Koronadal Int'l event ends successfully, peacefully

KORONADAL CITY - This city proved to all and sundry that it can host, not only a national event, but an international one amid all opposition.Koronadal City Mayor Peter Miguel said Koronadal has took few steps forward and brought the city in the international scene and vice versa.The city is now in the world map of culture and arts after it successfully and peacefully hosted the Council for International Organization of Folklore and Folk Artswhen it hosted the Koronadal International Folklore Festival. Thank you for sharing your culture with us, the obviously happy city executive told all the international and national participants.The 10-day event was peacefully and successfully held because of peoples' cooperation. Everybody share their time and roles that led to the successful cultural show, Miguel added.The foreign participants have a lot of good stories and memories to share when they go back home.Security aspect of the event was handled well by the Koronadal City PNP, South Cotabato police and the 27th Infantry Battalion.Dubbed as Piyesta Kolondal, the event had language barriers but the language of cultural dance brought all the participants together and understood each other well.Gov. Daisy Fuentes said the city government should be congratulated for the successful and memorable event because the host brought the world to Koronadal and South Cotabato.Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao did not arrive as guest of honor due to instances beyond his control. He sent congratulatory message, though.Miguel lauded the people of Koronadal for the hospitality they extended to the foreign guests. Amazing, a Mexican group leader said of the event.A Sri Lankan participant when asked by DXOM-AM Radyo Bida Koronadal if she learned any ilonggo dialect during his 10-day stay, he said, none.The radio reporter then gave him the opportunity to say anything for the Filipino people and Koronadalenios.Fluently, he saidand Damo Salamat, Kanami Koronadal in Sri Lankan accent. It drew laud applause from his colleagues and from the people of Koronadal.