South Cotabato, Philippines—As part of the week-long T’nalak Festival 2025 celebration, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato is set to host the Farmers Festival and Farmers Walk on July 15–16, 2025, at the Provincial Demo Farm in Banga.
According to Lebert M. Ulo, Committee Chair for the Farmers Walk and Pinaka Contest, this two-day agricultural event will celebrate the hard work, innovation, and excellence of South Cotabato’s farmers, making it one of the key highlights of this year’s T’nalak Festival.
“Actually, this year nag plan tayo last year ng separated days kas inga yong point natin sa ating Farm and Walk Festival is isang araw, pero nakita natin hindi kasya ang isang araw. Sabihan natin yong mga weather conditions kaya ngayon ginawa na natin na two days siya na gaganapin parin natin sa Provincial Demo Farm sa Banga,” Ulo emphasized.
The first day (July 15) will feature the “Pinaka” Contest, where farmers will compete to present the heaviest and longest farm products. Winners of the heaviest category—covering banana, cassava, coconut, jackfruit, and squash—will receive ₱5,000, while the longest vegetable entries (such as eggplant, string beans, cucumber, upo, patola, and bitter gourd) will win ₱2,000. Consolation prizes range from ₱800 to ₱1,500.
There will also be a cooking contest for the best-tasting tilapia, with free tastings offered to visitors, according to co-chair Ronald D. Pacol.
The second day (July 16) will focus on the Farmers Walk, a guided tour through the 8-hectare demo farm showcasing modern agricultural technologies, innovations, and seed company booths. Participants can enjoy free tilapia tasting stations, fun parlor games, and interactive exhibits from 10 municipalities and 1 component city.
All participating farmers will receive certificates and plaques, which will be awarded during the Kubo and Plant Fair, also part of the T’nalak Festival’s Agri Fair.
“This is not just a contest—it’s a celebration of our farmers’ dedication and ingenuity,” Pacol said, inviting everyone to be part of this festive T’nalak highlight.
