President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. commended on Monday the provincial government of South Cotabato for the successful weeklong celebration of its 23rd T’nalak Festival and 56th founding anniversary.

In a virtual message, Marcos told the crowd at the South Cotabato Sports Complex here that despite the diverse cultures and traditions, the people of the province are “living peacefully and harmoniously.”

“This is a beautiful celebration, you celebrate the culture of all the indigenous people, you celebrate the culture of Muslims, you celebrate the Visayan culture,” Marcos said during the culmination program of the festivities Monday.

The festival was celebrated with street dancing and other activities after two years of hiatus due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Health protocols such as the wearing of face masks and proper distancing were implemented in all venues during the festivity.

Marcos said he could not come to the celebration due to his hectic schedule.

“I must apologize for not being able to attend this time because my schedule is quite heavy now,” he said, noting though that he remembers the previous T’nalak Festival that he had been to.

Marcos urged the people of South Cotabato to further strengthen the ties between the different cultures of the province.

The T’nalak Festival held every month of July is a showcase of the diverse culture and tradition of the people of South Cotabato.

It is said to be one of the most authentic ethnic festivals in the Philippines with its name derived from a unique abaca cloth with a geometrical design pattered from the dreams of its weavers, the Tboli women. (PNA)