THE CULMINATION of the week-long 112th Kalivungan Festival emphasized that the legacy is grounded on the strength of its people.
North Cotabato Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza led the concluding ceremony of the Kalivungan Festival on Tuesday, Sept. 1.
Kalivungan Festival Drum and Lyre Corps competition headlined the culmination day at the Provincial Capitol grounds, in Amas, Kidapawan City, with the Municipality of Makilala emerging as champion and was awarded Best in Streetdance, Best in Choreography, and Best in Musicality.
It was followed by Municipality of M’Lang, which also received Best in Costume award, and the Municipality of Tulungan finishing third.
In her speech at The Basket, Capitol Compound, Taliño-Mendoza attributed the successful Kalivungan to the 2,300 employees of the provincial government.
“No matter how small or big your role is, from utility to engineer, it does not matter, what’s important is you give your best,” Taliño-Mendoza said “If you do it the right way, we can see our province progressing forward.”
Mendoza said the culmination celebrated the successful week-long activities that honored history, culture and unity as one people.
In his keynote speech, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the legacy of Cotabato is grounded in the strength of its people.
“What makes this legacy meaningful is not only the years, but the people of Cotabato who have helped shape the province along the way,” Gatchalian said in a message delivered by Usec. Fatima Aliah Dimaporo.
“The people of Cotabato have shown that when you choose to work together you can build a stronger, peaceful community that thrives prosperously. The legacy that you carry is the same legacy that will inspire the generations to come,” he added.
The secretary emphasized the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) that helps poor families keep their children in school and support their health and nutrition. “Investing in children’s education is an investment in Cotabato’s future,” he said.
He also mentioned the Sustainable Livelihood Program in the province that helped poor and marginalized households turn skills, resources and capabilities into sources of income.
“These are not separate efforts. They are part of a larger goal to help families to become secure, more capable and better prepared to build their own future,” he stressed.
He cited the peace-building efforts of the agency through the Pamana Program with the Office of the Presidential Advisor on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity.
To note, Makilala Integrated Peace Advocates in Malasila, Makilala, Cotabato recently received P300, 000 seed capital fund to strengthen livelihood enterprise.
“This is what peace building means. It is ensuring that people who have experienced conflict have a safe, peace and development of their own communities,” Gatchalian stressed.
DSWD committed to ensure social protection reaches families in the province who are in need of assistance.
Kalivungan Festival is coined from the Manuvu word “Kalivungan” which means “Gathering” or “Festival.” In Kidapawan City, the capital of Cotabato, the first Kalivungan Festival was held on May 8, 1974.
