𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊: 𝐌𝐒𝐔-𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐬 𝐜𝐨-𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑

by Raydan M. Tangwayan, LPT

Mindanao State University - General Santos City was once again chosen by the City Government of General Santos to organize the Kalilangan Festival 2023. Kalilangan is known as the ‘Cultural Festival’ of the city, which celebrates the shared histories among its Tri-People inhabitants, with a particular focus on their cooperation, unity, and harmonious coexistence, while recognizing their rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions. 

The Kalilangan Festival 2023 adopted a hybrid modality of conducting the festival celebration. Since the partnership between Mindanao State University – General Santos City and the City Government of General Santos in 2011, putting activities online was the least of the priorities. To reminisce, the partnership of LGU-GenSan and the University in hosting the Kalilangan Festival led to its Hall of Fame Distinction as Best Tourism Event of the Philippines-Culture and Arts Category by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) from 2011 to 2013. 

When the pandemic hit, the secretariat shifted into a full-blown online Kalilangan Festival. From this experience came the “Kalilangan Festival: Kuru-Kultura,” where all activities, competitions, and contests were conducted online. The 34th Kalilangan Festival and the 84th Foundation Anniversary of General Santos City this year is described as the “vengeance” for the three-year hiatus of social gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

On February 23, 2023, the Honorable Mayor Lorelie Geronimo-Pacquaio opened the ceremony by banging the ‘Agong’ three times symbolically waking up the Generals from three years of social distancing. Former Senator Manny Pacquaio was also present at the program. The Chancellor of Mindanao State University – General Santos City, JD Usman D. Aragasi, MPA, who organized this year’s Kalilangan Festival, entered the stage with glam and colors, depicting the rich Maranao culture. Chancellor Aragasi emphasized the importance of the Local Government and MSU’s partnership in fostering good relationships and highlighting culture and arts.

The Grand Opening Night offered a production like no other as it was performed by the Kuerdas Band, the Mindanao State University’s Kabpapagariya Ensemble, Madayaw Dabaw, Step One, Regional Police Office 12 dancers, and the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College’s Teatro Ambahanon. Performers showed the roots of Dadiangas, as a representation of a historical milieu, the calamities experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting “Bayanihan” and the acts of kindness, love, and care shown during this most trying time of the city.

Meanwhile, a sea of people was witnessed on the night of February 24, 2023, during the concert of Chocolate Factory, a Filipino reggae band whose songs are popular among the youth, like “Kung Ika’y Akin” and “Letra”. With Chocolate Factory’s presence, Kalilangan Festival 2023 became an opportunity to bond, celebrate, and it served as the revenge of the Generals from the three-year pandemic with restrictions and stay-at-home directives. The Kalilangan Festival Secretariat’s mitigation for security risks was the fostered partnership with the Philippine National Police, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and the City Health Office. Thankfully, the crowd was respectful of the rules set by the PNP, like the disallowed backpacks. The celebration ended at around 12 midnight. Aside from music, food, carnival, and flea market contributed to the overall fun experience.

A tribute to the festival sponsors and supporters of the Kalilangan Festival 2023, Daluyan: Sponsor’s Night, was held at the Grand Summit Hotel on February 25, 2023. “The activity is not just a mere social night. This is also an opportunity for small business sectors to venture with others, and for SMEs to initiate possible business partnership”, said Festival Manager, Dr. Alma Celesthia D. Aguja. 

The "Kalilangan ng Batang Heneral: Gensan Tri-People Youth Convergence" event was also one of the new activities conducted during the festival. It was held on February 26 at the KCC Convention Center. The event aimed to celebrate diversity and promote cultural appreciation of GenSan's heritage. It brought together the city's youth to collaborate on common issues and concerns that affect them, emphasizing the importance of unity among the youth sector despite cultural differences in the community. The participants were inspired by the message of the City Mayor, Hon. Lorelie G. Pacquiao, about the important role of the youth in the development of General Santos City. Moreover, their resolve was strengthened by the reactions and guidance of guests Reactors, led by no less than the Executive Director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Sir Oscar “Oca'' Casaysay, and facilitators led by Al-Nezzar Ali, the Artistic Director of the Kalilangan Festival. The organizers were led by the Mindanao State University - General Santos' Institute for Peace and Development, while the Department of Education (DepEd) principals and teachers who were alumni of the MSU Kabpapagariya Ensemble were also present.

On February 27, 2023, the Wreath-Laying and Parada ng Lahi happened. Parada ng Lahi and Wreath Laying is an institutional activity where flowers, and salute from the people and military men were offered to the late General Paulino Santos. Different government agencies and stakeholders in General Santos City took part in the eagerly awaited parade of history by dressing in traditional attire typical of the city's three main ethnic groups. This event warms and rekindles the sense of solidarity among the city's unique culture. Following the solemn ceremony, there was also a 21-gun salute and a wreath-laying ceremony in commemoration of the contributions of the pioneers of the city, especially General Paulino Santos.

After the Parada ng Lahi, a motorcade led the iconic Kadsagayan Streetdance Parade in the afternoon. The Kadsagayan Street Dance Competition featured five contingents from Lanao del Sur, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao Province, and two entries from GenSan, was the highlight of the Grand Finale. The Sibsib National Salindaw Performing Guild of Tulunan, North Cotabato emerged as the champion, while the Sibol Performing Arts of General Santos City took the title of first runner-up and Kulintayaw Performing Artist Collective of General Santos City as the second runner-up. The program was attended by no less than Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines, Her Excellency Sara Z. Duterte, who praised the city's success as the Festival Guest Speaker. “Without a doubt, General Santos City is a shining story of success. As a Mindanawon, we share the pride that you have.” She was introduced by Congressman Loreto B. Acharon, who highlighted the significance of culture in his message. Meanwhile, the City Mayor Lorelie Geronimo Pacquiao gave her welcome message. “Kailangan walang maiiwan na mamamayan sa pag-unlad ng GenSan. Ang nais ko lamang ay ang pamumunong walang lamangan, walang siraan, at walang hilaan pababa dahil ang lahat ng ating pagsisikap ay para sa ikabubuti at ikauunlad ng ating lungsod”, Mayor Pacquiao remarked.

In the closing night of the whole festival celebration, it was filled with powerful vocals, ethno-inspired performances, and a band concert in a native dialect and ended with the declaration and awarding of prizes given by the City Mayor Lorelie Geronimo Pacquiao, First Gentleman Bobby Pacquiao, Festival Director Shandee Llido-Pestaño, and MSU Vice Chancellor Dr. Mishell Lawas, representing Chancellor Usman Aragasi, with a dazzling firework display. The program was followed by band concerts featuring Kuerdas, Rocksteddy, and Cueshe that attracted huge crowds, creating long queues of spectators never before seen in the history of the festival.