The candidates who are representing Davao City's 11 ethnolinguistic tribes were introduced during a media presentation event at the Acacia Hotel on Wednesday (August 3).
During the presentation, the candidates discussed the importance of literacy in preventing the exploitation of their ancestral lands and in combating the resurgence of rebel groups in the now insurgency-free Davao City.
The Hiyas sa Kadayawan will showcase the diverse beauty of Davao City's 11 ethnolinguistic tribes. It is aimed at adding more visibility to the city’s minority populations and expanding their platform through socio-cultural representation in the form of a city-wide cultural talent show.
The candidates are Emelyn Armodi (Ata tribe), Krezyl Joy Ungab (Bagobo-Klata), Liezyl May Mendoza (Bagobo-Tagabawa), Dianaruth Campong (Matigsalug), Lady Ray Bangga-an (Obo-Manuvu), Erika Kandog (Iranun), Alneza Bangasin (Kagan), Jiaria Mae Sakal (Maguindanaon), Beauty Rose Gandarosa (Maranao), Sitti Rohilmina Emani (Sama), and Maisara Mendoza (Taosug).
Councilor Al Ryan ALejandre, Kadayawan Executive Committee spokesman, said the Hiyas ng Kadayawan is not a beauty pageant but a celebration of the multi-diversity of the city’s tribes and their cultural heritage.
Alejandre said the main purpose of the cultural talent competition “is to give honor to our IPs all over the Philippines.”
All the candidates hope to win the crown to gain a bigger platform to promote their advocacies more effectively. The winner of the competition will also be working closely with the City Tourism Office.
Along with the coveted crown, the winner will also receive P100,000. The first runner-up or the ‘Hiyas sa Pinaghiusa’ will receive P80,000 while the second runner-up or the ‘Hiyas sa Kalambuan’ will get P60,000. The non-title holders will each receive P25,000.
The Cultural Presentation phase of the competition where candidates showcase their tribe’s traditional music and dance will be held at the Babtawan Amphitheater in Magsaysay Park on August 6.
The ‘Hiyas ng Kadayawan’ will be crowned at the RMC Petro Gazz Arena on August 17.