Davao’s rich heritage and spirit of unity take center stage
From the electrifying spectacle of synchronized street dancing to the stunning display of flower-adorned floats, the grand champions of Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan and Pamulak sa Kadayawan 2026 were crowned on August 16 along Davao City’s Coastal Road, bringing the grandest celebration of the King of Festivals to a spectacular close through performances and floral creations that celebrated Davao City’s vibrant cultural diversity and abundant harvest.
At the heart of the festivities, City Mayor Sebastian Duterte underscored that Davao’s strength comes from inclusivity and solidarity, stressing that regardless of background, faith, or social standing, Dabawenyos and Mindanawons remain united.
“Kita maoy dugay na nga namuyo diri ug daghan pang gadungag, atoa silang gakson. Kay ang Davao bisag unsa paman ka, madato, ma pobre, bisag asa ka nga tribo, ma muslim ka, ma kristiyano og unsa man imohang relihiyon, usa ratang tanan Dabawenyo og dili lang ta Dabawenyo, Mindanawon tang tanan. Usa ratag dugo mao nang kita magka hiusa ug magpadayon sa kinabuhi nga malinawon ug malipayon (We have been living here for a long time and there are many more people who have joined us, we should embrace them. Because in Davao, no matter who you are, whether rich or poor, from any tribe, whether you are Muslim, Christian, or whatever your religion is, we are all one Dabawenyo, and not just Dabawenyo, we are all Mindanawon. We are one blood, that’s why we unite and continue to live a peaceful and happy life),” he said.
The Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan 2026 competition grew even more intense and prestigious following an increase to its prize pool through the support of the First Congressional District of Davao City, led by Congressman Paolo Duterte, raising the Open Category Grand prize to Php 2 million and setting the Davao-Based School Category Grand prize at Php 1.7 million.
Portraying a courageous bagani and guardian of the borderlands whose sacrifice paved the way for the birth of the sacred drum, the Balangay City High Performing Arts from Mati City, Davao Oriental emerged as the Grand Champion of the Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan Open Category, taking home the Php 2 million grand prize and sweeping the special awards for Best in Artistic Design, Best in Choreography, and Best in Street Dance.
The Sindac Anib Performing Ensemble of Bislig City, Surigao Del Sur secured second place and an Php 800,000 prize, while also winning the special award for Best in Music. Nagadaya Dance Artist Ensemble from Pantukan, Davao de Oro claimed third place with Php 500,000.
The Panay National High School Hamungaway Performing Arts Group from Sto. Niño, South Cotabato placed fourth and received Php 300,000, while the Lumad Mainitnon Folkloric Group from Surigao Del Norte finished fifth with Php 200,000.
In the Davao-Based School Category, the Mana Performing Arts Ensemble of Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School successfully defended its title as Back-to-Back Grand Champion, securing the Php 1.7 million prize. Its winning performance told the story of a princess who transformed vengeance into peace and enduring love through the melodies of the kulintang.
DRANHS likewise captured the special awards for Best in Artistic Design, Best in Music, Best in Choreography, and Pocari Sweat Best in Street Dance.
The Performing Arts Guild of the Sta. Ana National High School took second place with Php 700,000, while the Lapulapu Elementary School Performing Arts Company finished third with Php 400,000.
Don Enrique Bustamante National High School’s Tribong Bago Gallerahanun Performing Arts Guild ranked fourth with Php 300,000, while the San Roque Central Elementary School Dance Troupe completed the top five with a Php 200,000 prize.
The cultural celebration continued with Pamulak sa Kadayawan, highlighting the region’s abundant harvest and agricultural bounty.
In the Dako Category, “Kagikan” Pro Arts took the grand prize of Php 1 million. RDL Pharmaceutical Laboratory Inc. earned second place with Php 500,000 for its entry, “Soaring Beyond Beauty: RDLs 31 Years of Excellence Celebrating Heritage, Culture and the Spirit of Davao,” while Elpidio Quirino Elementary School placed third with Php 300,000 for “Luntian nga Panulondon, Mauswagon nga Dabaw.”
For the Gamay Category, Alorica Teleservices Inc. secured first place with Php 500,000, followed by Teleperformance Philippines in second place with Php 300,000 and Apo ni Lola Durian Delicacies Pasalubong Center in third place with Php 200,000.
A record-breaking crowd of more than 120,000 people also packed the Davao Coastal Road from Tulip Drive to St. John Paul II College, witnessing the Grandest Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan 2026 Showdown. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: J. Faelnar & E. Morata