BY ALJAVE M. MONTEROLA/ DNSC Intern
THE MUTYA ng Dabaw Association reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its reach and strengthening community-driven advocacies, officials said during the P.E.P. Talk at SM Lanang Premier on April 17, 2026.
Joan Magtibay, Mutya ng Dabaw 1999 and an officer of the association, said the group is focused on widening its network by engaging more former titleholders in meaningful initiatives.
“We want to expand our reach, connect with more queens, and further strengthen our mission,” she said.
Currently, the association has 43 official members and maintains connections with around 300 Mutya ng Dabaw titleholders worldwide. Even those not formally affiliated with the group continue to extend support in various ways.
Association president Jeannette Hyderman, also known as Pag-asa ng Dabaw 1983, emphasized the importance of strengthening their fundraising efforts to sustain and expand their initiatives.
“We’re looking forward to our fundraising because it will allow us to carry out more activities. For now, most of our efforts come from our own pockets, and we’re grateful for those who continue to extend small forms of support,” she said.
Carrying the tagline “Queens with a Mission,” the association continues to lead programs centered on community service and social impact.
Among its key programs are international and environmental initiatives, including sending a delegation to Japan, also known as “SpoGomi” and the “Blue Santa” coastal clean-up drive, a project together with the Nippon Foundation.
As part of its upcoming initiatives, the association, together with Reyna ng Davao 2025 Chesca Montes and the LGBTQ Toril Community, will hold a free haircut outreach for seniors on April 26, 2026, at Bangkas Heights.
The activity is expected to benefit over 100 elderly residents, with around 15 volunteers providing services.
Despite their shared identity as former titleholders, members of the association continue to champion individual advocacies alongside their collective mission of uplifting communities.
