PUBLIC school teacher Christine Faith Gawilan, representing the Matigsalug tribe, was crowned Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2026.
Her win brings the coveted title back to the Matigsalug community after a hiatus of 13 long years since 2013.
Following her victory, Gawilan said she will push for her primary advocacy of creating detailed cultural documentations focusing on Matigsalug traditions, heritage, and tutorials to capture the knowledge of tribal elders and store it for future generations.
“Akong unang buhaton karon as a teacher, akoa gyud i-implement ang akong advocacy dili lang sa akong mga estudyante, kundi pati sa akong kauban nga mga Indigenous People and as well as Moro,” she said during the post-pageant interview on Aug. 13.
“Mag-highlight pod mi sa among cultural video project, nga about sa documentation. So, i-document namo ang among mga cultures and traditions para nga naa gyuy access ang musunod sa amoa, dili na sila maglilisod pangita og kanang mga resources para ma-explain nila og maayo kung unsa gyud ang among kultura,” Gawilan added.
Gawilan expressed immense gratitude and joy, noting that her triumph belongs not to her alone, but to the entire Matigsalug community.
“I carry my identity as a Matigsalug. Kay kami tanan hawod man gyud ang 11 ka ethnolinguistic groups, pero sa akong sarili, akua gyung gidala-dala ang akong identity as a Matigsalug,” Gawilan shared.
Beyond educational projects, Gawilan committed to working directly with local leadership to protect ancestral domain rights.
She emphasized plans to collaborate closely with tribal elders, the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR), deputy mayors, and local government units (LGUs) to strengthen the implementation of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA).
Addressing how she plans to handle her responsibilities, Gawilan affirmed her commitment to her public school teaching role while working closely with city tourism officials to carry out her duties as the new cultural ambassador.
When asked about her plans for the cash prize awarded to the winner, she shared her intention to consult with tribal leaders to direct a portion of the funds toward initiatives that directly benefit her local community.
“You shouldn’t wait until you hold a crown to take action. Even before having a title, you should already be doing something for your community,” Gawilan urged aspiring young indigenous peoples.
Matigsalug deputy mayor Carlito A. Guinto Jr. told TIMES he pledged full support for the Hiyas to help execute her upcoming programs and initiatives.
Addressing the challenges facing the indigenous community today, the tribal leader highlighted the double-edged impact of modern technology on younger generations.
While acknowledging that unchecked technology risks diluting traditional practices, he emphasized its potential as a powerful tool for cultural promotion if used correctly.
“If we look at the disadvantages, technology can erode tradition and culture, but the advantage is that it can also be used to promote our heritage,” he stressed.
Gawilan also received Best in Community Project Video and the PLDT People’s Choice award.
Meanwhile, Bai Ayessa Mangansakan of Maguindanaon was crowned Hiyas sa Panaghiusa 2026 while Hiyas sa Kalambuan is Marziyah Channa Abinal of Meranaw.
Abinal received Smart People’s Choice Award, while Jamaica Prado of Kagan was awarded Best in Cultural Presentation.
