KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) --  Koronadal City's 22nd Charter Anniversary in October will be accentuated by a Muslim feast, an official of the city government said. 

Elric Batilaran, city tourism and cultural affairs officer, told local press Tuesday that one of the highlights of the cityhood anniversary will be a "Pagana." 

Pagana is a  traditional Maranao feast held to welcome very important guests and visitors and to celebrate achievements and successes. 

To be hosted by the Department of Tourism (DOT) XII, the Pagana, which will feature Muslim cuisine, is tentatively scheduled on October 15 at The Farm at Carpenter Hill. 

Batilaran said, holding this fellowship dinner recognizes the Muslim community, who are "one of the most high-spending communities" in Koronadal City, being the regional center of SOCCSKSARGEN or Region 12 and underscores the city's business sector's services that cater specifically to the Muslim community. 

Emphasizing  Koronadal being a "Muslim friendly" city, he said, "we have restaurants in the locality that offer non-pork cuisine and hotels that have prayer rooms for Muslims." 

"There is a good market for the Muslim-friendly industry. This is one thing that we would like our local entrepreneurs to develop," he added. 

Koronadal City will celebrate its 22nd Charter Anniversary on October 8.  

It became a city in 2000 by virtue of Republic Act No. 8803 that converted the Municipality of Koronadal into a component city of South Cotabato. The law was signed by President Joseph Ejercito Estrada. 

Through Executive Order No. 304, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo designated the City of Koronadal as the regional center and administrative seat of SOCCSKSARGEN Region. 

The month-long celebration will kick off on October 1 with the launching of the Grand Sale Month and 12th Negosyo Festival. Major events such as trade fair, car show, Oktubeer Fest, Bonsai show, and other events will be held from October 5 to 15 at the Rizal Park. (PIA XII)