General Santos City is positioning itself as a leading food tourism destination, aiming to rival Iloilo, said Eliodoro Alcaya Jr., tourism officer with the city government’s Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office.
Food tourism, also known as gastronomic or culinary tourism, offers a distinctive and immersive travel experience that delves into a region’s food culture, customs and culinary legacy, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the local way of life while strengthening the bond between people and food.
“With the support of DTI, we are working toward achieving this goal through our Creative Industry Development Program, locally known as Lunsod Lunsad. Recently, the DTI turned over a P2-million grant to help us boost food tourism initiatives,” he said during a recent Kapihan sa PIA 12 at SM City in General Santos.
Alcaya emphasized that General Santos City is already a major destination for food enthusiasts, particularly for its tuna-based dishes and delicacies.
He noted that visitors are drawn to the city’s diverse restaurant offerings, especially those featuring fresh seafood and unique local flavors.
“Food tourism is alive and thriving in Gensan. One of the biggest reasons tourists visit the city is to experience our distinct culinary scene,” he added.
While tuna remains the main food identity of General Santos City, Alcaya said they are expanding their research efforts to document historical and indigenous cuisines, including Blaan and Moro dishes.
One dish that has recently gained attention, he said, is “Tiyula Itum” – a Tausug black soup known for its rich and flavorful taste.
“We are also looking into Halal dining establishments and traditional indigenous dishes that define our diverse food culture,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Kristine Fernandez of the Gensan Food and Beverage Association noted that while tuna remains a primary attraction, the food industry in General Santos City is diverse and evolving.
“Mostly, when visitors come to Gensan, they look for tuna, but our culinary offerings extend beyond that. Many restaurants are innovating with fusion dishes, like Dinakdakan made with tuna,” she said in a separate interview on the Rated PIA radio program over DXGS station.
She also emphasized the contributions of long-standing local businesses like Joann’s Bakeshop, which has been producing signature pasalubong items for more than 56 years, and Tambilawan Halal Restaurant, which specializes in Inasal and certified Halal cuisine.
“Gensan’s food industry is a mix of different cultures, incorporating influences from indigenous groups, Muslim communities and other Filipino traditions,” Fernandez added.
To strengthen its gastronomic tourism initiative, Gensan is also partnering with local restaurants and businesses to further develop its food industry.
Fernandez said GEFBA is collaborating with the local government tourism office to strengthen Gensan’s gastronomic tourism efforts through events like the 8th Philippine International Farm Tourism Conference held in Gensan from Feb. 24-26, and the Kalilangan Food Strip, currently located at Oval Plaza for the 36th Kalilangan Festival celebration.
“We are working closely with tourism officials to showcase our local restaurants to international delegates and create opportunities for more businesses to benefit from the influx of visitors,” she said.
Beyond restaurants, the city’s food industry is also contributing to job generation and economic growth.
“Tourism plays a big role in our city’s development. More tourists mean more jobs, not only in restaurants but also in other supporting businesses,” Fernandez added.
Meanwhile, Jose Kevin Z. Sienes, assistant department head of the Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office, said General Santos is not only about tuna.
He said the city is also among the country’s top producers of white shrimp (vannamei) and has emerging fruit farms, including grapes and dragon fruit.
“We are identifying new agricultural zones, particularly in areas like Tambler and Fatima, that could thrive as future agritourism sites,” Sienes said.
The city’s tourism sector aims to offer a more immersive experience where visitors can taste and learn about the history, traditions and creativity that define Gensan’s food tourism. (HJPF, PIA-SarGen)
