On 16 September 2026, Poketamanda Village hosted the first Tsak Valley Cultural Show, held together with Papua New Guinea's 51st Independence Anniversary celebrations.
The inaugural Tsak Valley Cultural Show was held on 16 September 2026 at Poketamanda Village in the Tsak Valley, in conjunction with Papua New Guinea's 51st Independence Anniversary. The show ran from 10am to 3pm and was a great success.
Enga Governor Hon Sir Peter Ipatas, GCL, KBE, MP, was the keynote speaker and praised the effort of the Show Organising Committee.
Guests
- Hon Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, GCL, KBE, MP
- Deputy Provincial Administrator Mr Henry Kapao (in the absence of Ms Margaret Potane)
- Mr Langa Kopio, Department of National Planning
- Mr Killo Rasaka and Mr Eddie Toraso, National Youth Development Authority (NYDA)
- Counsel Michael Kambao LLB, Strategic Legal Service
- Counsel Epeo Minok LLB, Minok Lawyers
- The Laigam DDA Chairman
- Pastor Margaret John of Margaret Ministry, the only church organisation that supports culture within a church setting
- Acting PPC Enga, Chief Inspector Mr Daniel Yangen
- The Kinjon media team, police personnel, law and order representatives, community leaders and many others
Main sponsors
- Hon Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, GCL, KBE, MP
- MRDC Enga, Director Mr Mark Yakka
- Counsel Michael Kambao LLB, Principal of Strategic Legal Service
- Counsel Epeo Minok LLB, Principal of Minok & Co. Lawyers
- Mr Rex Kambao, Managing Director of South Pacific Construction Ltd
- Mr Pes Peter Yaka, CEO and Managing Director of Poketamanda Eco-Tourism Lodge
Cultural Show Certificate
The Acting Chairman of the Show Organising Committee announced that the NCC has approved the Cultural Show Certificate. It will be presented by Executive Director Mr Steven Kilanda during the Grand Opening of the Poketamanda Eco-Tourism Lodge in December 2026 or early 2027. The date will be announced soon.
Working with police on law and order
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between PPC Enga, representing the RPNGC, and the Tsak Valley community. The MOA is a community initiative to work together with police to address law and order in the community.
A community effort
Community support and participation were overwhelming. Community leaders applauded the initiative and leadership of the Show Organising Committee and pledged to continue the good work. The people of Tsak Valley pledged to stay united, support the Cultural Show, and make the event bigger and better next year and in the years ahead.
The program concluded with light refreshments. On behalf of the Show Organising Committee, the Interim Chairman thanked everyone who accepted the invitation and attended: your presence graced the event. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2027.
God bless Enga, God bless Tsak Valley, God bless Wapenamanda, God bless PNG.
See photos from the show in the gallery