The flowing melodies of the kulintang and the rich, resonant tones of the agong brought to life the stories, heritage, and traditions of the city’s 11 ethnolinguistic groups, creating a vibrant musical celebration of cultural diversity at Agong ug Kulintangan sa Kadayawan 2026.
Held on August 14 at the Abreeza Ayala Malls event center, Agong ug Kulintangan sa Kadayawan is among the official Kadayawan activities that feature the traditional music and narratives of the city’s cultural communities.
Beyond being a competition, the event celebrates the distinct rhythms and sounds of cultural communities as they preserve their history, share their stories, and pass on their culture and heritage. It likewise reflects the unity and sense of community shared among the city’s 11 ethnolinguistic groups.
“Ang Agong ug Kulintangan usa ka simbolo sa panaghiusa pinaagi sa musika. Pinaagi niini nga mga instrumento, makita usab nato ang simbolo sa atong mga kasing-kasing nga nagkahiusa ug nagkauyon (Agong ug Kulintangan is a symbol of unity through music. Through these instruments, it also reflects our hearts coming together and beating in harmony),” Deputy Mayor Ruel Arthur Ali Jr. of the Ata tribe said.
“We may speak different languages and carry unique stories, yet within those differences are connections that bind us together. Music is one of those connections. Across our cultures, these instruments can hold different meanings and create distinct sounds, and this afternoon, we honor those differences. Their beauty does not come from making the same sound; rather, they give us the freedom to be different while creating something meaningful together,” Deputy Mayor Rahima N. Usman-Polao of the Bangsa Meranaw said.
The message of unity was evident throughout the competition, which ended with the Bagobo Klata’s Kolliga Kollina Tagunggua Ensemble emerging as champion in the IP Category, while the Bangsa Iranun’s Sigay ka Iranun took the top spot in the Moro Category.
For the IP Category, the Tambobong Obo Manuvu Youth and the Matules Matigsalug Ensemble placed second and third, respectively. In the Moro Category, the Bangsa Kagan and the Pagnawan Team of the Bangsa Meranaw secured the second and third places, respectively.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, through a message delivered by City Councilor Bai Hundra Cassandra Dominique Advincula, thanked the musicians representing the 11 ethnolinguistic groups for sharing traditional music that continues to carry their stories across generations.
“Hinaut nga mahimong usa kini ka pamaagi aron mas mapakita pa nato ang atong kultura, ug sa samang higayon mapreserba ug mapalambo ang lain-laing musika sa mga tribo nga atong gipasigarbo isip dakbayan (We hope that this will serve as a way to further showcase our culture while preserving and developing the diverse music of our tribes, which we proudly carry as a city),” he added.
The event also featured performances from Maan Chua and the Kalumon Performing Ensemble, Inc., adding to the afternoon’s celebration of music and culture. CIO
Written by: J. Villaluz
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: J. Faelnar