ALABEL Sarangani -- The Provincial Tourism Council describes this year’s 10^th Foundation Anniversary Celebration, which will open on November 23 to 28, as a “decade of blessings and good governance.”

Sarangani’s first MunahTo Festival, which means in local dialect as “first people,” is dedicated to the undying spirit “of those who drove the first nails” and “those who dared first” to jumpstart Sarangani’s independence and transform it into what it is today, said Provincial Tourism Council chairperson Eleanor Saguiguit.

But the word (MunahTo) also refers to the ancient people particularly those who had inhabited at Pinol Cave, Maitum where hundreds of anthropomorphic jars (now displayed at National Museum) had been recovered.

The province’s 10th founding anniversary is also a celebration of the challenging mission the first set of provincial government officials had been confronted with but had stood out victorious.

“It is a decade of blessings where difficulties and failures faded-off behind surprises of victories,” Saguiguit said, adding that the values of courage and wisdom of Sarangani’s forbears have helped evolve the province into a land of excellence.

Encouraging his constituents to participate, Gov. Miguel Escobar said the “occasion is a fitting time to reflect on past experiences and learnings” that have steered the province through hard times.

“2002 is a year of thanksgiving and grand celebration. It is also the right time to celebrate the province’s endowments and the spirit of all the first peoples,” Saguiguit said.

The Office of the Tribal Council defines MunahTo not only to refer to the first people but to their tools, musical instruments and other materials they used to defend themselves as well. (PIO-Sarangani)