Malaybalay weaves IP heritage, soil art into City Tourism Week 2026

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — More than a showcase of picturesque landscapes and eco-adventure spots, Malaybalay City’s local tourism narrative is delving into its cultural roots and artistic soul.

The city government of Malaybalay opened City Tourism Week 2026 on Monday, transforming the city hall lobby in Barangay Casisang into a convergence point for local heritage, sustainable tourism, and indigenous expression.

Anchored on the theme “Discover to Love More Malaybalay,” the month-long observance centers on SAKA, the city’s core tourism framework representing sports, agri-ecotourism, kultura (culture), and adventure.

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Setting the tone for this year’s lineup is a month-long soil painting exhibition featured in the lobby.

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Created by local soil artists and members of the Bukidnon Local Artists Collective, the unique art form uses natural earth pigments to render intricate depictions of indigenous life, ancestral domains, and Bukidnon’s changing landscapes.

The emphasis on soil art serves as a symbolic nod to the city’s identity, where the land itself becomes both the canvas and the story.

READ: Kaamulan 2026 opens with sacred rites, unity call

At the opening ceremony, City Tourism Officer Marven Jan Nadela emphasized that modern tourism must move beyond passive sightseeing and commercial merchandise.

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Instead, Nadela said, the heart of Malaybalay’s tourism strategy lies in deepening public appreciation for the living traditions, struggles, and cultural resilience of the city’s indigenous communities.

“Tourism is about connection,” the official added, highlighting that economic development must go hand in hand with cultural preservation and respect for ancestral heritage.

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To integrate these cultural initiatives into long-term municipal policy, the local tourism office has joined forces with Bukidnon State University to formally implement the City Tourism Code.

The partnership aims to build a sustainable, community-backed framework for ecotourism, local enterprise support, and heritage conservation.

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As Malaybalay also serves as a central host for the upcoming Kaamulan Festival, local officials are calling on residents and travelers to look beyond typical tourist stops, inviting them to honor the soil, support local artisans, and experience Bukidnon’s living heritage. /mcm