Classrooms turned into gateways of heritage as the Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2025 queens have officially launched “Share Ko, Tribu Ko: KadayaOne School Tour,” an advocacy project dedicated to empower Dabawenyo youth through the stories and traditions of Davao’s 11 ethnolinguistic groups.
The initiative kicked off on July 8, 2026 at A. Mabini Elementary School and Matina Aplaya Elementary School where the queens directly engaged with students through interactive storytelling and cultural discussions of the city’s tribes.
Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2025 Sittie Norhanna Sangcaan, together with her court, Jovie Otahi, Hiyas sa Kalambuan 2025 and Catherine Kate Oda, Hiyas sa Panaghiusa 2025 emphasized that the school tour is meant to empower and encourage young people to take an active role in preserving and strengthening the identity of the city’s indigenous groups.
“We came up with this idea para dili lang namo ma showcase to the people nga nakabalo na but also to those students nga wala pa nakabalo sa kung unsay mga present nga tribo diria sa Davao city. I believe the youth should also empower the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes nga present diria (We came up with this idea to showcase our heritage not just to the people who are already familiar with it, but also to students who are still unaware of the tribes’ presence here in Davao City. I believe the youth should also empower the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes that exist here in the city),” Sangcaan said.
Aside from the cultural sessions, the queens also donated essential educational resources such as school supplies, paints, goods, and other learning materials to support the students and the school community.
For Sharmayne, one of the students, the event provided them a chance to discover and learn more about Davao’s heritage and culture.
“It feels very good to learn about something new. Their culture is really amazing. It amazes me how their so many different culture and so much culture to explore,” she added.
The tour will continue on July 15, 2026 at A. Mabini Elementary School and Matina Aplaya Elementary School and will conclude at Doña Asuncion Hizon Elementary School on July 22, 2026. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: Hiyas sa Kadayawan