The province launched the Kalivungan Festival 2025 and its 111th founding anniversary on Tuesday, showcasing its rich cultural heritage.

During her speech at the opening ceremony, Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza highlighted that the celebration is a moment to honor the province’s history, culture, and its unity as one people.

With the theme “Cotabato Province @ 111: Malasakit at Serbisyong Totoo. Diwang Kalivungan, Diwang Cotabato,” she said the weeklong celebration, which runs until Sept. 1, will feature the true spirit of being a Cotabateño.

“We can see the fruits of our efforts, which have now brought our province to be one of the most recognized local government units,” Mendoza said.

The Kalivungan Festival is a celebration of origin, harvest, and indigenous people, as well as an anniversary in the province.

As the opening event of the festival, a drum and lyre competition was held at the provincial capital grounds.

The municipality of Carmen emerged as this year’s winner, followed by Aleosan and Magpet.

Mendoza also led the opening of Yaman ng Cotabato: Travel and Trade Expo, which showcases the province’s richness and potential.

“We unveil the strides we’ve achieved in agriculture and tourism—the twin drivers of economic development,” she said.

Various events are scheduled during the celebration, including the highly anticipated street dancing competition as the main culmination activity. (PNA)