The KafyeBlaan Empowerment Inc. in partnership with Gensan Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) advocated for Blaans to come in their traditional clothing and accessories. Photos below featured the Kawari sisters sharing their dancing (Maral) skills and in traditional fashion during the opening of the program of the First Blaan Day celebration.

"The Beautiful Blaan Women who are making a difference in this generation. Proud of them." - Michelle Lopez Solon, Wife of Sarangani Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and DOT 12 Regional Tourism Council Chairperson

"Reclaiming our share in the history. A celebration of culture and pride." - Annalie Edday, Kafye Blaan Empowerment Inc. Founder and Executive Director

Some members of the KafyeBlaan Empowerment Inc. Board of Trustees working hard in partnership with Gensan City's Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) for the celebration of the First Blaan Day.

"Empowered women. Like mothers as their true nature, the women has a big role in nurturing the community. See empowered, intelligent women facilitating the forum." - Leonardo Rey S. Cariño

These thoughts from an artist, a curator of 2 Blaan exhibitions (Mabal Blaan:Weaving the Threads of Heritage and Kdile: Culture and Identity of the Blaan) in Gensan City in less than a year, and cultural development advocate says it all for this forum on the first Blaan Day celebration.

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (23 July 2015) - City Mayor Ronnel Rivera (right) and Indigenous People Representative Mario Empal (left) grace the opening of the Blaan Exhibit inside the SM Mall Wednesday, July 22. The exhibit, which is part of the 1st Blaan Day celebration of the city, displays different items, clothing, and photos that depict the culture and history of Blaans in Gensan. (Gensan CPIO/ Russell Delvo)

Source: Mayor Ronnel Rivera Facebook Page