Kalilangan finally a Hall of Famer

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (28 September 2014) – Gensan’s Kalilangan once again elevated its prestige as the Department of Tourism–Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (DOT-ATOP) inducted it into the Hall of Fame as “Best Festival, City Level, Culture and Arts Category”.

In the 15th ATOP National Convention on October 4-5 in Bacolod City, local government officials of General Santos were invited by the DOT to receive the Hall of Famer award.

Committee on Tourism chair Councilor Shandee Llido Pestaño, Councilor Ramon Melliza and newly-appointed Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO) head Leah Tolimao were delegated by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera to receive the award by DOT-ATOP.

Since 2011 up to 2014, the Kalilangan has been consecutively chosen by the DOT as the Best Festival at the City Level in the Culture and Arts Category competition.

Aside from that, Cora Tito of the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO) was also chosen finalist of the “Best Tourism Officer of the Philippines 2014.”

Kalilangan, which means festival, is the main festival General Santos City celebrates every February. This is a standout aside from the Tuna Festival – celebrated on September - and Pasko sa Gensan.

Kalilangan showcases the cultural heritage of the city while giving importance to the preserved traditions of indigenous pioneers of Gensan, namely the Blaan and Maguindanaon.

For four years, the Mindanao State University – General Santos City (MSU-GSC), in partnership with City Hall has been spearheading the festival, adding more culturally-significant events year by year.

Mayor Rivera expressed his delight for the recognition given to Kalilangan and to the institutions that backed the festivity.

“I am happy that our festival has been recognized nationwide. This means that we are doing great in highlighting what Gensan has to offer to tourists and prospect investors,” the mayor said.

“I will personally talk to Councilor Pestaño to see if there is a need to increase the budget for the Kalilangan 2015. If it is necessary, then I will not think twice. I will support it,” he added.

In Kalilangan 2015, the MSU-GSC will withdraw itself as the main organizer of the said festivity, primarily because the academic institution will focus on improving its educational system and projects.

Alma Aguja, one of the organizers coming from MSU-GSC, has expressed her satisfaction for the years that they have handled Kalilangan.

“It was really a pleasant experience to handle Kalilangan. It was really great to work with great people in making a great festival. I think it is time for us to rest for a while and give chance to other bodies who want to hold the festival,” Aguja said. (Gensan CPIO/ Ian John M. Lagare)