EDUCATION, ethnic representation, and cultural preservation are among the most prevalent advocacies of the 11 candidates of the Hiyas sa Kadayawan.
The candidates, representing Davao City’s 11 ethnolinguistic tribes, were introduced during a media presentation event at the Acacia Hotel on Wednesday.
During the presentation, they discussed the importance of literacy in preventing the exploitation of their ancestral lands and in combatting the resurgence of rebel groups in the now insurgency-free Davao City.
The Hiyas sa Kadayawan showcases the diverse beauty of Davao City’s eleven ethnolinguistic tribes. It hopes to add more visibility to the city’s minority populations and expand 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, spokesperson for the Kadayawan Executive Committee, said the Hiyas sa 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 11 candidates hope to win the crown for them to gain a bigger platform to promote their advocacies more effectively.
The competition winner will also work 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 can showcase their tribe’s traditional music and dance –will be held at the Babtawan Amphitheater in Magsaysay Park on Saturday night (August 6).
The ‘Hiyas sa Kadayawan’ will be crowned at the RMC Petro Gazz Arena on August 17.
