HIYAS sa Kadayawan has become one of the most awaited part of the festival’s celebration wherein each of the 11 tribes are all represented in the pageant.

Davao City Tourism Office (CTO) head Generose Tecson said the Hiyas sa Kadayawan embodies the qualities of an indigenous woman in the modern age.

“The Hiyas represents her tribe but as the Hiyas ng Kadayawan, she symbolizes all the aspirations of the 11 tribes that they each be known for their own culture and traditions but united in their love for Davao,” Tecson said.

On, August 3, the 11 Hiyas candidates were presented before the media at Star Hotel, Mabini St., Davao City. The young Davao beauties aim to drumbeat their causes in advocating for peace and development, cultural preservation, campaign against tribe and religious discrimination, and local language class and literacy for the younger generation, among others.

The ladies likewise proved to be more than just beauty and glamour during the cultural presentation or talent competition last August 10. They wowed the crowd as they gracefully executed their respective tribal dances that gave the spectators a glimpse of their rich cultural heritage.

During The Coronation held at the Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC) Filoil Flying V Event Center, August 11, 2018, Nes-Ann Naraga, 22, of the Bangsa-Kagan bagged the title as Hiyas sa Kadayawan crown after she nailed her winning answer on the question: How will you describe a Hiyas sa Kadayawan?

“Bilang Hiyas sa Kadayawan is a great opportunity for us where we can show to them kung ano ang kayang ipagmalaki sa aming tribo. Laking pasalamat ko kung ako ang maging Hiyas ngayon, isa itong oportunidad sa akin na maipamahagi sa lahat na bilang isang Kagan ay [mapagmalaban], at kaya naming tulungan ang mga tribu or kristyano,” she said.

Meanwhile, Sittie Aisha Salim of the Bangsa-Maranao tribe was hailed as Hiyas ng Panaghiusa while the Hiyas ng Kalambuan title went to Karen Joy Dowing of the Bagobo-Klata tribe. Dowing also emerged winner for the Best in Cultural Presentation.

“The three Hiyas will be the ambassadresses of Davao City, just like the Mutya but they represent Davao's being a melting pot of cultures,” Tecson added.

The other candidates are Lovern Jorich Bio (Bagobo-Tagabawa), Monera Mande (Matigsalug), Hanna Agujitas (Obu Manuvu), Juhaira Omar (Iranun), Rahma Musa (Tausug), Chiary Balinan (Ata), Norjanah Sirad (Maguindanaon), and Sama Tata Dolina Ambo (Sama).

The new batch of winning Hiyas were able to wear the new crown with an elegant design featuring Davao City’s gems — the Waling-Waling or Vanda sanderiana.

The crowned Hiyas brought home P100,000 cash prize plus a P50,000 worth of support for the implementation of their project that they wish to push forward.