DAVAO — Christine Faith Gawilan, representing the Matigsalug tribe, was crowned Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2026 on August 13. The coronation at the USEP Gymnasium celebrated not just beauty but the living heritage of Davao's 11 ethnolinguistic communities.
A Search for Cultural Gems
Hiyas sa Kadayawan is the cultural centerpiece of the annual Kadayawan Festival, honoring the city's indigenous and Moro tribes. It is not a conventional beauty pageant; it is a search for a cultural ambassador. Each candidate embodies her tribe's traditions, identity, and community advocacies.
The winners receive titles that reflect deep cultural values, not just ranking. Bai Ayessa Mangansakan of the Maguindanaon tribe was named Hiyas sa Panaghiusa (Unity), while Marziyah Channa Abinal of the Maranao tribe earned Hiyas sa Kalambuan (Development). The remaining eight representatives were all honored with the title Hiyas sa Kaliwatan (Lineage), ensuring every tribe is celebrated.
A Winning Performance of Peace
Gawilan's journey to the crown was marked by a powerful cultural presentation. Her performance, "Matigsalug Ethnoarts – The Art of Peace," showcased authentic chanting, the playing of the salurey (a bamboo zither), and ritual dance. The story depicted a young woman's transformation into a tribal leader guided by spiritual guardians.
Her winning message resonated deeply with the audience. She emphasized the responsibility of the youth to protect their identity so that their culture does not end with their generation. This focus on cultural preservation and youth empowerment was central to her victory.
Honoring All Eleven Tribes
The event celebrated Davao's rich cultural diversity by featuring one candidate from each of the 11 recognized tribes. These include five Lumad groups—Matigsalug, Ata, Bagobo-Klata, Bagobo-Tagabawa, and Obu-Manuvu—and six Moro groups—Maguindanaon, Maranao, Iranun, Kagan, Sama, and Tausug. Each representative was a jewel, or "hiyas," of her community.
This inclusive structure ensures that the pageant serves as a platform for all tribes to share their stories. It reinforces the Kadayawan Festival's core message of peaceful coexistence and unity in diversity. The winners will now serve as official cultural ambassadors, representing their tribes and the city.
A Festival of Thanksgiving
The Hiyas sa Kadayawan is a highlight of Davao's grandest festival, a celebration of life and nature's bounty. The event underscores the city's commitment to preserving its indigenous heritage. Through performances, rituals, and storytelling, these cultural treasures are actively passed on to the next generation.
