The Timpupo Festival, Kidapawan City most celebrated annual event, continues to showcase the rich agricultural bounty of North Cotabato while drawing attention to the growing challenges of climate change facing local farmers and fruit growers.
Held every August to coincide with the city foundation anniversary, the Timpupo Festival — which means “to harvest” in the local dialect — is a highlight of Kidapawan City cultural calendar. The festival features the famous “Fruits Eat All You Can” event along Quezon Boulevard, where residents and visitors can indulge in the city tropical fruits including rambutan, lanzones, mangosteen, durian, and marang.
At the foothills of Mount Apo, the Philippines highest peak, Kidapawan City has long been known as a major fruit-producing area in the Soccsksargen region. The Timpupo Festival celebrates this heritage with street dancing, trade fairs, agricultural exhibits, and community gatherings.
Climate Change Casts a Shadow on the Harvest
The 37th edition of the festival brought a bittersweet reality. Mayor Paolo Evangelista acknowledged the significant impact of climate change on local fruit production, noting that output had dropped to just 5% of the previous year levels.
“We have really felt the effects of climate change this year. Our fruit production is only 5% of what it was last year. We expected April, May, and June to be warm months, but because of climate change, we had heavy rain, which is why the trees didn flower,” the mayor shared.
A Three Million Tree Promise
In response to these environmental challenges, the Kidapawan City government launched an ambitious reforestation initiative centered on a promise to plant three million trees in five years. The campaign aims to restore the city green cover, protect watersheds around Mount Apo, and build long-term resilience against extreme weather patterns.
“Timpupo means to harvest, but we are redefining it. It not just harvesting; we also have to plant,” Mayor Evangelista explained, signaling a new chapter for the festival that balances celebration with environmental stewardship.
What to Expect at the Timpupo Festival
The festival typically runs for about ten days in August, featuring a packed schedule of activities including:
- Fruits Eat All You Can sa Kadalanan — the iconic fruit buffet along the city main boulevard
- Street Dancing Competition — showcasing colorful costumes inspired by local fruits and indigenous culture
- Trade Fair and Business Expo — highlighting local products, crafts, and agricultural innovations
- Civic-Military Parade — featuring local government officials, schools, and community organizations
- Tree Planting Activities — part of the city three million tree campaign
The Kidapawan City Tourism Office encourages visitors from across Mindanao and beyond to experience the festival and explore the natural wonders of the city, including Mount Apo, stunning waterfalls, and vibrant fruit orchards.
Plan your visit to Kidapawan City and experience the Timpupo Festival — where life is truly a celebration. Stay tuned for the full schedule of activities and more community stories from North Cotabato.