THE NORTH Cotabato provincial government officially opened its week-long festivities of culture and abundance for its 112th founding anniversary on Wednesday morning, Aug. 26,
North Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza led the opening of the Kalivungan Festival 2026 at The Basket, Capitol compound, Amas, Kidapawan City.
“The festival will showcase commodities and the agricultural strength of 17 towns and 1 city [of the province],” Taliño-Mendoza said in her speech.
Mendoza emphasized the provincial government continues to protect and strengthen local agricultural products, especially high-value crops.
The governor cited the establishment of 10 agricultural quarantine facilities to secure crops and livestock across the province.
Mendoza noted that the agriculture industry is facing challenges, particularly the manufacturing of fake fertilizer, which affects every farmer.
“Continue to make us effective by being our eyes and ears in our locality, kasi pag hindi umabot sa opisina ng governor mahirap magbigay ng intervention,” she urged local chief executives.
Alongside the opening ceremony, the Yaman ng Cotabato Travel and Trade Expo was also officially opened to the public.
The expo, which will run from Aug. 26 to Sept. 1, features farm produce, homegrown products from local entrepreneurs, and local tourism destinations.
Vice Governor Rochella Marie Taliño Taray said in her message that the Yaman ng Cotabato provides farmers, producers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders the opportunity to present the very best of the province.
“Through events such as this, we strengthen not only our local enterprises, but open new markets, create livelihood opportunities, and encourage greater support for Cotabato-made products and destinations,” Taray said.
Meanwhile, the Kavurunan Festival was conducted simultaneously on Aug. 26 at the Capitol covered court, which features cultural dances and music ensemble, and the Palarong Tribu.
The Kavurunan is participated in by indigenous peoples: Erumanen Ne Menuvu, Manobo, Tagabawa, Blaan, Obo Manobo, Teduray, and Ilianen from different parts of the province.
Other programs for this year’s edition include Kumbira sa Kapitolyo, Heraldic Ceremony, Kapagana Festival, and the Museyo Kutawato Fest.
The Drum and Lyre Competition, which normally headlines the annual festival during its opening, will be held on September 1 at the Capitol grounds.
To note, the provincial government dropped the beauty pageant contests and the street dancing competition in this year’s edition of Kalivungan Festival as part of its preparation as the province braces for El Niño.
“Benteng Bigas Meron Na” launched
The provincial government’s Benteng Bigas program under Kadiwa ng Pangulo was also launched during the opening ceremony.
Asec. Genevieve V. Guevarra, for the Department of Agriculture Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service; Atty. Oliver Dicdican, Corporate Affairs of Food Terminal Incorporated, together with the governor and vice governor, led the ceremonial distribution of Benteng Bigas Meron Na.
In her keynote speech, Guevarra said that the P20 rice reflects the commitment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. under the Food Security Agenda, which is to provide affordable food for Filipinos.
“Ang bigas po na yan hindi po yan imported, yan po ay locally produced ng ating mga magsasaka through the National Food Authority, nabebenta natin sa subsidized na presyo na benteng bigas lamang,” Guevarra stressed.
She emphasized that every purchase of the P20 rice helps farmers sell their produce at the right price.
Kalivungan Festival is coined from the Manuvu word “kalivungan” which means “gathering” or “Festival.” In Kidapawan City, the capital of North Cotabato, the first Kalivungan Festival was held on May 8, 1974.
