By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY — Newly crowned Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2026 Christine Faith Gawilan of the Matigsalug tribe vows to promote the preservation of her community’s culture through documentation and education.
Gawilan told Davao media Thursday night, that her primary advocacy is to create detailed cultural documentation and education on Matigsalug traditions, heritage and traditional knowledge.
“As a teacher, my first step is to implement my advocacy by documenting the knowledge and practices of tribal elders and making them accessible to Indigenous youth and students,” Gawilan said.
She emphasized that the initiative aims to provide young Matigsalug members with educational resources that would help them better understand and appreciate their cultural heritage.
According to Gawilan, her victory marks the return of the Hiyas sa Kadayawan title to the Matigsalug tribe after a long hiatus. She said the entire community, not just herself, is happy about the win.
Other major titleholders were Maguindanaon representatives Bai Ayessa Mangansakan, named Hiyas sa Panaghiusa; and Marziyah Channa Abinal of the Meranaw, named the Hiyas sa Kalambuan title.
The Hiyas sa Kadayawan pageant features representatives from Davao City’s 11 cultural communities and celebrates the city’s diverse Indigenous and cultural heritage.
