Provincial Capitol Grounds, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
March 25, 2017

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte joined the 40th year celebration of Bukidnon’s Kaamulan Festival, a gathering of the province’s tribes and thanksgiving for an abundant harvest.

Bukidnon Governor Jose Maria Zubiri, Jr. expressed his sentiments to the guest of honor as he is now the Chief Executive of the country. “…with all humility we were able to deliver President Duterte almost 70 percent of the votes of the province of Bukidnon and we are very grateful and happy that he is now the President,” Governor Zubiri said.

President Duterte expressed his gratitude to the people of Bukidnon for their invitation to the Kaamulan Festival, saying, “Nagpasalamat ko sa inyong imbitasyon nga muanhi karun sa inyong Festival (I’m thanking you for your invitation to come on your festival).”

The festival is a yearly cultural festivity in the province of Bukidnon. Kaamulan comes from the native word ‘amul-amul’ which means a gathering of the seven hill tribes of the province — Talaandig, Hogaoonon, Umayamnon, Manobo, Tigwahanon, Matigsalog and Bukidnon – for a performance of ritual prayers, dances, and songs with a common purpose, particularly, thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest, peace pact, and other rituals put together.

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