“In the days ahead until September 1, let us celebrate as one family. Maglipaylipay kita,magpasalamat kita, maghiusa kita as we showcase the spirit of everyCotabateño,” Mendoza said during the opening of the “Yaman ng Cotabato: Travel and Trade Expo” on Tuesday, August 26, at the Provincial Capitol in Kidapawan City.
The expo, which features the participation of 17 local government units, showcases the province’s diverse agricultural products—proof, Mendoza said, of Cotabateños’ unity and hard work. The event is part of the weeklong 111th Founding Anniversary of Cotabato Province and the Kalivungan Festival 2025.
Ahead of the opening, a Drum and Lyre Corps competition was held at the Capitol grounds to kick off the festivities. The municipality of Carmen emerged as champion and bagged a trophy and P100,000 cash prize.
In a message read by DA-12 Regional Director Roberto Perales, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. thanked the Cotabato provincial government for its “steadfast partnership” with the Department of Agriculture. He also commended Mendoza’s leadership in spearheading the first Harvest Festival under the Cotabato Rice Revolution Program in Makilala.
“This milestone marks the province’s strong step toward rice self-sufficiency and stability in the local food supply,” Laurel said.
With the theme “Cotabato @111: Malasakit at Serbisyong Totoo, Diwang Kalivungan. DiwangCotabateño,” this year’s Kalivungan Festival runs from August 26 to September 1, culminating with the much-anticipated Street Dancing Competition as its grand finale.
Photo grab from Cotabato Provincial government