GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PIA) – Preserving traditions despite the challenge of change will be depicted in this year’s celebration of “Kalilangan Festival 2011.”

The city government here is gearing up for the huge twin celebrations of Kalilangan Festival vis-à-vis its 72nd founding anniversary.

Kalilangan is derived from the Maguindanaoan word kalilang, which means “festival” or “celebration.”

City public information officer Jose Aponesto III said “it’s all systems go for the celebration of Kalilangan 2011 and the city’s 72nd Foundation Anniversary.”

The twin celebrations will kick off on February 21 and end on February 27.

For this year, Aponesto said the Kalilangan 2011 will have the Mindanao State University (MSU) as overseer of the event in partnership with the city government.

He said the local government has decided to give the supervision of the festivities to MSU.

“MSU is a partner and not just a participant,” Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio said.

For his part, MSU chancellor Abdurahman Canacan said “the week-long celebration will showcase the city’s economic activity, tourism, and culture.”

The celebration, he added, will honor the first batch of settlers and their contributions as pioneers of this area.

As a tradition, the celebration will also illustrate the historical beginnings of the pioneers when they first set foot on the shores of Sarangani Bay.

With faith and expectant hearts, these pioneering settlers led by the city’s father Gen. Paulino Santos cultivated the once desolated lands – that is known today as General Santos City.

The festival is also a showcase of a colorful parade of various dances and other forms of social activities and traditions.

The Philippine National Police, according to Canacan, will be in charge of security at the Oval Plaza here, which will serve as venue of most of the activities and surrounding areas.