GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PIA) -- The local government of General Santos has officially launched the 34th celebration of Kalilangan Festival with the theme "Living the Cultural Dream" through a press conference on Monday, February 13, at SM City General Santos.

As the country's Hall of Famer for best culture and arts tourism event recognized by the Pearl Awards in 2013 and the carrier event of Gen. Santos City's 84th founding anniversary, the physical celebration of Kalilangan Festival is once again organized through the collaboration of LGU Gensan and Mindanao State University (MSU) Gensan after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to city administrator and festival director Shandee Llido-Pestaño.

She added that aside from the colorful song and dance presentations by MSU's cultural dance and theater group Kabpapagariya Ensemble, the festival will again present the grandiose opening ceremony of Pasigarbo on February 23, Parada ng Lahi, Kapehan sa Kalilangan, Kadsagayan Streetdancing competition, and the closing ceremonies on February 27, which is scheduled to be graced by no less than Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Meanwhile, MSU Chancellor Usman Aragasi encouraged all media practitioners, the social media influencers, and the general public, to help promote Kalilangan Festival as one community, since the celebration is all about the appreciation and affording respect to the cultural heritage of General Santos City.

It is through this communal gathering where the residents honor the peaceful coexistence of the tri-people, living in harmony under one sky - the Moro, Christians, and the Indigenous Peoples, Aragasi explained. (PIA SarGen)