GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The city came alive with vibrant colors, rich traditions, and resounding pride as it celebrated the 11th Blaan Day on July 22, 2025, culminating in the crowning of this year’s Gten Lagi na Libun — the annual search for the Blaan ambassador and ambassadress.
Held at the Oval Gymnasium, the much-anticipated cultural pageant crowned John Lloyd Bibaoco of Barangay San Jose as Gten Lagi and Clear Diagan of Barangay Siguel as Gten Libun. Both captivated the audience and judges with their grace, intellect, and deep cultural grounding, earning their rightful place as this year’s Blaan youth ambassadors.
Joining them on the winners’ podium were Aljecel Ampang (Barangay Siguel) and Zoraina Malatin (Barangay Tambler) as first runners-up, while Sherwin Lumabat and Riza Mae Pendatun from Barangay Labangal were hailed as second runners-up. Third runner-up titles were shared by six candidates representing Barangays Tambler, Upper Labay, Tinagacan (for Gten Lagi), and San Jose, Tinagacan, and Upper Labay (for Gten Libun).
Adding a musical highlight to the evening was a serenade by Charlie James Palalisan, a proud Blaan and this year’s Gensan Pop Idol Champion, who previously showcased his talent during the Gensan Summer Youth Festival.
A Celebration of Heritage and Identity
This year’s Blaan Day carried the theme “Uleng di Munan, Gnafat di Santuan” (Echoes of the Past, Vision of Tomorrow), emphasizing the importance of remembering ancestral roots while forging a progressive future.
The event opened with a formal program also held at the Oval Gymnasium, where Atty. Adolf Ryan S. Lantion, Regional Director of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region XII (NCIP XII), delivered a stirring keynote speech.
“What we inherit from our ancestors must not remain as static memories. It must be a living fire passed on with pride and purpose,” Atty. Lantion declared, urging the Blaan community to continue asserting their cultural identity in the modern world.
He highlighted that cultural preservation is more than maintaining customs — it is about defending identity, empowering Indigenous communities, and recognizing their rightful place in the national narrative.
Strong Support from City Leadership
General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Geronimo-Pacquiao joined the celebration and expressed full support for the Blaan people. In her message, she reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to championing the rights, culture, and livelihood of Indigenous Peoples.
“I wholeheartedly support the aspirations of our Indigenous Peoples, especially the Blaan tribe. I will remain a partner in every initiative that aims to amplify your voices, protect your rights, and promote your way of life,” she said.
As proof of the city’s commitment, the mayor approved an Executive Order encouraging the active participation of all sectors in the Blaan Day celebration. She also acknowledged the efforts of various leaders and offices, including IPMR Arcillas E. Ubo, Sr., City Administrator Shandee Llido Pestaño, the 21st Sangguniang Panlungsod, and the City Mayor’s Office–Integrated Cultural Communities Affairs Division (CMO–ICCAD) led by Division Chief Jocelyn Lambac-Kanda.
Unity and Pride in Every Corner
The event drew Blaan community members from various barangays in General Santos City. South Cotabato District Representative Dibu Tuan also showed support by distributing food packs and sponsoring cultural performances from Lake Sebu artists, bringing added cultural flavor to the city-wide celebration.
More than just a pageant, the Gten Lagi na Libun 2025 and the 11th Blaan Day stood as a testament to the thriving heritage, unity, and resilience of the Blaan people — a proud reminder that tradition, when honored, becomes a guiding light toward a brighter future.