KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — Young performers from across South Cotabato showcased the province’s rich cultural heritage during the 4th Saot Folkdance Competition, with Lake Sebu Central Elementary School and the Flomlok Folkloric Dance Ensemble of Polomolok emerging as champions in their respective categories.
Committee Chairperson of the 4th Saot Folkdance Competition and South Cotabato Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Marnito B. Cosep underscored that the event is more than a contest, describing it as a celebration of the province’s cultural identity and the enduring legacy of Philippine folk dances.
“Tonight’s special event is not just a competition; it is a vibrant celebration of the cultural heritage of the tri-people of South Cotabato. As we watch our talented performers take the stage, we are not merely witnessing steps and routines—we are looking at the living history of our Filipino heritage through the rhythmic clapping, the Tinikling, the graceful elegance of Pasikat sa Baso, Binoyugan, the celebratory flair of our Pandanggo, and many more,” Cosep said.
Lake Sebu Central Elementary School of the Municipality of Lake Sebu clinched the championship in Bracket A (9–12 years old) with its performance of Panginhas.
Koronadal National Comprehensive High School (KNCHS) of Koronadal City was named first runner-up with Binoyugan, while the Notre Dame of Marbel University–Integrated Basic Education Department (NDMU-IBED), also from Koronadal City, finished second runner-up with its rendition of Binoyugan.
In Bracket B (13–18 years old), the Flomlok Folkloric Dance Ensemble of the Municipality of Polomolok captured the championship title with Kumakaret. KNCHS earned first runner-up honors with Tinikling Ha Bayo, while the Sto. Niño Folkloric Dance Group of the Municipality of Sto. Niño placed second runner-up with Sagakad.
He likewise commended the participating schools and dance groups for their dedication to preserving Filipino traditions.
“To our dancers and performers, you carry the pride of your respective schools, municipalities, and city on your shoulders. We recognize the countless hours of rehearsals, discipline, and passion you have poured into your craft. As you wear your traditional costumes, remember that you are cultural ambassadors, keeping the legacy of Philippine folk arts alive for this generation and for the generations yet to come,” he added.
Jear Lopez, Saot Artistic Director, said the province is ready to accommodate national competition.
“Nagka-krisis tayo ngayon pero South Cotabato is ready to host a national folkdance competition,” Lopez exclaimed.
The competition was open to dance groups from South Cotabato performing published Philippine folk dances. Each participating group was composed of six pairs of dancers, while the use of backdrops, risers, and pyrotechnics was prohibited.
Performances were evaluated based on interpretation of dance literature (40%), performance (30%), staging (20%), and costume and props (10%), for a total score of 100 percent.
Serving as members of the board of judges were Ronela G. Azul, Reymart L. Teves, Emily Hamorabon, Leo Lawrence Lorilla, and Dr. Lilibeth Enaño.
The annual Saot Folkdance Competition continues to provide a platform for young South Cotabateños to celebrate, preserve, and promote the country’s rich folk-dance traditions while fostering pride in the province’s diverse cultural heritage.
