The Mutya ng Dabaw 2026 saw the crowning of more than beauty queens as it unveiled a new generation of leaders who embodies wisdom, voices of change, and the enduring spirit of a Gandabawenya.
On March 20, 2026, Davao City crowned its new Mutya ng Dabaw 2026, Hannah Kolencheril of Barangay Buhangin, whose triumph brought forward not only elegance but also her leadership and advocacy for victims of substance use disorder.
Kolencheril clinched the crown with her final answer to the question on how Davao’s culture of security could serve as a blueprint for global peace. She underscored that the strength of culture and security is anchored in education, and that education begins when people engage in open dialogue.
“And that is my role as Mutya ng Dabaw, to have that engaged dialogue because politics will haunt us in our wages, our fuel, and our education. And we must talk about politics like it’s a life and death situation because Filipino lives, no, human lives, are quite literally on the line,” she said.
Joining her court are fellow queens who carried equally compelling causes. Joanna Ubas of Barangay Calinan, crowned Diwa ng Dabaw 2026, is an interdisciplinary studies student and athlete whose advocacy focuses on amplifying unheard voices through digital storytelling. Christine Bermudo of Barangay Matina Crossing, crowned Sinag ng Dabaw 2026, a lawyer and an accountancy graduate whose advocacy, the “Batang may Boses” program empowers children through legal literacy.
Meanwhile, Cerlyn Cabanit of Barangay Maa, crowned Pag-asa ng Dabaw 2026, advances health literacy through “Project Kaalam” and Robynn Lee of Barangay Bago Gallera, crowned Patnubay ng Dabaw 2026, a biomedical engineering technologist and Muay Thai enthusiast, advocates for women’s reproductive health awareness, drawing from her personal experience with PCOS.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in a message read by Councilor Myrna Dalodo Ortiz, emphasized that the Mutya ng Dabaw candidates represent far more than beauty, as they embody the intelligence, compassion, and the enduring hope and values of every Dabawenya.
“To our candidates, you are more than ambassadors of beauty, you are symbols of intelligence, compassion and cultural pride representing the hopes, dreams and values of every Dabawenya. Regardless of tonight’s outcome, your participation is a win in itself and a reminder of the strength and the potential of the next generation and how culture, talent and sincerity can come together to uplift our city,” Duterte said.
Alongside the five major crowns, the pageant also recognized candidates for their outstanding performances during the competition. Laureana Santos of Barangay 76-A was named Miss Congeniality, while Angela Famador of Barangay Lubogan was awarded Miss Picture Perfect. Jahmelca To-Ong of Barangay Talomo was named Miss Photogenic and Best in Playsuit and Wings.
Bermudo and Ubas also earned additional awards, with Bermudo securing Best in Preliminary Interview, Best in Preliminary Gown, Miss Love and Styles, and the PLDT Smart People’s Choice Award, while Ubas wins the Best in Tourism Video. Nicole Fontillas of Barangay Alfonso Angliongto Sr. was also awarded the Best in Davao City-Inspired Costume.
As the spotlight turned to the new Mutya ng Dabaw 2026, Mutya ng Dabaw 2025 Rebekah Celis bade farewell with her last walk, together with her fellow queens, Diwa ng Dabaw Dana Gabrielle B. Tautho, Pag-asa ng Dabaw Katriana N. Batu, and Patnubay ng Dabaw Angel Alicaba.
The legacy of Mutya ng Dabaw continues to stand as a powerful testament to Dabawenya’s strength, beauty, and their role in shaping Davao’s future. CIO
Written by: K. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: J. Faelnar
