31/05/2026
Kabilin Historical Symposium Traces General Santos Cityβs Journey Through Time
The history and transformation of General Santos City took center stage during the Kabilin: General Santos City Historical Symposium held today at 3rd floor SM City General Santos as part of the Handumanan Photo Exhibit 2026 and the city's observance of National Heritage Month.
Carrying the theme "Roots & Horizon: Our Shared Heritage, Our Collective Future," the symposium gathered history enthusiasts, students, educators, researchers, and members of the public for an afternoon of discussions on the historical development of General Santos City and the Valleys of the South.
The event was formally opened by Francisco "Tito" Santos, president of The Pioneers-Descendants of General Santos City, Inc., who welcomed participants and underscored the importance of preserving and sharing the stories that shaped the city and its people.
Faculty members, researchers, and historians from Mindanao State University-General Santos City led a series of lectures that examined the region's evolution from the late 19th century to the modern era.
Topics included the historical dynamics of the Valleys of the Southern Lands from the 1880s to the 1940s, the area's emergence as a modern frontier, migration and settlement under the National Land Settlement Administration (NLSA), life in the settlement during the Japanese occupation, Buayan's journey to cityhood, General Santos City's development from cityhood to the EDSA period, and the city's growth in the years following EDSA.
The presentations provided participants with a deeper understanding of how migration, settlement programs, wartime experiences, governance, and economic development contributed to the growth and identity of present-day General Santos City.
During the closing ceremony, Eliodoro Alcaya Jr., representing Atty. Leonard V. Flores of the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO), expressed gratitude to the organizers and participants and conveyed his office's appreciation for being part of the event.
City Councilor Virginia Tiongson-Llido, representing City Councilor Michael Stephen Pacquiao, also delivered a message of support. She commended the organizers for the successful conduct of the Handumanan Photo Exhibit and Historical Symposium and emphasized the importance of promoting local history and heritage.
She likewise expressed hope that future editions of the event should be held in a larger venue to accommodate more participants, particularly from the academic community, noting that discussions on the city's history play an important role in fostering cultural awareness and appreciation.
Representing City Mayor Lorelie Geronimo Pacquiao, Executive Assistant Joey John Concepcion conveyed the city government's gratitude and continued support for initiatives that promote heritage preservation, historical awareness, and community engagement.
The Handumanan Photo Exhibit and Historical Symposium were presented by The Pioneers-Descendants of General Santos City, Inc., the Local Government Unit of General Santos City, SM City General Santos, and Mindanao State University in partnership with cultural and heritage stakeholders. (CPIO/MBDG/RSC)
