The Wonders and Wealth of the Province of Sultan Kudarat

The Philippines is an archipelagiccountry composed of 7,107 islands. The country's rich biodiversity has been the main tourist attraction of the Philippines. Aside from nature, the country's rich historical and cultural heritages are also one of the well-known attractions of the Philippines. Indeed, it is more fun in the Philippines. It is a fact that one of the tourist attractions which contribute to the tourism campaign slogan of the government it is more fun in the Philippines is the province of Sultan Kudaratlocated in theSOCCSKSARGENregioninMindanao, which is one of the wealthiest and magnificent provinces here in the Philippines. In fact the local government also emerged with its own slogan which is Sultan Kudarat Sikat Ka to promote the tourism especially in its historical, cultural, arts and economic aspect. The said province is subdivided into 11municipalitiesand 1city. Three of the municipalities(Kalamansig,Lebak, andPalimbang) are coastal towns, while the rest of the provinces are located inland. Sultan Kudarats capital isIsulanand it was once part of the former empire province of Cotabato, created as a separate province along with Maguindanao and North Cotabato on November 22, 1973 by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 341 signed by former Pres. Ferdinand E. Marcos.It has been stated under the said presidential decree the reasons the said separation , some of these are as follows: since the potentials of the province have not been fully developed due to the magnitude of the task of provincial development and troubles that have long plagued the area; the many conflicting political, social and economic interests that have limited the progress of the province must be resolved in order to promote the stability and accelerate the development of Cotabato, and out of necessity dividing the present province into smaller units which can be more effectively administered and developedWhen the province was already established, such place named was after a Muslim ruler named Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudaratwho begun to assert his leadership in the year 1619 and reigned the Sultanate of Maguindanao from January 1625 to 1671 AD. It has been said that he was a virtuous leader who embodied the idea of basic unity, oneness and freedom among the diverse people scattered throughout its Sultanate. For this reason, he was considered as one of the National heroes of the country and for his honour this province was named after him.It is a fact and not amiss to state that the province of Sultan Kudarat has plentiful natural resources and treasures. The economy of Sultan Kudarat is predominantly agricultural with a large agricultural potential, the output consists of practically all types of crops grown in the country, including rice, corn, coffee,vegetables and fruits like mango, durian, banana. The province is self-sufficient in poultry, swine, and root crops, and is one of the few producers ofIrish potatoesin the Philippines. The southern Philippines Grain Complex in Tacurong is the largest grains-processing complex in the country. There are more than 200 rice mills in the province. In terms of people and spoken languages, it is a fact which cannot be disputed that the province was once populated by majority of muslim people the Maguinadaon, Maranao, Iranon and Tausug, but as years past they were outnumbered by Christianmigrants. The province dominant language is HiligaynonandKinaray-a as the native language of the Ilonggos which dominates the Christian population. IlocanoandCebuanoare also spoken in some municipalities. Despite the fact of differences in terms of cultures and traditions, cultural diversity never became a hindrance in promoting and achieving further developments to cater the needs of its populace. Moreover, wealth of culture and arts are the most remarkable and inspiring treasures which the Province of Sultan Kudarat possessed. It cannot be denied that the inhabitants of Sultan Kudarat are cheerful , joyful, and the sense of companionship and solidarity can be evidently observed, these can be best exemplified during the festive seasons of every subdivision of the province. Every municipality and city celebrates festivals in accordance with their traditions and customs. The following are some of the festive seasons in the province of Sultan Kudarat:a. KALIMUDAN FESTIVAL ( "The Festival of All Festivals") KALIMUDAN is a Maguindanaon word derived from the word limud which means to gather, to meet and to collect. Another word of the origin is the word limu which means a blessing. The whole term therefore means a collection, a meeting or a gallery of blessings. It is another tribal fiesta down in Mindanao, it is celebrated every 21st of November with every major ethnic group joining in the fun. The Cultural sharing is the theme in this festival and it is clearly displayed in the timeless songs and dances of these native folks. It is participated by major schools in the province as they showcase the beauty of living in Sultan Kudarat. One need not be a Maguinadanaon,Tboli, Ilongo and Ilocano to take part in the fun all you need are the right clothes, the right moves, and a genuine desire to go totally tribal.

b. BANSADAYAW (Bagumbayan) The Bansadayaw Festival was coined Visayan Ilonggo root word Bansa Which means in full view and sayaw , hinugway, dayaw all having connotation of marrymaking, said activity was very much welcome by the entire inhabitants of Bagumbayan. This festival meant to implore the divine guidance of Almighty God because without him people can do nothing. The Bansadayaw Festival in synopsis is the realization of the citizens united effort to magnify and preserve the diversified cultural heritage of all tribes like the Muslims, Tboli, Blaan, Manobo, Ilonggo, Cebuano, Ilocano, Pampanggeio and Tagalog who composed Bagumbayan today and most especially open tourism opportunities amidst cultural diversity.

c. PASUNDAYAG FESTIVAL ( Isulan) ISULANONS believe that the wealth of arts and culture is expressed in many forms and in so many kinds. The PASUNDAYAG Festival is celebrated every September and showcases the skills and talents in literary, musical and cultural aspects of the constituents both the young and the old. It is not only unique but is reflective of a special talent in the person as well. The PASUNDAYAG also depicts the thanksgiving festival of its residents who are mostly engaged in agriculture. This includes rice and corn farming, vegetables and crops production including the famous African palm which has contributed a lot to the utilization of its by-products as construction materials the uniquely woven kalakat known all over Mindanao. The festival is divided into two parts: the first part shows the different activities being done in the farm. After which a thanksgiving is performed for their good harvest. The second part shows the merrymaking in the form of dance using different properties and materials that make it very festive. As a whole, the PASUNDAYAG Festival actually expresses life itself or deep-seated emotion communicated by the emotions of the human body blending with the music. The flow of body movements, the sound of the music and the grace with which the dance is executed all build up the story or emotions being communicated. No doubt, this is a unique form of art, and along with other activities or talent being displayed during festivities, it is a contribution to the dreams of establishing solidarity among the peoples in the province of Sultan Kudarat.

d. HINABYOG (Esperanza) Esperanzacelebrated the very first Hinabyog festival last November 2005. The word "Hinabyog" means "Swayed". It resembles the idea of a "Bamboo Swing". The celebration is centered in showing different kinds of Bamboo swing/hammock and showing the importance of it. It is participated by students from schools around the municipality.

e. TALAKUDONG ( Tacurong City) Tacurong City is a melting pot of cultures land of colorful sights and sounds because of the famous Talakudong Festival, a gathering and celebration of the citys unique cultures. August is the month-long celebration of the Festival, which also marks the citys foundation month. Talakudong is a head-covering festival that lends itself to the history of the place. It is a Maguindanaoan word used to refer to something that covers the head against the sun and rain.From Talakudong, the name Takurong evolved which the Ilonggos had claimed to be the origin. Takurong is an Ilonggo dialect that means something or anything that covers the head. The Talakudong Festival is a cultural display shown in exhilarating street dancing and field demonstrations using exotically decorated talakudong. The main props of each performer is a "Salakot" or "Sadok". A head covering of our ancestors wherein Talakudong patronize it. The "Salakot" or "Sadok" would be creative and has a different paints in order it will be attractive in the eyes of critics. During the event, all schools, government agencies, non-government organizations, business establishments, and barangays officials were required to join in the street parade. That was the first and the last longest street parade ever held in the streets of Tacurong.

f. KATISFUN ( Columbio)

Kastifun connotes gathering in Blaan Ethnic dialect symbolizing Columbioans united stand to promote PEACE & DEVELOPMENT by way of bridgingthe gaps and redefiningboundaryof socialbiases. The bamboo being one of the majorraw materialsbeing used as craft and furniturein the municipality and as indispensablematerial for constructionand equipment represents the flexibility and versatility of Columbiaons talent and skills as the main pillars of development. The bamboo shaped intriangle represents the tri-people residing in the municipality namely, Christians, Muslims and Lumads in different traditions and cultures bonded as one.

g. TIMPUYOG (Lambayong) Timpuyog Festival is commemorated during harvest season of Lambayong, which is widely known as the rice granary of Sultan Kudarat. The festival capitalized on agriculture through rhythm and dance steps on the fields and in the streets as a thanksgiving ritual. Timpuyog was coined from the merger of culture encounter in this part of Mindanao. The peoples of Lambayong peasants, businessmen and professionals march and convoke to work abreast to promote their birthplace a heaven from generations to come. Their produced-rice in general, becomes a centerpiece of unity. Comes harvest season, the Ilocanoes as they dominated the populace invite everyone and shout, Agtimpuyogtayo (Let us gather and unite) and reap the grain. After the labor and counted the bountiful harvest again Agtimpuyog shout the residents and do the festival thanksgiving rituals. The echoing sounds of the Timpuyog rang annually for years and even scaling louder.

h. KANDULI ( Lutayan) Kanduli festival is a culture and Islamic faith based activity that also mean thanksgiving for every good deed a Muslim brother has done for his brethren. In like manner, food offering is traditionally offered or shared to show love and concern to others especially to less fortunate. These are the reasons why they cannot just put streamers anywhere in the streets and reflect Long Live Lutayan, without actual celebration of its foundation anniversary thru Kanduli Festival because they want to thank the creator for what they have now and at the same time pray not only to sustain our present conditions but to harness some more the climate of the harmony and widen the horizon of unity, peace and development that dwell in our hearts and flourish between and among us in the next days years to come. Kanduli is a 3-day celebration and culminates every 12th day of October. This celebration was started since 2002 during the administration of Hon. Datu Suharto T. Mangudadatu. The festival showcases the different events and activities highlighting the revival of the rich Maguindanaon culture. Major agricultural products of every barangay are being offered, among which is the inland fishing products and different Muslim delicacies. i. KALILANG (Palimbang) In a Manobo Bagobo Village in Baluan, the people are hard working and united. Inspite of their simple living they are happy and contented of what they have. During planting season, people practicethe bayanihan system to prepare the land for planting. Men and women, young and old, helped eachother in the farm. They are enjoying these activities because it is the time for gathering and knowing each other better. The happiness of the people in the community was short-lived. When their plants was about to bear fruits, calamity struck the whole area and all the people were saddened and depressed. They then They then gathered together and tried to look for ways and means to overcome the situation. After their concerted effort, eventually, they won over the plague. In celebration of their success , they made an offering to the God of Harvest for the victory and the abundant blessings they achieved as a sort of their thanksgiving. Because of that calamity, the community valued the spirit of unity and cooperation. They realized that their strength would become stronger when they join hands and fight for a common objective. From then on, the culture of MANOBO BAGOBO CLATTA was adopted and became known as KALILANG/SANUFE FESTIVAL j. SAMBUYAWAN (President Quirino) SAMBUYAWAN is a festival celebrated annually in celebration of their Foundation Anniversary. It was coined from the original name of late President Quirino, which is SAMBUYAWAN, a former barangay of Buluan, Maguindanao prior to its creation into a district and separate municipality by virtue of Presidential Decree 339 issued by late President Ferdinand E. Marcos on November 22, 1973. The first two syllables which is SAMBU is a Muslim word for BULO-a greenish-yellow colored small bamboo which abound in the place in the early days. The word SAMBU is also extracted from the former name of the municipality which is SAMBULAWAN whereas the two remaining syllables which is YAWAN appropriately described the various activities during the town fiesta celebration expressed in the form of SAYAWAN (folk dancing street dancing) HIYAWAN (cheering, yelling, shouting or chanting) with the accompaniment of gongs, drums, bamboo, tubes or any indigenous instrument that create upbeat sounds. The SAMBUYAWAN FESTIVAL captures the ethnic and rich socio cultural heritage of the ambivalent tribes that inhabit the place consisting of Ilocanos, Ilongos, Maguindanaons,Maranaws , Tagalogs,Tausogs and all other tribes breaking barriers of diversity in culture and belief and building up a sound and harmonious co existence.

k. SULOK (Senator Ninoy Aquino) Senator Ninoy Aquino is located at mountainous part of Sultan Kudarat Province, where the Manobo Dulangan tribe is the Original settlers of the area. Years after, because of the rich and vast resources of the area, this prompted to the influx of many Christian settlers in Kulaman. Together they enjoy the vastness and the rich natural resources of the place. SULOK is a Manobo Dulangan term for basket. Long ago forefathers of Manobo Dulangan tribe made sulok out of a tree bark. The Manobo women learned to weave, the beautiful make it out of dapdap and nito, splits in an intrinsic design. A rectangular and circular shape made out of dapdap (a family of bamboo) weaved in different sizes. Manobo Dulangan Women especially ladies often sling sulok on their heads and shoulders with their belongings for adornments. Manobo also used a small sulok with covering called sinagfeng. Chewing ingredients such as betel nuts, tobacco, ash and buyo for their mama are placed in a small sulok.

Undeniably, Sultan Kudarat Sikat Ka is an accurate slogan to describe the province since the latter is an epitome of resilience, where camaraderie, cooperation, persistence and faith of its populace can be perceived. It is without a doubt that the wonders and riches behind the province of Sultan Kudarat are big factors in making the Philippines as one of the remarkable countries in the world.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultan_Kudarathttp://sultankudaratprovince.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/SEP-2010_Sultan-Kudarat-Province.pdf