanao for land, air, and sea transport
- Progressive women's leadership under Mayor Lorelie G. Pacquiao
The LGU is known for its Gensan Fish Port Complex, one of the most advanced in Southeast Asia, enhancing the city’s export potential and job generation.
Financial and Operational Strength
As of the most recent public data:
- Annual Income (2023): ₱2.32 billion
- IRA (Internal Revenue Allotment): ₱1.61 billion
- City Classification: 1st Class Highly Urbanized City
The city consistently ranks among top-performing LGUs in financial management and business competitiveness according to the Department of Finance (DOF) and DTI’s Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI).
Digital and Export Development
LGU–Gensan has advanced e-governance initiatives including:
- Online business registration and real property tax payment portals
- DTI-accredited local product support under OTOP Philippines
- Export facilitation through Negosyo Centers and LGU-private partnerships
Local producers of tuna, pineapple, banana, and coconut products benefit from LGU support in reaching global markets.
Target Constituents and Stakeholders
LGU–Gensan serves a broad stakeholder base:
- City residents across 26 barangays
- Local and international investors
- Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)
- Public and private educational institutions
- National government agencies and development partners
The city’s population includes significant numbers of Indigenous Peoples (IPs), youth, senior citizens, women, and urban poor, all of whom are beneficiaries of targeted local programs.
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- Gensan International Airport and Makar Wharf
- Gensan Fish Port Complex
- Public markets, slaughterhouses, terminals, and barangay halls
- Health, safety, and disaster response facilities
- Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) for entrepreneurs
These assets support public service delivery, economic development, and disaster preparedness.
Certifications and Compliance
- ISO 9001:2015 certification for business permitting systems
- Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) recipient
- DTI and DICT-aligned e-governance systems
- DOH and DILG-recognized health response programs
LGU–Gensan complies with all national mandates for transparency, disaster preparedness, financial integrity, and public service quality.
Community and Stakeholder Feedback
LGU–Gensan has garnered positive stakeholder feedback for:
- Efficient business permit processing (within 2–3 days)
- Responsive social welfare interventions
- Proactive DRRM measures during typhoons and public health emergencies
- Infrastructure development, including road network expansion and drainage systems
Major Achievements
- Tuna Festival, a flagship event promoting the city’s fisheries sector
- Top 10 Most Competitive Highly Urbanized Cities (CMCI Ranking)
- Deployment of the Gensan QR Contact Tracing System
- Launch of e-BPLS and mobile tax payment platforms
- Multiple national awards for good governance, gender empowerment, and health programs
LGU–Gensan exemplifies progressive local governance rooted in transparency, service excellence, and inclusive economic growth.
