Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, August 27, 2024 — The Hamungaya Festival 2024 was launched with grandeur and optimism, thanks to an invigorating opening speech by Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu. The Governor’s address resonated with themes of progress, unity, and future ambitions, setting a vibrant tone for this year’s festivities.

In his speech, Governor Mangudadatu began by acknowledging the province’s journey and progress. “Marami po tayong naririnig na mga problema at concerns. Iniisa-isa po natin itong sagutin. At masasabi ko pong, all praises and thanks to be our Creator. Lubos po naming ipinagmamalaki na dito sa Sultan Kudarat Province, marami na po tayong nagagawa at malayo na po ang ating narating.”

Reflecting on recent achievements, Mangudadatu celebrated last year’s dual milestone—the 50th anniversary of Sultan Kudarat’s establishment and the 25th Kalimudan Festival. “Noong nakaraang taon, ipinagdiwang ng ating lalawigan ang ika-limampung (50) taon ng pagtatatag nito, ang golden anniversary, at sa parehong panahon, ang ika-dalawampu’t limang (25) taon ng Kalimudan Festival. Dito po natin ipinakita na ang ating lalawigan ay maaari palang maging sikat sa iba’t ibang bagay. Ipinakita po natin na iba talaga ang fiesta sa Sultan Kudarat. Ipinakita po natin na ang Muslim, Kristiyano, at Lumad ay nagkakaisa bilang isang pamilya sa ilalim ng isang Panginoon,” he noted.

The governor expressed a vision of transforming the province’s image, aiming for peace and unity. “Nais po naming baguhin ang imahe ng Sultan Kudarat. Ipapaabot namin na ang ating lalawigan ay mapayapa at ligtas. Nagmamahalan ang ating mga kababayan. Welcoming ang ating community. At talagang ‘SK: Sikat KA. Simbolo ng Katahimikan at Kaunlaran.”

His speech also highlighted significant advancements in the province’s relations with other government bodies. “Ikinagagalak ko pong ianunsyo na kami ay nagtaguyod ng maganda at maayos na working relationships hindi lamang sa ating mga subordinates sa local government unit, kundi pati na rin sa pagitan ng lalawigan ng Sultan Kudarat at ng national government,” he declared.

Governor Mangudadatu underscored the financial support Sultan Kudarat has been receiving. “Sa buong Region 12, tayo po dito sa Sultan Kudarat ang may pinakamalaking financial assistance na ibinibigay sa ating mga kababayan,” he revealed. He also addressed past challenges regarding the province’s financial prioritization. “Sa loob ng limampung (50) taon ng pag-iral ng Sultan Kudarat, isang malaking suliranin ay palaging huling pinipili ang ating lalawigan bilang prayooridad. Kaya’t ako’y labis na masaya na sa pamamagitan ng matagumpay na pakikipagtulungan sa iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno.”

Highlighting the importance of collaboration, DPA stated, “Kapag tayo ay may magandang pakikipag-partnering relationship sa lahat, wala palang imposibleng makamit.” He shared that in the past two years, the province has received no less than 800 million pesos in financial aid, which has elevated Sultan Kudarat from being a low priority to a leading beneficiary of government support.

The Governor also touched upon significant improvements in healthcare and education. “Sa ating magandang pakikipagtulungan sa national government, naipanatili natin na sa Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital, libre po ang lahat ng gastusin para sa ating mga kababayan,” he said. Additionally, he announced the development of a Sports and Recreational Park and a scholarship program for medical students. “Suportado rin po namin ang ating mga student athletes sa buong Sultan Kudarat. Kaya’t ang dating old capitol compound dito sa Sultan Kudarat ay gagawin naming Sports and Recreational Park para sa ating mga kabataan,” he stated. “Tinututukan din po natin ang ating College of Medicine sa Sultan Kudarat State University. At heto ang magandang balita: kung pumasa ang estudyante sa NMAT at entrance exams, at kung sila ay nakakatugon sa kinakailangang kwalipikasyon, lahat po ng estudyante sa SKSU College of Medicine, ang kanilang tuition na nagkakahalaga ng 100,000 pesos bawat semester, ay sasagutin na dahil magiging Sultan Kudarat scholars na sila.”

In closing, Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the province’s well-being. “Marami po tayong bisyon para sa ating mga tao. Nais namin ang pinakamainam para sa ating kabataan at mga mamamayan, sa larangan ng edukasyon, healthcare, infrastructure, at iba pa.”

As the Hamungaya Festival 2024 unfolds, the Governor’s speech not only celebrated past successes but also illuminated a promising future for Sultan Kudarat, making this year’s festival a symbol of hope, unity, and progress.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀, 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀:

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