“A decade of FISHtivities and opporTUNAties” is this year’s theme, a combination of festivities and opportunities offered by the tuna industry.

Now on its tenth year, Mr. Bembot Haw considers the Karagatan Awards to be the highlight of the festival.

The Karagatan Awards focuses on the most important people in the Tuna industry in General Santos – the Fishermen. “Without them, General Santos will not be as prosperous as it is now. These people are the one that are hands-on in every detailed activity in the fishing ground. They are the ones who groomed me to be a better man here in GenSan, and because without them, a lot of us will fail, they are the people behind our success” cited Mr. Haw.

Karagatan Award is a tribute to the fishermen. Every year (for three consecutive years now), 10 of the most outstanding fishermen in General Santos receives an award. An awardee should be a fisherman once in their life; should also own at least one pumpboat, should be tax payers, no record of environmental destruction and lastly, endorced by their respective barangays.

Tuna Festival will not be complete without the Miss GenSan Coronation Night. 11 aspiring beauty contestants were presented. Wearing the traditional baro’t saya, it truly brings out the beauty of being a Filipina. Do not be deceived by these beauties, with their wide smile, statue and beauty, it also comes with brains and wit. The question and answer portion showed it all. Truly, women in GenSan have both the beauty and the brains.

People filled the streets of General Santos the following Friday morning, September 5, as the Float Parade approaches. Young and old alike, wait in anticipation as they stand on the pavements. The Float parade showcased what general city is all about, highlighting the main product of the city – the TUNA.
The parade started off with groups of motorists, scooters, big bikes, ATVs, showing off with some stunts to please the crowd, followed by 14 floats of different colors, shapes and sizes. Flowers, mermaids, fish, fishing boats and buildings were some of the inspiration of the participants.

The celebration goes on with Sashimi Nights. Along with the bands, street parties and grilled foods, the Sashimi night is a way of thanksgiving and giving back to the Generals a taste of what the city is known for, tuna. Thru the joint effort of the Tourism Association, Chamber of Commerce and LGU of GenSan, one fresh huge tuna was prepared every night (from August 29 to September 6) and distributed to more than 700 people for free.

“I hope with this tuna festival, we will position ourselves that aside from being the tuna capital of the Philippines, we are the only tuna festival in the world.” Cited Mr. Haw

Tuna Congress, Bangka Race and Fish Fest also highlighted this weeklong celebration.