The newly crowned winners of Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2025 are poised to turn their advocacy into action, focusing on cultural preservation and empowering the youth in their communities.
More than just a pageant, Hiyas sa Kadayawan celebrates the vibrant heritage of Davao City’s 11 ethnolinguistic groups, with each candidate serving as their cultural ambassador.
On August 15, three remarkable women claimed their titles: Sittie Norhana Sangcaan of the Bangsa Maranao as Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2025; Catherine Kate Oda of the Bagobo Tagabawa as Hiyas sa Panaghiusa 2025; and Jovie Otahi of the Ata tribe as Hiyas sa Kalambuan 2025.
For the titleholders, the crown is not just an honor but a responsibility. It is a platform to drive meaningful change and uphold the traditions of their people.
Recognizing the vital role of indigenous knowledge in safeguarding cultural heritage, Hiyas sa Kalambuan 2025 Jovie Otahi is advocating for stronger indigenous education across Paquibato District.
Her goal is to ensure the sustainability of cultural preservation efforts while passing on traditions, customs, and ancestral practices to younger generations.
Otahi said, in an interview, that she has already started discussing this with Ata’s deputy mayor.
“[By building a]panoloanan or learning center ma-preserve ang amoang culture and tradition … and even best practices (Through establishing learning centers, we can preserve our culture, tradition, and even our best practices),” she said.
Hiyas sa Panaghiusa Catherine Kate Oda advocates for the proper documentation of all indigenous knowledge.
“I now have this avenue to immerse [myself] in different communities, [and] document not only the indigenous knowledge of Bagobo Tagabawa, but all of the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes as well,” she said.
Oda highlighted the current lack of comprehensive documentation, emphasizing the urgency of preserving these cultural treasures.
“Para lang pud dili siya ma-gatekeep within the community, but to share it with others. Those na pwede’ng mashare sa uban (So that we can also share this knowledge outside the community—at least, for the bits that we are allowed to share),” she added.
At the heart of Oda’s advocacy is the desire to also showcase the genius and brilliance of their ancestors and elders.
Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2025 Sittie Norhana Sangcaan is pioneering an innovative advocacy that harnesses the healing power of art while revitalizing the artistic traditions of Davao City’s 11 ethnolinguistic groups.
By incorporating indigenous arts into therapeutic practices, Sangcaan seeks to achieve dual objectives: preserving cultural heritage while providing creative pathways for healing and mental well-being.
She explained that this can simultaneously help heal the mind and revive traditions. It can also empower communities to embrace their heritage as part of the wellness journey.
As newly minted ambassadors of the city’s cultural wealth, the Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2025 winners embody more than just ceremonial roles. Their advocacy will help ensure that cultures and traditions are preserved, communities strengthened, and a heritage secured for generations yet to be born. CIO
