Unity and respect among tribes largely contribute to the continuous progress of Cotabato province, which is celebrating its 110th founding anniversary.

At the culmination activity Kalivugan Festival here on Sunday, Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza urged the indigenous communities, Moro group and Christians to respect and help each other at all times.

“There is no chance that the [tribes] will have any conflict because the province has vast lands and they can use it for farming because our soil is very fertile,” Mendoza said in her speech.

She added that Cotabateños should not forget their leaders, the elderly and their ancestors because they contributed to the development of the province.

“Let us not forget our roots and as we look forward, the competition here reminds us all that our culture, our heritage, our beauty made Cotabato what it is today,” she added, referring to the street dance event.

Mendoza said Cotabateños must continue to remain faithful towards themselves, their families and their work “for a better Cotabato.”

The Kalivungan Festival is a celebration of the cultural heritage, diversity, unity and natural resources of Cotabato.

A street dancing competition participated in by seven municipalities ended the weeklong celebration.

M’lang bagged the PHP1 million prize as grand champion and another PHP100,000 for the Best in Musicality award.

Runner-up Midsayap also took the Best in Street Dancing and Best in Costume awards. (PNA)