Indigenous communities celebrate Dayaw 2026
MANILA, Philippines – The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) gathered indigenous communities in Intramuros for the celebration of Dayaw 2026.
Dayaw, from the Ilocano word for "celebration" or "present and/or wear with pride," is the annual celebration of the Indigenous Peoples Month.
This year’s event started with a parade of the 41 participating communities that began at Plaza Roma, and marched along the walls of Intramuros, where they converged at the Foro de Intramuros, venue of the festivities.
The ceremonial opening program also featured eight Manlilikha ng Bayan awardees:
- MB Barbara Ofong
- MB Rosie Sula
- MB Estelita Bantilan
- MBSamporonia Madanlo
- MB Marife Ganahon
- MB Adelita Bagcal
- MB Bundos Fara
- MB Teofilo Garcia
Other schools of living traditions were also represented during the event. The theme of this year’s gathering is “Pagkamalikhain ng Katutubong Filipino: Pinagtibay ng mga Pagsubok, Umaalab ang Bagong Pag-asa.”
“The creativity of indigenous communities has been tested by time,” said Reden Ulo, chairman on the sub-committee on cultural communities and traditional arts.
Artists from the Pala’wan/Tagbanua, Waray/Abaknon, Mandaya, Maguindanao/Iranun, Teduray/Arumanen, and Tausug communities were among those who performed during the ceremonial program.
Visitors experienced the best of the arts, crafts, cuisine, and music from the participating communities.
