CAGAYAN de Oro City — Residents and visitors can look forward to two weeks of sports, food, music and community events as General Santos City holds the Gensan Tuna Festival 2026 from Aug. 22 to Sept. 5.
This year’s celebration carries the theme “Giting at Pagkakaisa, Sa Pagbangon Sama-Sama,” highlighting the city’s fishing industry, fisherfolk and cultural heritage.
The festival features activities designed for athletes, families, workers, food lovers and tourists.
Sports kick off festivities
Pre-festival activities begin with Panagsidla: Rise of the Champions, a swimming competition set for Aug. 22–23 at LC5 Farm and Resort.
Runners can join the Tuna Marathon on Aug. 30, starting at 2:30 a.m. at the Gensan Fishport.
The festival will also introduce the 1st Tuna Pickleball Tournament, scheduled Sept. 1–3 at Cabin Brewery.
Jobs and fisherfolk take center stage
The official opening is set for Sept. 1 at 5 p.m. at City Hall Drive, followed by an 8 p.m. fireworks display and the MusikaTuna concert featuring Don Petok at 9 p.m.
On Sept. 2, jobseekers can visit the Tuna Festival Job Fair, while the 6th Tuna Handline Summit will be held at Robinsons Gensan. The day will also feature the Ms. Mandirigma National Costume Fashion Show.
Sept. 3 will focus on the city’s fishing communities through Fisherfolks’ Day, Grand Serbisyong Heneral and Fish Fest sa Fishport.
Sugbahan sa Dalan caps festival
The celebration culminates on Sept. 5 with Sugbahan sa Dalan, a street-grilling event along City Hall Drive starting at 3 p.m.
The closing ceremony follows at 5 p.m., with fireworks at 8 p.m. The festival ends with a MusikaTuna concert featuring Kuerdas and Daybreak at 9 p.m.
The city is inviting residents and tourists to take part in the activities and celebrate Gensan’s fishing heritage, community spirit and local culture.
