General Santos City has long been synonymous with the global tuna trade, but in April 2026, it is making headlines for a different kind of "catch." Through a massive P2.33-billion Public-Private Partnership with Robinsons Land, the city is breaking ground on a solar-powered "Palengke Heneral" complex that promises to revolutionize the traditional marketplace. This move, combined with a new strategic partnership with the Board of Investments (BOI) on March 10, 2026, signals that GenSan is ready to step out of its industrial shadow and into the light of modern, sustainable urban development.
A Modern Landmark for the "Palengke" Tradition
The "Palengke Heneral" complex, formalized in early 2026, is set to transform GenSan’s commercial district with a three-level facility that integrates a traditional public market with a modern mall component. Robinsons Land will manage the facility for 25 years under the PPP model, introducing solar-powered operations, upgraded sanitation systems, and an al fresco dining area that overlooks the stunning Sarangani Bay. This project is not merely about commerce; it represents a "premiumization" of the local experience, providing a cleaner and more efficient environment for the city's market vendors while opening new opportunities for local entrepreneurs to thrive in a more organized commercial setting.
Forging National Partnerships for Local Investment
In a parallel move to bolster the city’s economic foundation, the City Government of General Santos and the Board of Investments (BOI) have solidified a Memorandum of Agreement to strengthen investment promotion and facilitation at the local level. This partnership establishes a framework for ongoing cooperation to align national development goals with GenSan’s local initiatives, particularly in high-impact sectors like logistics and agritourism. Mayor Pacquiao emphasized that this signing sends a strong message to the global business community that GenSan is serious about creating jobs and expanding business opportunities through a "whole-of-government" approach to investment support.
The Gastronomic Pivot Beyond the Tuna Can
While tuna remains the city's primary economic identity, GenSan is actively positioning itself as a leading food tourism destination under the "Lunsod Lunsad" program. The city is currently documenting and promoting historical and indigenous cuisines, such as the "Tiyula Itum" (Tausug black soup), while simultaneously identifying new agricultural zones for white shrimp, grapes, and dragon fruit. This strategy aims to offer visitors a deeper, more immersive travel experience that goes beyond the industrial fish port, showcasing the city's diverse cultural influences from indigenous groups and Muslim communities through innovative fusion dishes like tuna-based Dinakdakan.
