KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — The vibrant spirit of the T’nalak Festival officially came alive today, June 18, as the Provincial Government of South Cotabato opened the festival’s refreshment, commercial, and amusement ride areas, signaling the start of one of the province’s most anticipated celebrations of culture, tourism, and economic opportunity.
Mario Sorongon, Chairperson of the Committee on Refreshment and Amusement Rides, said preparations began weeks before the opening to ensure the readiness of facilities, utilities, and safety measures for both vendors and visitors.
“The T’nalak Festival is more than a celebration. It is an opportunity for local businesses, workers, and families to earn additional income while giving residents and visitors a memorable festival experience. We invite everyone to visit our refreshment areas, amusement rides, and commercial stalls beginning today and be part of this celebration,” Sorongon said.
Festival-goers can now enjoy a wide array of attractions, including food and refreshment stalls, souvenir shops, carnival rides, RTW displays, and local merchandise spread across key festival sites in Koronadal City. The opening also marks the beginning of increased economic activity for hundreds of entrepreneurs and workers who rely on the annual festival as a platform to showcase their products and services.
This year, more than 160 concessionaires are participating in the festival, including refreshment vendors, food operators, souvenir sellers, RTW exhibitors, and amusement ride providers. Organizers expect the number of visitors to grow in the coming days as activities leading to the 27th T’nalak Festival and the Province’s Foundation Anniversary continue to unfold.
Compared to previous years, organizers introduced several improvements in the layout and management of festival venues to enhance accessibility, crowd movement, sanitation, and overall visitor safety. Extensive coordination was conducted with utility providers and government offices to ensure the availability of electricity, water supply, waste management services, and public conveniences before the opening.
Among the major attractions are carnival rides located along JC Avenue, including the Viking, Ferris Wheel, Giant Swing, Carousel, Bumper Cars, and Top Spin rides. Refreshment and food stalls are strategically positioned in designated festival areas, while souvenir and merchandise booths offer visitors locally-made products and festival memorabilia.
The committee also conducted orientation sessions for concessionaires to reinforce compliance with festival regulations, proper waste disposal practices, and safety standards. Designated pathways and monitoring mechanisms have likewise been established in areas with high pedestrian activity to provide a safer and more organized environment for festival-goers.
The continued growth of the festival reflects the Provincial Government’s commitment to promoting tourism, supporting local enterprises, and creating economic opportunities for South Cotabateños. Under the leadership of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., initiatives that strengthen local industries and encourage community participation remain central to the province’s development agenda.
As South Cotabato welcomes thousands of visitors in the coming weeks, the opening of the commercial and amusement areas serves as an early showcase of the province’s hospitality, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to delivering meaningful opportunities for its people.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the festival grounds, support local businesses, and experience the unique culture, excitement, and warmth that make the T’nalak Festival a source of pride for every South Cotabateño.
