Indigenous Peoples Month

 Indigenous communities from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao celebrate Dayaw Festival 2026

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) gathered indigenous communities in Intramuros for the celebration of Dayaw 2026.

Dayaw, culled from the Ilocano word for ‘celebration’ or ‘present and/or wear with pride,’ is an annual celebration highlighting 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 the march 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

- MB Samporonia 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 truly been tested by time,” intoned 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 that performed during the ceremonial program.

Visitors to the event were afforded opportunities to experience the best of the arts, crafts, cuisine, and music from the psrticipating communities.