General Santos City is not vibrant as other major cities in the Philippines but it boasts numerous tourist attractions which include Klaja Ecopark, Mount Matutum and Gen. Paulino Santos Museum. There are also parks that provide recreation; the Pioneers’ Park, Carlos P. Garcia Freedom Park and the General Santos Park.

A favorite spot among locals and tourists is the General Santos Park. It is formerly known as Carlos P. Garcia Park. It was renamed in honor of General Paulino Santos who led the relocation of 62 Christian settlers from Luzon to the shores of Sarangani Bay. The remains of General Santos and his wife are enshrined at the park.

Private sectors helped in the development and beautification of the park which has inspired by the monument and the remains rested in the memorial tomb of the late General Santos and his wife.  The park was renovated in 2008 and was reopened to the public after one year. Improvements to the park included improved lighting, new park furniture & pathways.

An artificial fish pond in the center of the park was also added, making it more attractive. The renovated park has an enhanced leisure and amenity facilities including a parking area. Seats are located everywhere so tourists can sit and relax easily.

Commonly known as Plaza Heneral Santos, General Santos Park is easily accessible and located along an avenue which provides an instant access to commuters. At the back of the park, one will see the General Santos City Hall. Aside from the city hall, the park is surrounded by important establishment such as schools, resto, hotel and shopping center.

It is certainly a good place to unwind for employees and students near the area. The main attraction of the plaza is the fish pond which has a waterfall lagoon, complete with three small fountains. The best time to go here is during night-time where you can see the magnificent lighting fixtures that are well-themed.

Thanks to the renovation made in 2008, General Santos Park is now a must-visit destination upon going to General Santos City. It was renovated by Dellosa Design Buileds Inc. making the 4.8 hectare land a great attraction for tourists and locals alike. Tourists who want to visit the park can go there any time for it is open for 24 hours.

Who is General Santos anyway? Inscribed on his monument are the following:

“Hen. Paulino Santos

(1890-1945)

Isinilang sa Camiling, Tarlac, noong Hunyo 22, 1890 kina Remigio Santos at Rosa Torres.Nagtapos bilang balidiktoryan sa Akademya Militar ng Pilipinas noon 1914. Itinalaga bilang pangatlong tenyente ng konstabularya ng Pilipinas.

Bilang komandanteng panlalawigan at gobernador,napaunlad niya ang edukasyon, agrikultura at komunikasyon sa Lanao.

Naging direktor ng mga bilangguan; nagtatag ng Davao Penal Colony at nagsagawa ng madaliang paglilipat ng New Bilibid Prison sa Muntinlupa.

Naging unang puno ng Estado Mayor ng Hukbong Pilipino, patnugog ng National Land Settlement Administration. Sa kanyang masigasig at mabisang panunungkulan, anim na pamayanan ang itinatag sa South Cotabato.

Namatay sa Kiangan, Mt. Province noong Agosto 29, 1945. Bilang parangal sa kanya, ang bayan ng Buayan (Dati’y Dadiangas) ay pinangalanang Heneral Santos na pagkaraan ay ginawang lungsod.”

The inscription indicates that General Santos city was originally named Dadiangas, then renamed to Buayan before it was changed in honor of Gerenal Paulino Santos who helped develop six towns in South Cotabato.

You may read this article on how to get to General Santos City, General Santos City: The Tuna Capital of the Philippines. If you like this article, you may also like this: The Natural Wonders of Barangay Conel, General Santos City.