General Santos City gears up for its 36th Kalilangan Festival, a grand celebration commemorating the city’s 86th Foundation Anniversary.
Kalilangan is a Maguindanaoan word, “kalilang,” which means “celebration” or “festival.”
This year’s festival, titled “Kampeon sa Kultura: Mas Pinakulay, Mas Pinasaya,” promises a lively and meaningful celebration, showcasing the city’s vibrant cultural heritage and tourism industry.
Festival Director Joey John E. Concepcion emphasized that the budget for this year’s festival is P15 million, ensuring a well-organized and grand celebration.
“Dumaan ito sa tamang proseso (It went through the proper process),” he assured.
Festival Coordinator Allan S. Remedios expressed excitement for the upcoming festivities.
“We are definitely ready for a spectacular show. This year, we are adding more events, including a tribal village and an agri-fair at Plaza Heneral,” he shared.
Emphasizing the significance of Kalilangan in positioning General Santos City as a cultural and tourism powerhouse, Tourism Officer Eliodoro Y. Alcaya Jr. described the celebration as a “tribute to our pioneers and indigenous communities who shape our identity.”
The festival, which will open on February 23, will also feature national artists Kamikazee and Rico Blanco, alongside cultural presentations, parades, and exhibitions showcasing local creativity and heritage.
This year, “Lokal na Tukar,” a new Kalilangan event, will feature new-generation local artists, adding excitement to the musical lineup. Various sports activities will also serve as side events to engage the community further.
In addition, the festival will highlight the creative industries in celebration of National Arts Month.
The closing day on February 27 will feature the traditional Parada ng Lahi, Kapehan sa Plaza, and the Kadsagayan Streetdance Competition, which has increased its prize pool to P450,000.
Seven contingents from Quirino in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, Isulan (Sultan Kudarat), Lanao del Sur, General Santos City, Malungon in Sarangani Province, and Kiamba (Sarangani Province) will compete for the prestigious title.
Tourism Officer Eliodoro Y. Alcaya Jr. stated that General Santos City can accommodate 5,000 guests in registered accommodation facilities.
To ensure fair transportation pricing, the tourism office will intensify its information drive regarding the correct transportation tariff, Alcaya said.
The celebration, he said, also coincides with the 8th Philippine International Farm Tourism Conference, assuring visitors that they will help them secure the city’s regulated fare rates.
Meanwhile, General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) City Director Col. Nicomedes P. Olaivar shared that security measures are well in place.
“Nakahanda na ang security plan natin, mayroong 1,000 contingents mula sa PNP, Task Force Gensan, Coast Guard, at Bureau of Fire Protection para tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng festival,” he assured.
(Our security plan is set, with 1,000 contingents from the PNP, Task Force Gensan, Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fire Protection ensuring the safety of the festival.)
Task Force Gensan Commander Col. Clairemont W. Pinpin also reaffirmed their all-out security support for the event.
“We will be coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to implement security measures during the festival,” he said.
Kalilangan Festival 2025 is set to be a momentous event, honoring General Santos City’s past while celebrating its bright future. (HJPF – PIA SarGen)
