Celebrate South Cotabato’s Vibrant T’nalak Festival
KORONADAL CITY – Visitors are invited to explore the T’nalak Festival, South Cotabato’s week-long celebration showcasing rich traditions and living heritage. This year marks the 26th edition of the festival, which officially began on July 11 with a lively civic-military parade along the city’s main streets.
The festival is held in Koronadal City, the provincial capital of South Cotabato and the administrative center of the Soccsksargen region. Local officials are encouraging tourists to experience the colorful festivities and the province’s unique cultural heritage firsthand.
Unity and Heritage at the Heart of the Festival
The T’nalak Festival will conclude on July 18, coinciding with South Cotabato’s 59th foundation anniversary. Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. marked the opening by striking a gong at the provincial sports complex, signaling the start of a week filled with cultural pride and community spirit.
“This festival celebrates the sacrifices of our ancestors who paved the way for our future. Our generation and the ones to come must honor their legacy through this foundation anniversary,” the governor said in Filipino. He credited the province’s peace and progress to the longstanding unity among Lumads, Christians, and Muslims.
The festival not only highlights the cultural heritage of South Cotabato’s indigenous tribes but also promotes the province’s culinary delights and tourist attractions. South Cotabato consists of one city and 10 municipalities, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the region.
Empowering Generations with Integrity and Vibrancy
This year’s theme, “Empowering generations with integrity and vibrancy: Building a future that fuels economic growth and posterity,” reflects the community’s aspirations. Representative Ferdinand Hernandez of South Cotabato’s second congressional district described the event as “a vibrant celebration of our shared identity, rich traditions, and enduring cultural heritage.”
He added, “The T’nalak Festival reminds us of our roots, unites us in diversity, and renews our commitment to preserve the honor and legacy of those who came before us. It is more than a celebration; it is a living expression of heritage.”
Through dance, music, and art, the festival showcases the resilience and creativity of South Cotabateños, especially the indigenous peoples at its core. Hernandez encouraged everyone to embody the spirit of T’nalak — resilience, unity, and vibrant hope — as they pursue their colorful dreams together.
The Land of the Dreamweavers
South Cotabato proudly carries the title “Land of the Dreamweavers,” inspired by the T’nalak weaving tradition of the Tboli people in Lake Sebu. The festival takes its name from the T’nalak, a handwoven, colorful cloth made from abaca fibers crafted by Tboli women.
On opening day, spectators enjoyed a parade with floats that depicted South Cotabato’s rich culture. The festivities also featured thematic dance competitions that captivated thousands of attendees.
Along Alunan Avenue, merrymakers can indulge in live band performances, food crawls, drinks, and contests for the best bahay kubo (traditional huts). These activities continue to entertain locals and visitors alike until the grand finale on July 18.
For more news and updates on T’nalak Festival, visit Filipinokami.com.
