BULUAN, Maguindanao – Maguindanao is in the thick of preparation for its 2nd Inaul Festival in celebration of the province’s foundation anniversary with members of President Rodrigo Duterte’s family expected to grace the event.
Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu said Presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carprio has confirmed attendance to lead the inauguration of the newly-completed Negosyo Center building in Buluan, Maguindanao on Feb. 8.
The week-long fete will highlight inaul, a Maguindanao hand woven fabric now famous not only in the province but in the country as well, according to 2018 Inaul Festival Director Nulfarid Ampatuan.
Ampatuan said the Davao City mayor will also lead a ceremonial turnover to poor street vendors of custom-built food carts.
Mayor Sara’s younger brother, Presidential son Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, will join on Feb. 12 as principal guest in the coronation night for the winners of “Palamata Nu Maguindanao” beauty pageant.
Fifteen women, representing various towns of Maguindanao, will compete in the beauty and brain contest.
Mangudadatu said he is hoping his invitation for President Duterte to come over on February 13 will have positive response from Malacanang.
Mangudadatu is expecting the President to lead the ceremonial ground breaking of the proposed PhP100-million Maguindanao sports center in Buluan.
Mangudadatu will seek for the hosting of the 2020 Palarong Pambansa or the annual Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia- Philippines (BIMP) sports events.
“There’s no harm in dreaming,” Mangudadatu told reporters.
Provincial Engineer Abdulrahman Asim said security preparations are underway as everything and everybody is gearing toward the biggest event this year in Maguindanao. (PNA)
