The province officially opened the Kalivungan Festival 2025 and its 111th founding anniversary on Tuesday, highlighting its rich cultural heritage and unity as a people.
Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza led the opening ceremony and emphasized the importance of honoring the province’s history, culture, and progress.
With the theme “Cotabato Province @ 111: Malasakit at Serbisyong Totoo. Diwang Kalivungan, Diwang Cotabato,” the weeklong celebration runs until September 1 and aims to showcase 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 celebrates the province’s origin, harvest, and indigenous roots while marking its founding anniversary. To kick off the festivities, a drum and lyre competition was held at the provincial capitol grounds, where Carmen emerged as the winner, followed by Aleosan and Magpet.
Mendoza also inaugurated the Yaman ng Cotabato: Travel and Trade Expo, highlighting the province’s agricultural and tourism potential.
“We unveil the strides we’ve achieved in agriculture and tourism—the twin drivers of economic development,” she said.
The celebration will feature various events throughout the week, with the street dancing competition serving as the highly anticipated grand culmination activity.