South Cotabato, Philippines – Lake Sebu has once again proven its strength in cultural leadership as the Langgong Family was declared Champion in the 2025 Search for Most Outstanding Indigenous Peoples’ Model Family. This milestone marks a back-to-back victory for Lake Sebu after also securing the championship title in the 2024 provincial search.
In his message, Mr. Orlando Langgong expressed sincere appreciation for the Provincial Government’s support.
“Thank you very much to the LGU of Lake Sebu, the BLGU of Lamlahak, the Office of the Provincial Population Office, and the IP Provincial Evaluators for your support and trust in our family,” he said.
(Salamat gid sa LGU of Lake Sebu, BLGU of Lamlahak, kag sa Office of the Provincial Population Office kag sa IP Provincial Evaluators sa inyo suporta kag tiwala sa amon pamilya).
He emphasized the importance of passing on cultural identity to future generations.
“Culture is our treasure. We must take care of it, preserve it, and practice it for the new generation,” he underscored.
(Ang kultura ang aton yaman. Dapat naton ini alagaan, preserbahan kag ipractice para sa new generation).
The annual program recognizes Indigenous Peoples (IPs) who uphold cultural preservation, promote strong family values, and demonstrate community-driven initiatives that contribute to South Cotabato’s inclusive development agenda.
Other finalists who showcased exemplary performances this year were the Morin Family of Polomolok, Basil Family of Surallah, Smangkay Family of Tboli, and Legante Family of Tupi.
Special citations were awarded to Surallah as Family Video Winner and to Polomolok for Best in Family Portfolio. During the major awarding, Polomolok placed 1st Runner Up and received a ₱30,000 cash prize, followed by Tboli as 2nd Runner Up with a ₱20,000 cash prize. The Langgong Family, as overall Champion, took home the ₱50,000 cash prize and the recognition as South Cotabato’s Model IP Family for 2025.
Education remains a key advocacy of the Langgong Family as demonstrated by their donation of a school site in Sitio Traankini and sponsorship of a Blaan student’s schooling. Mr. Langgong credited the Provincial Government’s education initiatives under Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. as a driving force behind the strengthened opportunities for Indigenous communities. “It is a big privilege to us… Para sa ikaangat sang probinsiya kag sa growth sang ekonomiya,” he added.
The Provincial Government extends its congratulations to all honorees and reinforces its commitment to sustaining programs that empower Indigenous Families to excel while preserving their cultural identity and dignity.
