Bahay kubos take center stage at South Cotabato’s Tnalak Festival

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Once again, the beautifully designed and meticulously adorned bahay kubos, or native huts, lining the streets here are drawing residents and visitors eager to take selfies and souvenir photos.

The Bahay Kubo and Product Display Competition along Alunan Avenue has long been a traditional feature of the annual Tnalak Festival and South Cotabato’s foundation anniversary, which are celebrating their 27th and 60th editions, respectively, this week.

On Monday, July 13, a civic-military parade will officially kick off the weeklong festivities, which will culminate on July 18, the province’s foundation day.

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The bahay kubo display features entries from the 10 municipalities and the capital city, each presenting its own interpretation of the traditional Filipino wooden house. The bamboo-and-nipa structures showcase the craftsmanship of South Cotabato’s woodworkers while highlighting the identity of each participating locality.

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READ: South Cotabato ramps up security for T’nalak Festival 2026

Aside from the design contest, the activity gives visitors a closer look at the province’s local products and crops.

According to the Provincial Agriculture Office, which oversees the bahay kubo competition, the event celebrates not only “design but also agriculture, local products, community unity, and the hard work of South Cotabateños.”

Most of the bahay kubo structures are made from indigenous materials such as bamboo, nipa, abaca, and locally grown plants.

At night, the displays become even more inviting with colorful lights and decorations, turning the avenue into a popular destination for festival-goers and photographers. /mcm

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