The 65th Araw ng Kumalarang is a much-anticipated annual celebration, recently held in the vibrant town of Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur from August 24 to August 30. This significant event was celebrated together with the town’s Padul-os Festival which showcased the rich cultural heritage, unity, and progress of the municipality. The celebration was a vivid reminder of the town’s historical roots symbolizing continuous growth and development in the region.
The festivities commenced with a grand opening parade that filled the streets with vibrant colors, lively music, and smiling faces. Local officials, schools, organizations, and various sectors of the community participated in this parade, displaying floats adorned with flowers, cultural symbols, and artistic presentations that reflect the unique identity of Kumalarang.
The parade was a magnificent start, setting the tone for the rest of the celebration. One of the highlights of the Kumalarang Day was the series of cultural presentations. Local schools and community groups showcased traditional dances, songs, and performances that highlighted the diverse cultural background of the municipality. From indigenous dances to modern performances, the event bridged the past and the present, giving the audience a sense of pride in their heritage.
In addition to the featured various activities, included was the street dancing, varied cultural presentations, and sports events that had showcased the talents and creativity of the locals.
Sports competitions that were held had engaged both young and adult in friendly matches. Basketball, volleyball and traditional Filipino games had been a part of the program, encouraging camaraderie and teamwork among the participants. These sports activities had underscored the importance of physical fitness and sportsmanship, key values that Kumalarang strives for to instill in its citizens.
The local government also took the opportunity to present its achievements and future plans for the town. In a special program, the mayor and other officials had addressed the public, highlighting the progress made in infrastructure, education, health and social services. The mayor had emphasized the importance of collective effort in ensuring the continuous development of Kumalarang, thanking the residents for their unwavering support and cooperation.
Stalls lining the main streets had showcased a variety of local products and delicacies. Visitors and locals alike had enjoyed fresh produce samples, traditional dishes and crafts that represent the entrepreneurial spirit of the people. This segment of the celebration served as a platform for local businesses and artisans to promote their products, further boosting the town’s local economy.
As with any large-scale event, security becomes a top priority. The local government, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP), ensure that security measures are in place to guarantee the safety of all attendees. The Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9), headed by Police Brigadier General Bowenn Joey M Masauding, Regional Director, had played a key role in providing comprehensive security coverage, deploying personnel to strategic locations to monitor the situation and prevent any untoward incidents. This proactive approach had fostered an atmosphere of peace and order, allowing the festivities to proceed smoothly.
The Regional Director of PRO 9, Police Brigadier General Bowenn Joey M Masauding, who was invited as the guest speaker during the Culminating Program of the Founding Anniversary of Kumalarang and Padul-os Festival, had emphasized the importance of collaboration between the community and law enforcement in maintaining peace. In his speech, he commended the local police for their dedication and professionalism in ensuring the safety of the attendees, also lauding the people of Kumalarang for their unity and cooperation which contributed significantly to the peaceful celebration. He urged everyone to continue supporting the efforts of PNP in promoting peace and order not only during festivals but throughout the year.
Despite the large turnout, the event remained incident-free, a testament to the effective security plan implemented by PNP. Police visibility was highly noticeable throughout the celebration, with officers stationed in key areas such as the venue entrances, performance grounds and busy streets. Their visible presence reassured the public and deterred any potential disturbance. Additionally, checkpoints were established to monitor the flow of people and vehicles, further enhancing security.
Moreover, PBGen Masauding reiterated the commitment of PRO-9 in ensuring the safety and security of the region, not only during special occasions like the Araw ng Kumalarang and Padul-Os Festival but every day of the year. He encouraged the local community to remain vigilant and to continue fostering a close relationship with law enforcement.
The local government led by the Mayor of Kumalarang, also had extended their appreciation to PNP and PRO 9 for their invaluable contributions to the success of the event. The Mayor highlighted how crucial the presence of law enforcement was in maintaining order, and in ensuring that the celebration remained a joyful and peaceful occasion for everyone. He also had commended the citizens for their cooperation in adhering to the safety protocols and helping maintain the peace.
The 65th Araw ng Kumalarang and Padul-Os Festival ended on a high note, with a fireworks display that lit up the night sky, symbolizing the bright future ahead for the town. The partnership between the stakeholders was key to ensuring that the celebration was not only enjoyable but also safe for everyone involved.
Lessons learned from this year’s celebration will serve as a foundation for future events, the cooperation between the police and the community setting a high standard for security planning and execution to ensure that Kumalarang will continue to celebrate its cultural heritage in peace and harmony for many years to come.
Source of photos: Municipality of Kumalarang, PBGEN BOWENN JOEY M MASAUDING
