GENERAL SANTOS CITY — South Cotabato province’s rich indigenous culture and traditions will take the center stage anew as it formally unveils its famed week-long 2018 T’nalak Festival and 52nd foundation anniversary celebration on Thursday (July 12).
South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes said Tuesday the provincial government and their partner-stakeholders are all set for the festivities, which is expected anew to draw thousands of both local and foreign tourists.
She said they have lined up a range of “bigger and grander” events and activities for the annual festival, focusing on the theme: “Sharing our best with the world.”
“We have added innovations and made some improvements to make our celebration more festive and memorable,” the governor said in a press conference.
The events, which will run until July 18, will be centered in Koronadal City, the province’s capital and component city.
The festival will start anew with an interfaith thanksgiving celebration on Thursday afternoon at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center.
The opening day activities include the unveiling of the 2018 Regional Trade Expo, two-day Regional Cacao Congress, T’nalak strip, T’nalak food garden, agri fair, bahay kubo showcase, and the plants and product display.
It will mark the start of the nightly shows and concerts that will feature more than 80 celebrity performers and artists.
Senator Cynthia Villar, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos and Special Assistant to the President Secretary Christopher “Bong” Go will grace the opening ceremony on Friday that will be preceded by a civic and thematic parade.
The other festival highlights are the T’nalak Dancesport Championship; Awit, Dula at Sayaw showcase and competition; T’nalak Fun Run; 3rd Governor’s Cup Mindanao-wide Track and Field Competition; National Chess Open Competition; 1st National T’nalak Hip-Hop Competition; T’nalak Motocross; Pop Solo Contest; Mutya ng South Cotabato, Cheer Dance Competition; LGBTQ Night; and, the Governor’s T’nalak Charity Ball.
On July 18, the province’s 52nd Foundation Day, the culmination activities are the T’nalak Festival Tri-People Grand Parade; Street Dancing Grand Showdown; Tnalak luncheon; T’nalak rave party and concert; and, a grand fireworks display.
Senator Nancy Binay has confirmed to grace and keynote the anniversary program slated at the South Cotabato Sports Complex.
Now on its 19th year, the T’nalak Festival is considered as one of the biggest annual celebrations in Region 12 or Soccsksargen.
Through the festivity, Fuentes said they are hoping to project a positive image for the province amidst the security problems in several parts of Mindanao.
“We need to show to the world that there are many things that are unique and exciting happening in the province. That there is a place somewhere in Mindanao wherein they can experience diverse and rich culture and traditions, and the hospitality of our resilient and dynamic people,” she added. (PNA)
