Kalinaw Kultura to be Launched in Koronadal City

The Philippine Information Agency Regional Office (PIA) XII will launch on Thursday afternoon the Kalinaw Kultura, the 4th leg of the Mindanao-wide peace-cultural advocacy campaign here.

“In collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Kalinaw Kultura is a roadshow that will highlight the cultural heritage of Mindanao through a series of events all over the island,” PIA XII officer-in-charge Danilo Doguiles said.

The series of events were as follows: Iligan City (July 26-29), Butuan City (August 30-31), Davao City (September 9-12), Zamboanga City (September 13-14), and Koronadal City (October 3-5).

Doguiles said the event, which will be held at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center in Koronadal City on Thursday, will serve as venue to highlight the cultural heritage of major indigenous peoples of SOCCSKSARGEN, specifically Tboli, Blaan, Maguindanaon, and Manobo.

“We have invited different tribal groups in the region to perform in this event on October 4 to present and showcase their rich culture through songs and dances, as well as their arts and crafts in one big event,” he added.

According to him, PIA has alloted each group a booth where they can also exhibit their products for sale or even just for appreciation of the audience.

Aside from that, there will also be performances from school-based groups and individuals.

Officials from PIA Central Office, NCCA, and PIA Regional Offices in Mindanao, students and representatives of the youth sector, local and national government officials will also grace the event.

PIA Director General Harold Clavite is expected to address the audience along with NCCA representative John Axl Palisoc, South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes, and Koronadal City Mayor Peter Miguel.

A press conference just before the launch will also be conducted at FB Hotel here with Clavite, Palisoc, National Commission on Indigenous People XII Regional Director Jeanne Anne Zoilo, Dept. of Tourism officer-in-charge Armin Hautea, along with Doguiles.

On Wednesday, October 3, the group went to visit Lemsnolon, a cultural village in Tboli town in South Cotabato, where they were served a traditional sumptuous food.

They were also welcomed by Tboli Mayor Dibu Tuan who showed them a video of Tboli’s tourist destinations like the beautiful Lake Holon and Hidak Falls.

Kalinaw Kultura aims to raise public awareness about the rich, dynamic, and colorful Mindanao cultural heritage; develop deep appreciation for Mindanao culture through observation, instruction, and experience; and promote and encourage preservation of Mindanao’s crafts and creative arts. (CTA/DGC, PIA12-SarGen)