KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — Festival organizers are strengthening monitoring measures to prevent the recurrence of vendor-related conflicts during the upcoming T’nalak Festival 2026.
Mario Sorongon, Tnalak Festival Committee Chairperson for Ukay-ukay, Refreshments and Amusement Rides, said one of the major issues encountered during last year’s celebration involved vendors who were not included in the official concessionaire list but still occupied spaces along Rizal Street and near Central Elementary School.
“Ang naging problema naton sang nagligad amo ang mga vendors nga wala nalakip sa official list pero nagpwesto sa Rizal Street kag sa may Central School,” Sorongon said.
According to him, both the Provincial Government of South Cotabato and the City Government of Koronadal coordinated to ensure that affected vendors stayed only within the designated areas identified by the city government.
“Nag-coordinate ang PLGU kag CLGU para mapabilin sila sa designated nga area nga ginhatag sang city government kag malikawan ang pagsinumponganay kag obstruction,” he added.
Sorongon said organizers are now closely managing stall assignments and site allocations to maintain order, ensure smoother traffic flow, and avoid overcrowding in key festival areas.
He added that adjustments were also made in this year’s venue layout due to ongoing construction inside Rizal Park, prompting organizers to relocate portions of the amusement area along Jose Catolico Avenue.
Authorities expect tighter coordination this year as concessionaire installations begin in the coming days ahead of the June 18 soft opening.
