The 2025 Kalimudan Festival in Sultan Kudarat has delivered an extraordinary return on investment, generating an estimated P200 million in economic activity from a provincial budget of just P10 million. Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu presented these results, framing the event as a powerful model for using cultural celebrations to drive tangible economic growth.
From Modest Budget to Major Economic Driver
Governor Mangudadatu clarified the festival's finances during a special media interview, confirming the P10 million allocation came from the province's Annual Investment Plan. The figures were formally disclosed at the 4th Quarter Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting on December 16 at the provincial capitol in Isulan.
"This is a great honor because the Kalimudan Festival had only a small fund from our Annual Investment Plan. But with the help of sponsors and an excellent program, the money truly circulated among our people," the Governor stated. The massive economic turnover was fueled by spending on transport, food services, retail, and informal trade over the festival's several-day run.
Local Businesses and MSMEs Reap the Benefits
The primary beneficiaries of the P200 million windfall were local stakeholders. Tricycle operators, street vendors, food stall owners, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) saw a significant surge in daily revenues due to increased foot traffic and extended hours.
Governor Mangudadatu connected the festival's success to a broader economic vision. "Someday, there will be no more aid because no one will need it; everyone will be able to stand on their own feet. That is our dream for Filipino families," he explained. The strategy aims to move beyond temporary subsidies by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Leveraging Partnerships and Managing Costs
Despite a viral online lineup featuring high-profile acts, the provincial government maintained its P10 million spending cap. Governor Mangudadatu emphasized that additional costs were covered through strategic sponsorships and partnerships with airlines, malls, and national banks. This approach allowed for a high-quality event without exceeding public fiscal limits.
The festival, held annually on November 22 to mark the province's founding, adopted the 2025 theme "The World Meets in Sultan Kudarat." It kicked off on November 19 with the arrival of Miss World 2025 Opal Suchata Chuangsri and concluded with a major concert headlined by Sandara Park. The Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police Office estimated a staggering 1.2 million attendees, creating unprecedented exposure for local businesses.
Beyond the Festival: A Foundation for Long-Term Growth
The festival's success aligns with Sultan Kudarat's robust economic performance. The province posted the fastest GDP growth in the SOCCSKSARGEN region, supported by agriculture, mining, and health services. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority shows Sultan Kudarat's economy grew by 2.2 percent in 2024.
Looking ahead, the provincial government is pushing long-term development in coffee production. A bill filed in Congress by First District Representative Princess Rihan Sakaluran, House Bill 390, seeks to officially designate Sultan Kudarat as the country's coffee capital. The province already leads regional production, contributing around 85% of SOCCSKSARGEN's coffee output from approximately 20,000 hectares of farms.
Governor Mangudadatu concluded that while the festival provided a major short-term boost, sustained progress depends on continued investment in productivity, infrastructure, and market access, ensuring the province's growth extends far beyond the festival grounds.
