Sultan Kudarat gov touts success of P10-M Kalimudan Festival
CULMINATION night of the Kalimudan Festival. (Sultan Kudarat photo)
DAVAO CITY – Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu said the Kalimudan Festival was successful despite a meager P10-million budget scrutinized on social media.
“Through the activities in the festival, we wanted to entice investors by showcasing to the world what Sultan Kudarat could offer,” Mangudadatu said.
“At the end of the day, even of the meager budget but still manage to stage a huge event, we can say that we did it right.”
Mangudadatu said the provincial government allocated the budget for the festival through its annual investment plan.
He disclosed that the festival generated various forms of support such as sponsorships and partnerships from the private sector.
Mangudadatu added that the provincial government did not only spend resources for the entertainment activities but the budget also included the social services extended during the festival.
Among the activities he cited was a medical mission that included free distribution of prosthetic arms and leg as well as hearing aids.
The festival, which kicked off on Nov. 19, culminated with a star-studded performance by Sandara Park of 2NE. The event also featured top Filipino artists, including SB19, BGYO, Daniel Padilla, and Rico Blanco.
Police said the culmination night on Nov. 22 gathered at least 1.2 million spectators, one of the largest festival crowds in the province’s history.
“It was never about us, it was never about me, it was all for Sultan Kudarat. We always wanted to give what’s best for our people,” Mangudadatu said.
Kalimudan Festival was launched in 1999 during the term of Gov. Pakung “Pax” Mangudadatu, the grandfather of the incumbent governor.