You may be wondering what I did last weekend? It was quite an extraordinary experience. I received an invitation to accompany a group of journalists from Davao City to report on the final two days of the Bulawan Festival in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro.
We departed from Davao City at 8 o’clock in the morning last Saturday. Upon our arrival, we promptly proceeded to the Jewelry Expo located on the second floor of the Capitol building. Our attention was immediately drawn to the Solidarity Ring. This impressive piece weighs 1.488 kilograms and is crafted from 18-karat two-toned gold, consisting of 1.18 kilograms of gold and 308 grams of pure silver. The ring was first unveiled in 2008 and serves as a symbol of the province’s historical unity, its rich cultural heritage, and its abundant natural resources.
Following this, we attended the Al’law ng Kalumonan, a day dedicated to honoring the contributions of the indigenous peoples of the province. The event was attended by representatives from the Mansaka, Kagan, Dibabawon, Manobo, and Mangguangan tribes. It was a particularly significant occasion as the province’s governor, Engr. Raul G. Mabanglo, was recognized as a member of the indigenous peoples’ group.
During the night, we witnessed the search for the Binibining Davao de Oro 2026. It was hosted by Joy Barcoma (Miss Philippine Earth 2025) and Kitt Cortez (Mister Eco Philippines 2025).
The panel of judges included Chelsea Fernandez, Daniel Matsugana, Dindi Pajares, Jayvee Lyn Lorejo, Jeric Gonzales, Jojo Bragais, Jonas Gaffud, Kirk Popiolek, Lars Pacheco, Myrna Esguerra, and Nico Borromeo. The event featured guest performances by actors Jerrick Monasterio and Enrique Gil.
Crowned Bb. Davao de Oro was Jan Marie Nazareon, the beautiful lass from Maco. Marielle Samantha Aldeano from Maragusan was named Bb. Kalamboan; Dionely Amistad from Mabini earned the title Bb. Kinaiyahan; Lady Joy Jongoy from Laak was recognized as the third runner-up; and Tehrose Trizsha Delos Reyes from Monkayo was awarded the fourth runner-up position.
The top winner received a cash prize of P100,000 along with 10 grams of 98.9% refined gold valued at P100,000. Bb. Kalamboan was awarded a cash prize of P70,000 and 30 grams of silver; Bb. Kinaiyahan received P50,000 and 25 grams of silver; the third runner-up was given P30,000 and 20 grams of silver; and the fourth runner-up was awarded P25,000 and 20 grams of silver.
If Saturday was exhilarating, Sunday was even more engaging. In the morning, we attended the 29th founding anniversary of Davao de Oro. The keynote speaker was Atty. Ma. Mercedes V. Dumagas, the Davao regional executive director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
“The Bulawan Festival is more than just a cultural event,” she said in her speech. “It is a symbol of our identity and a meaningful tribute to the province’s cultural heritage and its continuing pursuit of sustainable development.”
Atty. Dumagas hailed the local governments of the province which stood for the protection of the natural resources and its people. “Local government units play a crucial role in ensuring that mining laws, environmental safeguards, and responsible resource management practices are faithfully implemented on the ground,” she pointed out.
“The continued vigilance, cooperation, and leadership of our provincial and municipal governments are essential in protecting watersheds, preventing illegal mining, and ensuring that the benefits of mineral resources are shared equitably among communities.”
Governor Mabanglo even delivered a thought-provoking speech. Speaking in Bisaya, he reminded the people that over the past 28 years, Davao de Oro has faced numerous challenges.
“Yet, in every trial, our people have demonstrated courage, unity, and hope. Because of this, the development of our province continues. Thus, our celebration today is not merely a festivity of colors, dances, and culture, it is a testament to the strong support and love of the people of Davao de Oro.
“That is the true spirit of the Bulawan Festival,” he pronounced. “However, this gathering today is not just for the past. It serves as a reminder that we must look to the future with renewed hope. The future of our province cannot be measured by the abundance of gold in the mountains. The future of our province lies within its people.”
On a hot and bright Sunday afternoon, the intense heat of the sun did not deter the crowd from assembling at the Bulawan Festival Oval to observe the eagerly awaited Indak-Indak sa Bulawan competition, which featured participants from 11 municipalities.
Monkayo claimed victory, securing a cash prize of half a million pesos. The first runner-up was Compostela, which received 400,000 pesos, while the second runner-up, Maragusan, earned 300,000 pesos. The remaining eight competitors were awarded a consolation cash prize of 200,000 pesos each.
The title of Bulawan Queen was awarded to Maragusan, who placed first and received a cash prize of 20,000 pesos; Compostela, the first runner-up, received 15,000 pesos, and Maco, who placed third, was awarded 10,000 pesos.
In 2008, the Bulawan Festival was established to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the province’s founding. Since that time, it has been celebrated in the first week of March, culminating on March 8, which is the anniversary of the province’s establishment.
The celebration was formerly known as the Anibina Bulawanun Festival, or more succinctly, the Anibina Festival, which has been celebrated since the establishment of the province. The title is derived from the terms: ani, which signifies “harvest,” and bina, which denotes “gold veins.”
But on its tenth year, it was changed to Bulawan Festival.
