A Stage for Labangal’s Young Faces
GENERAL SANTOS CITY - The Coronation Night gave 24 candidates a special place in the Kagatbu Festival 2026 festivities, turning the Bulaong Satellite venue into a lively celebration of confidence, creativity, and community spirit. Mayor Lorelie Geronimo Pacquiao attended the event and congratulated the candidates and winners who took part in the competition. The evening recognized Joel Poytre and Nichole Gimeno as Ginoo at Binibining Labangal 2026, while Carl Patrick Moto and Charlene Mendoza received the Sangguniang Kabataan titles. Joshua Hijara and Nonette Catubigan were named Ginoo at Binibining Labangal 2026 – Sining at Kultura, giving the celebration several ways to recognize young talent.
More Than a Crown, a Community Celebration
Beyond the competition itself, the coronation reflected the role that barangay festivals can play in bringing residents together. Mayor Pacquiao thanked the Barangay Labangal Council, led by Punong Barangay Alberto “Bobby” Pacquiao, for putting together a program for residents as part of the Kagatbu Festival. The celebration also gave the candidates a gesture of appreciation regardless of the final results: Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao and Hon. Bobby Pacquiao each gave PHP5,000 to every one of the 24 candidates, according to the supplied event reference. That means the night was not only about winning titles, but also about recognizing everyone who had the courage to participate.
Culture and Youth Take Center Stage
The inclusion of the Sining at Kultura title adds another interesting layer to the pageant, showing how the celebration connected personal confidence with Labangal’s cultural identity. Meanwhile, the separate Sangguniang Kabataan titles placed youth participation directly within the festivities, giving younger representatives their own distinction. Kagatbu Festival is associated with Barangay Labangal’s annual celebration, and 2026’s activities have included other community programs such as Kasalan sa Barangay and DepEd Night. Taken together, these activities show how the festival has room for different parts of community life—from families and educators to young people taking the stage.
