The beat of Kadayawan is rising higher than ever as the City Government of Davao unveils the festival’s biggest prize for this year’s Grand Champion of Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan receiving Php 1.5 million, while the Pamulak sa Kadayawan Grand Winner will take home Php 1 million.
Willenito P. Tormis Jr., Head of the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO), said, during the Kadayawan Festival 2026 media launch, that this year’s prizes will not only make it more festive and competitive but also more inclusive by encouraging more contingents to take part in the celebration.
“This year, we are giving the biggest prize for Indak Indak sa Kadayawan accumulated to almost 8 million siya. So, for the first time ato siya gipa taasan nato siya, maong taas pod ang atoang budget. We are giving 1.5 million for the open category and 1 million for the school-based category as our top prize. Even ang atoang pamulak, ang atoang Daku Category is 1 million ang atoang premyo (This year, we are giving the biggest prize for Indak Indak sa Kadayawan, accumulated to almost Php 8 million. So, for the first time, we increased it, which is why our budget is also higher. We are giving Php 1.5 million for the open category and Php 1 million for the school-based category as our top prize. Even our pamulak for the Daku Category has a prize of Php 1 million),” he said.
This year’s Indak-Indak will feature 10 contingents in the Open Category and five participants in the School-Based Category.
The Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan Open Category Grand Champion will get Php 1.5 million with plaque and medals.
The runners-up will also be given corresponding cash prizes with plaque and medals receiving Php 800,000 for the second place, Php 500,000 for the third place, Php 300,000 for the fourth, and Php 200,000 for the fifth place. Ten consolation prizes worth Php 50,000 each will also be given.
In the School-Based Category, the grand champion will receive Php 1.2 million, followed by Php 700,000 for second place, Php 400,000 for third, Php 300,000 for fourth, and Php 200,000 for fifth. Ten consolation prizes worth Php 50,000 each will be awarded.
Meanwhile, the special awards in both categories for Best in Music, Best Choreographer, and Best in Artistic Design will receive Php 50,000 each along with a Php 30,000 subsidy for the first 10 schools.
The Pamulak sa Kadayawan in Daku Category will also crown its grand winner with Php 1 million, while second and third placers will receive Php 500,000 and Php 300,000 respectively. Four consolation prizes worth Php 100,000 each will also be awarded.
In the Gamay Category, the grand winner will take home Php 500,000, followed by Php 300,000 for second place and Php 200,000 for third. Four consolation prizes worth Php 50,000 each will also be given.
The expanded prize pool comes alongside a larger festival budget, with official events increasing from 16 events in 2025 to 26 this year.
“Ang Kadayawan this year, we want it not just great but also mas daghan ang malipay. Kay more than the festivity, gusto namo nga mas daghan ang maka join and mas daghan ang maka participate (In this year’s Kadayawan, we want it not just great but also for more people to be happy. Because more than the festivity, we want more people to join and participate),” Tormis added.
The Pamulak ug Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan, the festival’s grand showcase of floral artistry and street dancing, is set to unfold on August 16, 2026. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal