GENERAL SANTOS CITY — It’s all systems go for South Cotabato pro-vince’s 10-day 49th foundation anniversary celebration and 16th T’nalak Festival that will formally open on Thursday. South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said Wednesday they have completed all the necessary preparations for the festivities, which is expected to draw anew thousands of foreign and local tourists. The festivity, which is slated until the province’s 49th foundation day on July 18, focuses on the theme: “Sharing our Best with the World.” “We’re ready and hoping that it will be a well-attended event again as in our past celebrations,” she said in a press conference. Fuentes said they made some innovations for this year’s festivities, which will serve as the prelude to the province’s golden anniversary celebration next year. She said they specifically modified the conduct of some events to highlight the authenticity of the rich traditions and culture of the province’s tri-people -- the lumads or indigenous peo-ples, Moros and Christian settlers. Such authenticity could be seen with the dances and instruments that will be featured during the festivities, she said. “The main selling point of the T’nalak (festival) is culture. So we will be showcasing that and show to the world how unique we are here in the province,” the governor said. The festivity will open on Thursday with an ecumenical thanksgiving celebration that will be held at the South Cotabato Gym and Cultural Center in Koronadal City. The event will be highlighted by a parade of lights and the ceremonial lighting of trees along Alunan Avenue in Koronadal, specifically infront of the provincial capitol compound. It will be followed by the ceremonial opening of various events and showcases such as the Agri Fair; Bahay Kubo, and Plant and Product Display; Regional Industrial, Technology and Trade Expo; Tnalak Strip; and, the Tnalak Food Garden. PNA