Showing posts with label South Cotabato. Show all posts

Ang mag-iinang ito ay bumibiyahe mula sa bulubunduking barangay ng Tacub sa Magon. Madaling araw pa lang ay umaalis sila sa kanila upang magdala ng mga gulay sa “Apilado”, kanto ng highway malapit sa entrance ng public market ng Tacurong. Ang nanay ay “Ati” na nakapag-asawa ng Kristiyanong galing sa Passi, Iloilo. Hindi ko na babanggitin ang pangalan nila upang mapangalagaan ang kanilang privacy.

Ang tawag nila sa pedicab na may platform na pinapatungan ng mga kalakal ay “top down”. Akala ko noon, ang ibig niyang sabihin ay four-wheel vehicle na walang bubong, kaya bumilib ako sa kanya dahil sa pagtitinda ng gulay ay nakabili ng ganoong uri ng sasakyan. Nang mataymingan ko ang pagdating nila isang umaga ng Martes,  nakita ko ang sinasabi niyang “top down”. Ang “top down” pala ay motorcycle na may “side car” na may platform. Lalo akong bumilib sa kanya. Madulas ang “trail” pababa mula sa Tacub hanggang highway at delikado ang kalagayan nilang mag-iina pati ang mga sako-sakong gulay na pwedeng mahulog mula sa “platform”. Fluent sa mga salitang Hiligaynon, Karay-a, Tagalog at Ilocano ang nanay. Nang marinig kong mag-usap sila ng kanyang mga anak, nagpalagay agad ako na sila ay hindi Muslim o Kristiyano at nang tanungin ko ay inamin niyang siya ay “Ati”.

Ang “Ati” ng Mindanao ay hindi katulad ng mga “Aeta” sa Zambales. Hindi kinky ang buhok ng mga “Ati” sa Mindanao at ang iba sa kanila ay mestisahin at mestisahin.

The Grim Prospect of Exploiting

Ligwasan Marsh and Tampakan

By Apolinario Villalobos

Ligwasan Marsh is touted to be very rich in mineral deposits and natural gas, even deuterium. But then, since time immemorial, the marshland has been home to indigenous freshwater fishes of Mindanao…their breeding area, to put it straight. It also offers relief to flooded areas in central Mindanao by serving as some sort of catch basin. If it gets exploited and got drained of its resources, the simplistic conclusion would be: even the lowly tilapia and mudfish would be procured in Bulacan and Batangas in Luzon! How can fish and fresh water plants survive the pollution from chemicals and eventual disturbance from drilling equipments?

If ever fish farms would be establish by entrepreneurs for the breeding to sustain the supply of indigenous freshwater fish for local consumption, the choking effect to the consumers will be the same as prices would be dictated not only by big fish farmers but also, by the middlemen. Eventually, high-tech foreign fish farmers would trek into the Promised Land and form corporate conglomerate with local partners…a sure ball for the creation of “cartel” So, we go back again to the issues of “unequal opportunity”, unfair labor practices of foreign employers, etc. At the end, who reaps the “blessings”?....of course, foreign investors who send back their earnings to their country. Meanwhile, polluted water flows to rivers and streams down to the coastal waters of Mindanao...gain for our long-ranged devastation.

On the Tampakan Open-pit mining project, aside from the pollution of water resources and soil, farmers shall be displaced from their farms. A B’laan family has been massacred for fighting the aggression on their ancestral domain. Definitely, not only will the displaced tribal families suffer from the consequences that will result to pollution but also those who live on the plains and who depend on the river system for the irrigation of their farms and water supply for their livestock and homes.

The crucial choice now is between the direct benefits that financiers shall reap and the uncertain benefits for the communities due to corrupt practices. Another choice is between the 15-20 years short-term employment benefits and the perpetual damage to the land that shall affect generations to come.

THE TAMPAKAN OPEN-PIT MINING IN SOUTH COTABATO (MINDANAO)

…a virtual hell if pushed through

By Apolinario Villalobos

Tampakan is located in South Cotabato and has been in the midst of controversy since many years back because of the interest of Saggitarius Mining, Inc. (SMI) to mine its mineral deposits. At a glance, the following are what the issue is all about:

The open-pit mining at Tampakan shall virtually turn the covered areas into hell, what with the displacement of farmers, pollution of all the rivers, streams that eventually towards the bays, and the open pit itself which according to Secretary Gina Lopez herself, is equivalent to 700 football fields, and much much much worst, shall not be covered after the operations!

In view of the above, Minadanaoans who live around the area should unite to block the project and provide DENR Secretary Lopez with a “noisy support”. The mining operation if pushed through shall spell the damnation of practically the whole of southern Mindanao because of the harm from its pollutants – chemicals and exhaust fumes. We do not need this kind of investment!

Mindanao

By Apolinario B Villalobos

Itinuring na lupang ipinangako -

Ng mga Pilipinong dito ay napadako

Mga naglakas-loob na makipagsapalaran

Hindi inalintana panganib na madadatnan.

Maraming kuwento ang aking nalaman -

May mga kulay ng lungkot at kaligayahan

Nguni’t lahat ay puno ng hangarin, ng pag-asa

Sa lupang ipinangako’t magigisnang bagong umaga.

May mga Pangasinense, Kapampangan, Ilocano

Mayroong Bicolano, Bulakeño, Caviteño, Batangueño

Mga taga-Luzon silang dala ay lakas ng loob, kasipagan

Hindi ininda ang init sa  pagbungkal ng tigang na kabukiran.

Mayroon ding galing sa Antique, Negros, isla ng Cebu

Sumunod ang mga taga-Leyte, Antique, Guimaras at Iloilo

Ano pa nga ba’t sa malawak, mayaman at luntiang Mindanao

Magkaiba man ang mga salita, pagkakaisa ay pilit nangingibabaw.

Hitik sa kwentong makulay ang buong isla ng Mindanao

Unang tumira’y mga kapatid nating sa relihiyon, iba ang pananaw

Silang mga  taal na katutubo, makukulay, matatapang at mahinahon

Tanging hangad ay mabuhay ng matiwasay, tahimik, sa lahat ng panahon.

Ang mga  Kristiyano, Muslim, Lumad – lahat sila ay nagkakaisa

Nagtutulungan, nagbibigayan, mga paniwala man nila ay magkaiba

Nguni’t dahil sa makasariling hangad ng ilang gahaman sa kapangyarihan

Animo kristal na nabasag, iningatang magandang samahan at katahimikan.

Nguni’t tayo ay Pilipino, iba tayo – lumalaban na may masidhing pag-asa

Sa harap ng masalimuot na mga problema, matatatag na kalasag ay nakaamba

Ito’y ang masidhing paniniwala sa Maykapal, malalim at marubdob na kapatiran

Ugaling nagbuklod sa mga taga-Mindanao, magkaiba man ang pananaw at kaugalian.

Ating isigaw-

Mabuhay ang Mindanaw!

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

In commemoration of the National Indigenous People’s Month/October

T’boli

By Apolinario B Villalobos

Gentle people of South Cotabato -

Epitome of strength who moves with agility

But graceful enough to sway with the wind

With innocent smile easily parting their lips

And laughter that crease their gentle face.

Fortunate people, contentedly they live -

In the fastness of green, rivers, hills and valleys

By God’s will, long- hidden from lowlanders

Which did them good, but then time came -

The haze was parted, and finally, they were seen.

Clothed in patiently - pounded fibers

And woven into the smooth cloth - t’nalak

The men stand proud in the earth-colored garb

While women looking regal in their vivid dress

Seen from afar, they seem to float in the breeze.

People of the rainbow, these people are -

And placid that made them prey to the greedy

But to them, God is kind, made them secured

From harm that only the heartless could inflict

And nature’s wrath, to them could easily wreak.

Straight from their heart, to God they pray

Sincere praises are mumbled by betel-red lips

No pretensions in their offered dances

Pleadings are for their safety and health

That for them are well- cherished wealth…

 (The T’boli is one of the indigenous tribes of the Philippines, found in the southern part of the archipelago, particularly, South Cotabato province, island of Mindanao)

Pag-ibig sa Dulo ng Bahag-Hari

…natagpuan ni Thelma

(para kay Thelma Pama- Arcallo)
ni Apolinario Villalobos

Makulay ang pag-ibig na kanyang natagpuan

Pangakong ligaya ay tila walang katapusan

Pangako na kanya nang nararamdaman

At pati ginhawang hindi matatawaran.

Sa paraisong animo ay dulo na ng bahag-hari

At sa piling ng mga katutubo – mga T’boli

Landas nila ay nagtagpo, animo’y hinabi

Pinatatag ng pagsubok, lalong sumidhi.

Parang t’nalak na hinabi ang kanilang buhay

Masinsin ang pagkahabi, ‘di basta bibigay

Dahil subok, t’nalak ay talagang matibay

Tulad ng sumpaan nilang ‘di mabuway!

------------------

Note:

Bahag-hari – rainbow

T’boli- natives of South Cotabato

T’nalak – T’boli cloth made from abaca fibers

lalong sumidhi – became stronger

masinsin –  finely and delicately woven

mabuway – soft and easily bends; weak

Fr. Joseph Borreros and his Journey through Life

…from a struggling student assistant

to an Orthodox priest, and educator with Divine guidance

By Apolinario Villalobos

As a youth, he was among the wave of adventurous migrants from Panay Island, particularly, Dao, Capiz who came to Cotabato. He found his place in the Tacurong Pilot School as a Grade Six pupil in 1961. His family lived in the market of the town which that time was just weaned as a barrio of Buluan. He continued his studies at the Magsaysay Memorial Colleges of the same town. In college, he took up a pre-Law course at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City but failed to pursue it when he succumbed to a sickness.

He went back to Tacurong and took up Bachelor of Arts in Notre Dame of Tacurong College. To support his studies, he worked as a janitor and later as Library Assistant in the same school. That was during the directorship of Fr. Robert Sullivan, OMI, a kind Irish priest. After his graduation, he taught at the Notre Dame of Lagao in General Santos, South Cotabato for three years.

In 1973 he got interned at the Marist Novitiate in Tamontaka, Cotabato City, and professed temporarily in 1975 during which he was assigned as a Marist Brother at the Notre Dame of Marbel Boys’ Department (Marbel is now known as Koronadal City). From Marbel, he was sent back to the Notre Dame of Lagao.

In 1976, he left the religious congregation of Marist Brothers, but was taken in by Bishop Reginald Artiss, CP, the bishop of Koronadal, to assist in the establishment of the Christian Formation Center which was located at the back of the cathedral. For two years, he went around the parishes and diocese covered by the authority of Bishop Artiss in training members of the Kriska Alagad, Lay Cooperatos, as well as, in establishing Basic Christian Communities.

As Bishop Artiss perceived his potential as a cleric, he was sent to the Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao in Catalunan Grande, Davao City. Fortunately, due to his extensive and intensive pastoral formation background, he was privileged to skip subjects related to it. After four years of theological studies at the said seminary, he was ordained as a priest on April 1, 1982 by Bishop Guttierez, DD, of Koronadal. His first assignment was the parish of Sta. Cruz , formerly politically under South Cotabato, but today, that of Sarangani Province.

In 1985, he was a “floating” priest, awaiting appointment as Superintendent of Diocesan schools and temporarily established his residency at Our Lady of Parish in Polomolok, South Cotabato with the late Fr. Godofredo Maghanoy. The following year, he was finally designated to the mentioned position which he held for three years.

In 1989, he went on a study leave to take up Masters of Science in Educational Management at the De La Salle University in Manila which he finished in 1991. Two years later, he was about to finish his Doctorate in Religious Education pending the completion of his dissertation under the guidance of Bro. Andrew Gonzalez, FSC, but failed to do so due to an important and life-turning decision….to have a family and develop a Non-Government Organization. Driven by his new-found advocacy in life, he worked as Coordinator of the Community Volunteers’ Program under the Council of People’s Development, a Pastoral NGO of Bishop Labayen for three years in Infanta, Quezon.

From 1995 to 2004, he was with the Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (PhilDHRRA) as a Monitoring Officer of the projects in governance. While with the said NGO, he studied Orthodoxy theology on his own, a week after which, he was consecrated by His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew at the Orthodox Cathedral located at Sucat, Paraἧaque, Metro Manila.

He was inspired to bring along his former 61 parishioners in Maricaban, a depressed area in Pasay City when he presented himself and his family to Fr. Philemon Castro, parish priest of the Annunciation Orthodox Cathedral in Paraἧaque. Like him, he found his former flock to be also journeying spiritually. After several months of catechism, they were accepted to the Orthodox Church. They were further accepted by the former Metropolitan Nikitas Lulias of Hongkong and Southeast Asia.  A little later, Fr. Joseph was ordained to the Minor Orders as “Reader”, for which he started to render regular duty at the Cathedral on Sundays which did not affect his NGO-related activities.

He was asked to leave his NGO responsibilities in 2004, in exchange for which he was sent to Greece to serve as a full worker in the Ministry – live with the monks of the Monastery of St. Nicholas of Barson in Tripoli, southern Greece. Afterwards he was sent back to the Philippines to do catechesis in different mission areas, particularly, in Laguna, Sorsogon and Masbate.

In 2006, he was ordained to the Orthodox priesthood and assigned under the Omophorion of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople which is presently headed by His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew, Successor to the Apostolic Throne of St. Andre, the first-called apostle.

In 2009, he did mission work in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. Until today, he carries the same responsibilities but the area expanded to include SOCSKSARGEN area (South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos), as well as, Davao del Sur.

To date, he was able to firmly establish three communities, such as: Holy Resurrection Orthodox Community in Lake Sebu; St. Isidore of Chios Orthodox Community in San Guillermo, Hagonoy, Davao del Sur; and Apostles St. Andrew and James Orthodox Community in Kisulan, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur.

Aside from taking care of the Sacramental life of the faithful, his mission work also includes values formation of students. Two particular schools that are benefiting from this are the Marvelous College of Technology, Inc. in Koronadal City, and Pag-asa Wisdom Institute in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat where he also serves as Principal. According to Fr. Joseph, the two institutions are community-centered, privately-owned, mission-oriented and most especially, cater to the less in life but with a strong desire to overcome their socio-economic barriers.

Fr. Joseph and his family live at the Theotokos Orthodox Mission Center in Surallah, and which also serves as the nucleus of his mission works. His life is typically austere as shown by the structure that accommodates his flock during worship days. The same character also defines the rest of the “chapels” throughout the areas that he covers. But since there are other things that his Mission needs, he unabashedly appeals to the “mission-minded souls to help in their capacity, sustain, strengthen, so that it will grow with flourish for the glory of God”.

Fr. Joseph, as an ordained Orthodox priest has been given the name, “Panharios”.

For those who are interested to reach out to Fr. Joseph, his address is at:

Theotokos Orthodox Mission Center

120 Dagohoy St., Zone 5

Surallah, South Cotabato

Philippines

Email: theotokos_mission@haoo.com

Cellphone: 09165433001

T’boli

By Apolinario B Villalobos

Gentle people of South Cotabato -

Epitome of strength who moves with agility

But graceful enough to sway with the wind

With innocent smile easily parting their lips

And laughter that crease their gentle face.

Fortunate people, contentedly they live -

In the fastness of green, rivers, hills and valleys

By God’s will, long- hidden from lowlanders

Which did them good, but then time came -

The haze was parted, and finally, they were seen.

Clothed in patiently - pounded fibers

And woven into the smooth cloth - t’nalak

The men stand proud in the earth-colored garb

While women looking regal in their vivid dress

Seen from afar, they seem to float in the breeze.

People of the rainbow, these people are -

And placid that made them prey to the greedy

But to them, God is kind, made them secured

From harm that only the heartless could inflict

And nature’s wrath, to them could easily wreak.

Straight from their heart, to God they pray

Sincere praises are mumbled by betel-red lips

No pretensions in their offered dances

Pleadings are for their safety and health

That for them are well- cherished wealth…

 (The T’boli is one of the indigenous tribes of the Philippines, found in the southern part of the archipelago, particularly, South Cotabato province, island of Mindanao)

A Recollection: The Sta. Cruz Mission

of Fr. Rex in Lake Sebu

by Apolinario Villalobos

When I was in college, I joined a group from our school that visited the Sta. Cruz Mission in Lake Sebu. We were just a bunch of ordinary and curious students who gawked at the colorful costumes of the T’bolis and excitedly bought souvenirs. Never did I know that, years later, I would retrace my steps to the sprawling “village” composed of several cottages, the biggest of which housed the Administration Office.

When I joined the Tours and Promotions of PAL, the said office received an invitation to the Foundation Day Celebration of the Sta. Cruz Mission. As I was in-charge of the department’s tourism promotion publication, I was given the instruction to represent the office. Excitedly, I took a flight that brought me to General Santos where I met again the station officials who interviewed me when I applied to the company as ticketing clerk. On hand were Mr. Francisco Abiera, the Station Supervisor and his assistant, Mr. Manuel Vega. They had been closely coordinating my arrival with the officials of the Sta. Cruz Mission, the couple, Emma and Boy Crespo.

When I arrived at the Mission, Mr. and Mrs. Crespo introduced me to Fr. Rex, the Mission’s founder. I gathered that the Mission’s seed fund was donated by his parents.  Later, his relatives and friends in the United States pooled additional funds and sent them to him. His vision was to make the Mission “self-liquidating” by subsisting on its own funds generated from the handcrafted products purchased from the indigenous communities around the Mission and sold to walk- in tourists and through an outlet in Manila. I found out that their sales outlet along A. Mabini St., in Ermita, was supervised by Luz Campo, a classmate in college. I was also glad to have met another college classmate, Thelma Pama, assigned at the Administration Office.

I gave assurance to Fr. Rex, as well as, Mr. and Mrs. Crespo, that Philippine Airlines was all out in promoting their advocacy, especially, among the expatriate communities that were already in close contact with our office as regards their outdoor activities, especially, birdwatching and exploration of indigenous communities.

The following year, when another invitation was received by our office and referred to me, I immediately got in touch with Jill de Villa, an American expatriate who had two Philippine travel books to her name. In no time at all, she was able to alert other members of their group for a trip to Lake Sebu. It was during the second visit that I met my Geometry teacher in high school, former Leonor Palabrica Arzagon (now, Mrs. Pagunsan) but, who at the time of our meeting at Lake Sebu was the President of the Notre Dame of Marbel University. I learned from her that their school had also been promoting the Mission to help them raise funds.

It was Fr. Rex who brought the indigenous communities of Lake Sebu to the attention of tourists from the state where his family lived. Later on, by word of mouth, the information spread to their friends in other parts of America. The sales outlet in the Ermita district, on the other hand, was busy in sending boxes of handicrafts to as far as Japan. The members of the expatriate communities in Manila also bought their souvenirs from the same outlet.

Fr. Rex and the Sta. Cruz Mission, practically sparked the fire of interest that even caught the attention of the national government. The Department of Tourism lost no time in checking the T’boli land for extensive information which was furnished to the then, First Lady Imelda Marcos. Soon, glossy Philippine tour brochures were never without at least a photo of a colorfully-attired T’boli woman or an indigenously-clad couple. A little later, the issue on T’saday, the “cave dwellers”, a project of Manda Elizalde, hugged the limelight. But that is another story, as it was not spared from a controversy.

The Sta. Cruz Mission of Fr. Rex was a lesson on how a simple seed donation could prosper into an internationally-recognized effort because of the sincerity of those who were involved to establish a strong spiritual foundation. The Mission hired local graduates from parochial schools, particularly, Notre Dame, equipped only with a basic knowledge in accountancy to keep the office ledgers in order. Other hired young women and men who graduated with courses that varied from Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (BSEEd), Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE), and Liberal Arts (LA), trekked over hills and crossed treacherous rivers in order to be with their assigned indigenous communities. They stayed with their communities for five to six days a week, to impart to them knowledge from textbooks, Bible and their own experiences. Practically, these lay missionaries became the “ parents” of the different clusters of indigenous communities.

The young lay missionaries who reached out to the communities, jeopardized their own safety. There were stories of how some of them survived from being drowned due to the strong currents of rivers that they had to cross. Some encountered snakes along the trails. I observed their strong attachment to their communities every time they went down the mountains to gather at the Mission for the Foundation Day celebration. In order to attend the parade on the Big Day, families went down from their mountain abodes a day before. Those coming from the far villages would light their way using torches as soon as darkness overtook them.  With them were their “parents” – the young lay missionaries of the Sta. Cruz Mission. Every time I attended the Foundation Day, I saw to it that I stayed late at night until the wee hours of the morning to watch the parade of torches coming down mountain trails and out of the forests toward the Mission. It was a sight to behold!

As soon as every community was accounted for, a parade was held around Lake Sebu, culminating at the Mission activity grounds, the central area of which was canopied for the Mass. The expatriate women led by Jill de Villa were delighted and grateful to have attended a Foundation Day celebration as they had the chance to see a unique Mass, wherein, during Offertory, leaders of the different indigenous communities brought to the altar their baskets overflowing with offering that consisted of their respective produce. They were preceded by young T’bolis in colorful attire, dancing to the rhythm of indigenous instruments. It was a very memorable experience for the visiting American women. One of them told me that she could not help shedding tears while looking at the solemn faces of the natives whose eyes were all focused to the altar where Fr. Rex was officiating the ceremony. The Mass which was enhanced with native ritual during the Offertory took longer than the usual one hour, but I found out that it was the reason why lowlanders flocked to the celebration of the Mission’s Foundation Day, aside from the night-long torch caravans down mountain trails.

The T’boli as a community of indigenous Filipinos, became synonymous with South Cotabato, more popular than the place where they live, Lake Sebu which is a namesake of the biggest of the three lakes in the area. On the other hand, T’nalak, a handwoven T’boli fabric sourced from the fibers of abaca is used today, to denote a festival in Surallah, also a town of South Cotabato province and the gateway to T’boli land, and which lately, has been drawing local and foreign tourists.

The gateway to the colorful T’boli and other indigenous communities of Lake Sebu is Surallah, which can be reached from Cotabato City, Koronadal City, General Santos City, Tacurong City, and Isulan. Airports are located at Cotabato City and General Santos City, from which commuters can take airconditioned buses and vans to Isulan, Tacurong City and Koronadal City, from where jeepneys can be taken to Surallah for a connecting ride to Lake Sebu. For convenient travel, however, airconditioned vans and buses can be contracted at the four mentioned cities, and the town of Isulan for direct trips to Lake Sebu.

T’boli

By Apolinario B Villalobos

Gentle people of South Cotabato -

Epitome of strength who moves with agility

But graceful enough to sway with the wind

With innocent smile easily parting their lips

And laughter that crease their gentle face.

Fortunate people, contentedly they live -

In the fastness of green, rivers, hills and valleys

By God’s will, long- hidden from lowlanders

Which did them good, but then time came -

The haze was parted, and finally, they were seen.

Clothed in patiently - pounded fibers

And woven into the smooth cloth - t’nalak

The men stand proud in the earth-colored garb

While women looking regal in their vivid dress

Seen from afar, they seem to float in the breeze.

People of the rainbow, these people are -

And placid that made them prey to the greedy

But to them, God is kind, made them secured

From harm that only the heartless could inflict

And nature’s wrath, to them could easily wreak.

Straight from their heart, to God they pray

Sincere praises are mumbled by betel-red lips

No pretensions in their offered dances

Pleadings are for their safety and health

That for them are well- cherished wealth…

 (The T’boli is one of the indigenous tribes of the Philippines, found in the southern part of the archipelago, particularly, South Cotabato province, island of Mindanao)

South Cotabato: A Colorful Blend of Cultures

by Apolinario Villalobos

The dazzling colors of the blended cultures of South Cotabato can be seen in the fabrics woven by the T’bolis, B’laans, Manubos and other ethnic groups. The fertile 7,469 square kilometers of land covered by the province is separated from neighboring provinces by a great chain of mountain ranges that roll down to the seemingly endless coast embracing the Celebes Sea. The major cities of the province are General Santos and Koronadal. The airport is located in Tambler, General Santos, while the short strip of runway for small inter-island aircraft located at Surallah has been closed for commercial flights. This is the only province of the country that retained almost 90% of the native references to barangays and towns. Some of these are, Mindupok, Lebe, Pangi, Kling, Katabau, Hudan, and Turguis. As one goes around the province, he will encounter more exotic sounding names.

The prime city of the province, General Santos is accessible on flights from Manila and Cebu, as well as ships and roro ferries that dock at Makar, purported to be the biggest wharf of the country, albeit, underutilized. The main produce here, are the tuna and deep-sea fishes, and of course, pineapple. During the time that the province had limited cargo flights, the marine products which are blast-frozen were packed in coffin-like corrugated boxes and transported to Davao by cargo trucks, for airfreighting to Manila. Those who are fond of marine food will surely enjoy their stay, as right at the public market and some corners of the fish port, stalls sell them grilled and at ridiculously low prices.

A dream come true is what General Santos City could be aptly called. The city grew from a once arid land, desert-like, that seemed unfit for a comfortable life. Cogon grass that swayed to the sea breeze consisted its vegetation, accentuated by sparsely distributed “enyam” trees. Based on historical notes, the development of the informal settlement wasteland which was opened to the have-nots of Luzon and Visayas was funded with Php20,000,000.00. At the helm of the project was the retired General Paulino Santos, called from his retreat by the late President Manuel L. Quezon. In no time, the “wasteland settlement” developed so fast, that more hordes of migrants from Luzon and Visayas filled ships bound for the yet, undeveloped port to overflow, and who scrambled throughout the plains upon arrival, to lay claim to precious parcels of land. Even the desert-like coastal areas were not spared.

In 1969, there was a move by a group of Muslim groups to name the highly developed settlement Rajah Buayan City, through a plebiscite. Unfortunately, the good intention was overpowered by the bloated population of migrants. The other proposal to name it General Santos City in honor of the late General Paulino Santos won. Finally, by virtue of the Republic Act 5412, the bill of which was authored by the then, South Cotabato Congressman James L. Chiongbian, General Santos City was finally created on September 5, 1968.

Less than an hour from the city is Polomolok, where thousands of hectares of rolling hills and plains are planted to pineapple by Dolefil, one of the country’s exporter of this particular produce – fresh and canned. In addition, the company has added orchards of fruits and vast plots of exportable salad vegetables. Dolefil is the sister company of Dole Banana which concentrates in producing exportable bananas. From the company’s club house at Kalsangi, a fascinating view of the Mt. Matutum (7,600 feet above sea level) can be had. This is also a good starting point for a Mt. Matutum climb. When I visited the city years ago, two inland resorts, Dasera and Olaer were the popular weekend recluse of the city dwellers as well as those from neighboring towns.

For the more adventurous, a trip can be made to Lake Sebu, a town nestled on a more than a thousand feet above sea level elevation that makes it cool throughout the year. Manda Elizalde whose objectives have been questioned when he explored the T’boli land, opened the gates of this once reclusive Filipinos to the lowlanders. A little later, the Sta. Cruz Mission followed suit, but with a different intent, that of spiritual uplift of these highlanders. A mission school, Notre Dame was later opened and with the former Imelda Marcos’ use of the tribe as a showcase for her cultural projects… the rest was history.

Lake Sebu, the biggest mountain lake of South Cotabato, serves as the focal point of town. The other two lakes are Lahit and Siloton. A trip to the hills can bring one to waterfalls and forests still alive with bird calls.               

For those who want to see the colorful attire of the T’bolis, not just worn as a costume during special occasions and parades, but as daily garment, a visit to this town is a must. The woven fabric called t’nalak is made of abaca fibers dyed with roots, barks and leaves of indigenous trees and patiently pounded into softness. The natives’ attire is made more colorful by the beads which are considered as family heirlooms and treasure, just like the t’nalak garments, some of which have been handed down from generation to generation. To reach Lake Sebu, a van or jeepney can be contracted all the way from General Santos or from Koronadal, as well as, from Isulan and Tacurong City. A whole day is suggested for a tour itinerary , that should include Dolefil, Koronadal and Lake Sebu, and using General Santos as a jump off point.

Despite some financial limitations, South Cotabato is exerting much effort to be at par with the rest of the provinces of Mindanao as regards commerce and tourism. One world-renown son of South Cotabato, particularly, of General Santos, is Manny Pacquiao, the “national knuckle” or “pambansang kamao”, although his political portfolio as congressman carries Sarangani, which is actually the home province of his wife, where they have conjugal properties.