When it comes to iconic landmarks in General Santos City, Baluan Balut Park stands out as a unique must-try experience. Here you can enjoy your favorite balut and penoy while enjoying the captivating water fountains brought to life with stunning lights of turquoise, violet, and green.
Opened to the public on December 23 last year, Baluan Balut Park is the brainchild of South Cotabato First District Representative Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles.
Straddling the main highway connecting General Santos City to Sarangani Province, Barangay Baluan is home to the city’s numerous balut vendors.
On Baluan’s Foundation Day, Congresswoman Bañas, along with husband Danny Nograles, first approached the idea of turning the barangay plaza into a tourist attraction.
“Kap, your plaza is very ideal for development,” Nograles told Kap Armando Diamante.
Initially, barangay officials thought the project would only include lighted pathways around the plaza with a fountain as its centerpiece.
Congresswoman Bañas, however, knew it had to be something bigger and, more importantly, sustainable.
“We wanted to build an iconic landmark for the city and at the same time create a permanent livelihood for our constituents,” said the amiable lawmaker from General Santos.
“Our desire is for the park to become a catalyst for economic activity and development in this part of the city. We also hope to decongest our main business district by drawing more people here. Let’s give the people the service they deserve,” the public servant added.
Since the park’s opening, demand has skyrocketed for the popular Pinoy delicacy and more supply is now brought in from nearby South Cotabato, Iloilo, and as far as Pateros.
To date, more than 120,000 eggs have been sold and average daily consumption is steadily rising.
The park has many other food options as well. One of the best-sellers is Pastil, a popular Maguindanao treat that is steamed rice topped with dry shredded beef, chicken, or fish wrapped in banana leaves. The delicacy is a street food staple and is sold for 10-20 pesos apiece.
Selling and consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited inside and around the park’s premises.
Balut Park is credited with driving growth and economic activity in the barangay by drawing in big crowds, especially during the weekends.
“Everything comes from God. I am grateful to the Almighty for blessing Congresswoman Shirlyn Bañas with the wisdom to come up with the idea for the Baluan Balut Park. We are truly blessed.” Kap Armand affirmed.
Besides being the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines,” General Santos in partnership with Congresswoman Bañas and TESDA is positioned to become a major player in the balut industry currently dominated by balut giants Pateros and Bulacan by leveraging the use of modern technology and practices.
Officials are now working to launch the first-ever Balut Festival in Mindanao to showcase this booming industry in the SOCCSKSARGEN region. The city is eyeing the world record for the largest number of balut eaten within a given timeframe.
Indeed, much like Balut Park’s dazzling plaza lights, days and nights in General Santos City are now brighter and more hopeful than ever before.
