Kidapawan City all set for fruit harvest festival

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- All roads lead here on Friday as the city celebrates the now famous “Timpupo Festival” (literally means fruit-picking season), coinciding with its 71st foundation anniversary.

The city -- known in the Soccsksargen region as the City of Fruits -- has been famous for its “Timpupo festival”, during which, the public is treated to a smorgasbord of locally-grown fruits.

“It’s an eat all you can event,” Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista said, adding that locals and guests alike, can eat any available fruits like rambutan, mangosteen, marang, durian, and lanzones provided they do not take any of it at home.

“It is a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest of fruits this year,” Evangelista added.

He said Timpupo has been a venue for the local government to promote the city’s fruit products, as well as the diverse culture and traditions of the local indigenous people.

Among the highlights of this year’s foundation celebration are the city-wide fruit trees planting activity and search for the 2018 Binibining Kalikasan on August 10; the opening of the Timpupo trade exhibit and the new city sports and wellness facility at the city plaza on August 11.

In addition, the farm family day and Kidapawan culture and art exhibit are scheduled on August 13; sports activities and championships on August 10-19; tribal day celebration on August 16; thematic costume parade and 71st-anniversary culmination program on August 18.

Moreover, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community will take center stage in the first-ever “LGBT Hiyas ng Timpupo 2018” on August 19.

The Timpupo’s “Fruits Eat All You Can” at the city plaza will be on August 13 and 18 at 11 a.m., the programs’ schedule noted.

Meanwhile, Evangelista said he has already directed the police and the military to ensure that all venues for the festival and foundation anniversary activities are secured.

He asked the public to remain vigilant amidst threats of bombing and other forms of violence that may spoil the celebration. (PNA)