The Gen. Paulino Santos, Sr. Monument
Came across this old undated photo of the Aguman Kapampangan (association of migrants from the province of Pampanga in Luzon) where my late dad, Avelino (standing fourth from right) was a former member, having been born in the town of Macabebe and eventually settling in what was then known as Dadiangas in 1940. (Click on it for a larger view.)
What struck me here is the statue behind them of General Paulino Santos, Sr., which the group must have donated to the local government earlier before this photo was taken, since their banner was hung at the base.
At the background farther back is the old wooden building of the local municipal government of Buayan, years before its view was obstructed by a bigger concrete edifice for the newly-proclaimed City of General Santos constructed right in front of it.
Above is a very recent photo of what is now the statue of Gen. Paulino Santos, Sr. taken during the wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the city’s founder timed at the opening program of the 69th Foundation Day of the Tuna Capital last February 27, 2008.
The building behind it is the newer City Hall, now covering the view of the 59-year old rickety wooden structure seen at the background of the first photo above.
Try comparing the two photos and notice how barren the plaza fronting the city hall was ages ago. Now, it’s dotted with trees and other ornamental plants and serves as a rest and recreation area for tired and weary “generals” (as people in GenSan call themselves).
Below is the marker detailing a short biography of the general (in Tagalog) posted at the foot of the monument.
Bariles is a Filipino word for “Tuna”, the primary source of income of the people of General Santos City which hosts 6 of the Philippines’ 8 tuna canneries and more than 80% of its tuna processing plants.
