‘Kuyog’ back to Cotabato City

Region XII and ARMM’s pride during the WOW Philippines’ Best of the Regions in Intramuros is the latest showcase in Cotabato City’s four-day Cultural Festival featuring the indigenous arts and crafts, cultural extravaganzas, indigenous sports and cuisines of Central Mindanao and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.

Dubbed as "Kuyog," meaning "all together," the event is now made bigger as the Department of Tourism (DoT) brings it back to its home region from March 31 to April 3.

Kuyog is expected to draw domestic travelers from within and around the region. South Central Mindanao’s domestic visitor arrivals for 2006 reached over 600,000 while arrival figures for overseas Filipinos hit a 20.59 percent increase as compared to the previous year’s mark.

A pet project of DoT Regional director for South Central Mindanao Sohura T. Dimaampao, the festival is a continuing program of the WOW Philippines’ Best of the Regions, originally staged in Intramuros, Manila.

"This has been a long time dream. Started by then Secretary now Senator Richard Gordon in WOW Philippines in Intramuros. I am very grateful that Secretary Durano is equally supportive of this project especially now that its back in the region," Dimaampao said.

"Kuyog" kicks off on March 31, at the South Seas Mall in Cotabato City with Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, Cotabato City Mayor Datu Muslimin Sema and ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy "Puti" Uy Ampatuan opening the event with the ceremonial beating of the gong.

Cash prizes await lucky winners who will compete in any of the six various competitions, namely: the Regional Food Festival (culinary competition); Pakaradian, a tableau cultural showdown; Kandedelemat Nu Magined, indigenous sports competition; Best Booth award in the Tourism Fair Exhibit; Kuyog street dancing competition; and Habi, a fashion competition featuring the indigenous weaves of Region XII and ARMM. As much as R100,000 cash prize is at stake and all participants to the different competitions are sure to go home with consolation prizes.

[ Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao Wiki ]