DAVAO — The final judging for the Hulagway sa Kadayawan 2026 Photo Contest took place on September 11, 2026, with Davao City Tourism Operations Office OIC Willenito P. Tormis Jr. joining the panel. The competition captured the colors, culture, and celebrations of the Kadayawan Festival through the creative eyes of local photographers.
A Celebration Through the Lens
The photo contest, themed "We are One, KadayaONE," invited residents of Davao City to showcase the diversity and grandeur of the festival. Entries featured events, places, performances, and colorful objects associated with the celebration, all embodying the spirit of unity that defines Kadayawan.
A total of 111 qualifiers emerged from the initial screening, representing a diverse pool of talented photographers. Their works bear evocative titles like "Panagtagbo," "A Fading Vision of Heritage," "Threads of Tradition," and "Rhythm of Unity," each telling a unique story of the festival's vibrant spirit.
The contest was open to all Davao City residents, with no registration fee required. Participants submitted photos taken from August 7 to 16, 2026, during the Kadayawan Festival. Images could be captured using professional cameras, smartphones, or tablets.
Categories and Judging Criteria
Entries were divided into four categories: Kasadya, Kasikas, Garbo sa Tribo, and Indak-Indak ug Pamulak. Each participant had to submit at least two and a maximum of three photos per category, encouraging broad coverage of the festival's many facets.
The judging criteria weighed composition, originality, and creativity at 30 percent each, with relevance to the theme accounting for the remaining 10 percent. Only minor processing methods such as cropping, dodging, and color correction were allowed, ensuring the authenticity of each photograph.
Winners will receive substantial prizes. The first-place winner takes home ₱40,000 plus a trophy, followed by ₱30,000 for second and ₱20,000 for third. A special award winner will receive ₱15,000. Twelve consolation prizes of ₱7,500 each will be distributed across the four categories.
From Qualifiers to Finalists
The 111 qualifiers represent a broad spectrum of Davao's photography community, from seasoned professionals to emerging talents. Names like Dexter Arcenas, Henry Doctolero Jr., Ian Russell Requiso, and Julienne Vale appear multiple times on the list, reflecting their versatility and depth.
Other notable qualifiers include Shem Longakit, Jerome Batain, Prince Dorothy T. Abanggan, and Kinneth Bendijo, whose works explore themes of heritage, community, and cultural pride. The variety of titles suggests a rich tapestry of perspectives on the Kadayawan experience.
Shortlisted participants were required to submit printed copies of their photos in 8x12 inch matte format. These hard copies were submitted at the City Information Office in Davao City Hall. The submission period ran from September 7 to 9, with specific hours each day.
Preserving Moments of Cultural Pride
Tormis expressed gratitude for being part of the celebration of creativity and the vibrant spirit of Kadayawan. His participation underscores the city government's support for the arts and its recognition of photography as a powerful medium for cultural preservation.
The contest serves as more than a competition; it is a collective effort to document the festival's magic. Each photograph becomes a permanent record of the colors, dances, and traditions that make Kadayawan a source of pride for Dabawenyos. The winning images will help tell the story of this year's celebration for generations to come.
