Koronadal City, South Cotabato – Culture, color, and community spirit took center stage during the 26th T’nalak Festival and 59th Founding Anniversary of South Cotabato, as street dancers from across the province lit up the streets in the much-awaited Street Dancing Parade and Showdown Competition.
Divided into three categories—Madal Be’lan, Kasadyahan sa Kapatagan, and Kadsagayan A Lalan—the event highlighted the diverse traditions of the province’s tri-people communities: Lumads, Muslims, and Christians.
Top Winners Across Categories In the Madal Be’lan Category, Lacunon Integrated School swept the competition, winning Champion, Best in Music, and Best in Street Dance. Brgy. Lambuntong of Surallah ruled the Kasadyahan sa Kapatagan Category, also winning Best in Music and Best in Street Dance.
For Kadsagayan A Lalan, Bacongco National High School emerged as champion, securing all three major awards in their category. Prizes and Recognition Champion: ₱350,000 1st Runner-up: ₱250,000 2nd Runner-up: ₱200,000 Best in Music: ₱30,000 Best in Street Dance: ₱70,000. These prizes highlight the province’s strong commitment to supporting cultural and artistic excellence.
The winning teams expressed gratitude and fulfilment after months of preparation.
“This victory is a reflection of our teamwork, discipline, and love for our culture,” shared a dancer from Lacunon Integrated School. Their performances were more than just dance—they were expressions of heritage, unity, and pride that captivated both judges and the audience alike.
A Festival of Unity and Identity
The street dancing showdown remains one of the highlights of the T’nalak Festival, serving as a platform to showcase the unique identity of South Cotabato’s tri-people community.
This year’s event once again reaffirmed the province’s rich cultural legacy and the vibrant spirit of its people.
