KIDAPAWAN CITY – Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza urged the people of Cotabato to uphold mutual respect and connection as these values are essential for the province’s welfare and continuous progression.

PEOPLE watch a music festival in Kidapawan City that capped the 110th Kalivungan Festival in Cotabato on Sunday, September 1. (Gov. Mendoza FB)  

Addressing the crowd during the culmination of the 110th Kalivungan Festival on Sunday, September 1, Mendoza pointed out that the festival is a testament to the warm acceptance by the Cotabato people – Indigenous People, Bangsamoro, and Christians – who must continue to respect and support one another.

“There is no room for misunderstandings because our province is vast. Let’s strive in farming as our land is very fertile, and hard work is our capital,” Mendoza said as she thanked the people of Cotabato for participating in various activities and attending this year’s festival.

She reminded the people not to forget their roots, the previous leaders of the province, former employees, retirees, and the farmers who came before them, as they played a big part in shaping the people of Cotabato today.

“Our competition reminds us that our culture and heritage add beauty to what Cotabato is today. And for that, as we look forward, we continue to do justice in whatever we do and remain faithful towards ourselves, our family, and our work,” she said.

This year’s festival featured seven entries in the street dancing competition on September 1.

Native dancers from Kidapawan City and municipalities of Kabacan, M’lang, Libongan, Banisilan, Pikit, and Midsayap vied for the crown.

M’lang was crowned the grand champion and bagged P1 million.  Midsayap took home P700,000 as first runner-up, followed by Kidapawan City, which won P500,000.

The rest received P100,000 consolation prize each.

The city government recognized and awarded  Midsayap performers with P100,000 for Best in Costume and another P100,000 for Best in Street Parade.  M’lang received another P100,000 for Best in Musicality.

Mendoza, with her daughter, Rep. Ma. Alana Samantha Taliño-Santos of the third district, Vice Gov. Efren Piñol, the provincial board, national and local government employees, and the private sector, described this year’s Kalivungan Festival as a triumphant celebration.

“Every time we celebrate the Kalivungan Festival, we become more united as Cotabateño as we remain firm in our faith. For that, we can see that Cotabateños value unity and relationship,” the governor said.

The provincial capitol in Barangay Amas here was filled with cheers and laughter from the street parade, which started around 7:30 a.m., to the exciting showdown, which started at 9:30 a.m. at the provincial grandstand and, finally, the announcement of the winning groups.