KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — The Province of South Cotabato officially opened its weeklong celebration of the 60th Foundation Anniversary and 27th T’nalak Festival today, with Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. leading the formal opening ceremonies at the South Cotabato Sports Complex.
The event gathered thousands of residents, local officials, national government representatives, development partners, and guests in a vibrant celebration showcasing the province’s rich cultural heritage, remarkable development milestones, and continuing commitment to inclusive and people-centered governance.
Serving as the keynote speaker was Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno, who commended the provincial government under Governor Tamayo’s leadership for its transformative programs and outstanding governance, which he said have significantly contributed to the province’s sustained peace and development.
In his address, Secretary Magno shared that he frequently discusses development initiatives with Governor Tamayo, particularly their shared aspirations for South Cotabato, Mindanao, and the country.
“Madalas kaming nag-uusap ni Gov. Jun. Madalas naming napag-uusapan ang mga pangarap namin para sa South Cotabato, para sa Mindanao, at para sa buong Pilipinas. One thing is clear—development creates opportunities for people to have a better life. Hindi ako nagugulat kung bakit napakapayapa ng South Cotabato,” Secretary Magno said.
He emphasized that genuine development goes beyond infrastructure, highlighting that investments in education, healthcare, livelihood, and responsive public services create opportunities that uplift communities and foster lasting peace.
Recognizing Governor Tamayo’s leadership, Secretary Magno also expressed his admiration for the province’s governance, drawing applause from the audience with a lighthearted yet meaningful remark.
“May isa akong hiling sa mga taga-South Cotabato. Dahil sa magaling na pamamalakad, ipahiram n’yo naman si Gov. Jun sa Mindanao, o baka kung may pagkakataon, ipahiram n’yo naman siya sa buong Pilipinas,” he said.
The statement underscored the national government’s recognition of South Cotabato as one of the country’s emerging models of effective, transparent, and people-centered local governance.
The opening program featured cultural performances highlighting the diverse traditions of South Cotabato’s Indigenous Peoples and multicultural communities, setting the tone for the weeklong festivities that celebrate the province’s unity in diversity.
Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. meanwhile, officially opened the 60th Foundationa Anniversary and the 27th Tnalak Festival with a gong, a ceremonial declaration that all major events are now open.
The weeklong celebration features a series of cultural presentations, trade fairs, agricultural exhibitions, sports competitions, civic activities, and entertainment events that showcase the province’s achievements while promoting tourism, local products, and cultural preservation.
For his part, Governor Reynaldo “Jun” Tamayo, Jr. echoed the spirit of unity by emphasizing that the grand milestone celebration is, at its core, a profound recognition of the unique cultural fabric that defines the province.
The governor reminded the public that the progress being enjoyed today is the fruit of the immense sacrifices and harmonious coexistence of the early settlers and indigenous peoples of South Cotabato, which boasts 17 distinct tribes living together in solidarity.
“Palagi nating tandaan na ang araw na ginugunita natin ngayon ay bunga ng sakripisyo ng ating mga ninuno—mula sa mainit na pagtanggap ng ating mga katutubo at Muslim brothers and sisters sa mga naging settlers natin mula sa Visayas at Luzon. Kahit iba-iba ang ating paniniwala, ipinapakita ng 17 tribo ng South Cotabato ang tunay na pagkakaisa,” Governor Tamayo expressed.
This year’s celebration marks six decades of South Cotabato’s journey toward sustainable growth and prosperity while commemorating the 27th T’nalak Festival, one of Mindanao’s premier cultural festivals that honors the artistry, heritage, and traditions of the province’s Indigenous Peoples, particularly the dreamweavers of the Tboli community.
He pointed out that, “Ang pagiging progressive province natin ngayon ay resulta ng kanilang pagsusumikap. Naniniwala ako na sa pagkakaisa lamang natin nakakamtan ang tunay na development, kaya naman ipagpatuloy natin ito para sa isang South Cotabato na tunay na angat sa lahat.”
As South Cotabato celebrates another milestone in its history, provincial officials reaffirmed their commitment to delivering “Tama kag Maayo nga Serbisyo” and sustaining programs that improve the quality of life of every South Cotabateño, ensuring that progress and development continue to benefit present and future generations.
