Mutya ng Dabaw 2026 Top 20 Candidates Officially Unveiled in Public Sashing Event
The highly anticipated top 20 candidates for the Mutya ng Dabaw 2026 beauty pageant have been officially unveiled to the public, marking the start of a new competition season. The official sashing and press conference took place on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Ayala Malls Abreeza in Davao City, drawing significant attention from local residents and media outlets.
Diverse Advocacy Platforms Take Center Stage
Each of the 20 Dabawenya candidates brings a unique and impactful advocacy to the competition, focusing on critical social issues. The candidates are eager to compete, armed with platforms that span healthcare, mental health awareness, environmental conservation, education, and women's empowerment. These advocacies reflect the candidates' personal experiences and professional backgrounds, highlighting their commitment to community service and social change.
Candidate Profiles and Their Advocacies
Mutya #1 Christine Bermudo: Representing Barangay Matina Crossing, Bermudo is an accountancy graduate and lawyer balancing motherhood. Her advocacy, the Batang May Boses program, aims to empower children through legal literacy.
Mutya #2 Khan Rosales: A working student and team leader from Barangay 16-A, Rosales champions mangrove reforestation and teaches environmental protection.
Mutya #3 Mealeah Wickert: A registered pharmacist from Barangay Bunawan Proper, Wickert advocates for Botika sa Bukid, providing preventive healthcare to far-flung communities.
Mutya #4 Geanelli Mencias: A second-year pharmacy student from Barangay Pampanga, Mencias focuses on mental health awareness to break stigma and promote accessible support for youth.
Mutya #5 Cerlyn Cabinet: From Barangay Maa, Cabinet founded a community organization at age 13 and was a TV anchor. Her Project Kaalam empowers communities through research-driven literacy.
Mutya #6 Joanna Ubas: An interdisciplinary studies student and athlete from Barangay Calinan, Ubas amplifies voices through engagement and digital storytelling.
Mutya #7 Angela Famador: Representing Barangay Lubogan, Famador has represented Davao internationally and advocates for women and youth empowerment through social media literacy.
Mutya #8 Robynn Lee: A Biomedical Engineering Technologist and former 2020 candidate from Barangay not specified, Lee advocates for women's reproductive health, inspired by her PCOS experience.
Mutya #9 Chessa Bendigo: A licensed professional teacher from Barangay Bago Aplaya, Bendigo promotes inclusive quality education for marginalized children with her advocacy, Edukasyon ang Hustisya Panlipunan.
Mutya #10 Nicole Fontillas: From Barangay Alfonso Angliongto Sr., Fontillas is a registered nurse and domestic abuse survivor advocating through Project Unbreakable, combining martial arts and safe spaces.
Mutya #11 Ashley Bitoy: A tourism management student from Barangay Catalunan Grande, Bitoy advocates for redefining beauty and promoting self-acceptance and empowerment.
Mutya #12 Zephaniah Seniel: Daughter of late journalist John Paul Seniel, this nursing student from Barangay Indangan advocates for health literacy in far-flung areas.
Mutya #13 Shaila Ylanan: A cum laude accountancy graduate and CPA from Barangay Cabantian, Ylanan promotes sustainable living through financial literacy and environmental protection.
Mutya #14 Brith Llanes: A writer and makeup artist from Barangay Tacunan, Llanes educates communities on women's health and reproductive issues.
Mutya #15 Mariah Cruz: From Barangay Maa, Cruz advocates for single mothers through EmpowerHer Davao, building confidence and income opportunities.
Mutya #16 Altaleah Juen: A customer service professional and former cabin crew from Barangay Talomo, Juen focuses on mental health awareness for married women through Quest Strength: She Matters Mind Project.
Mutya #17 Jahmelca To-Ong: A psychology student from Barangay Talomo, To-Ong promotes mental health accessibility programs for youth.
Mutya #18 Eanne Martinez: A scholar and professional host from Barangay Talomo Proper, Martinez advocates for Project Dunong, transforming education into engaging learning journals for children.
Mutya #19 Hannah Kolecheril: From Barangay Buhangin, Kolecheril advocates for victims of substance use disorder, emphasizing treatment over stigma.
Mutya #20 Laureana Santos: An entrepreneurship graduate and model from Barangay 76-A, Santos focuses on youth development, mental wellness, and confidence building.
Expanded Community Engagement and Event Details
Newly appointed Davao City Tourism Operations Office OIC Willenito P. Tormis emphasized efforts to bring Mutya ng Dabaw closer to the people. By holding the sashing and press conference in a mall rather than an exclusive venue, the event aimed to increase public accessibility and engagement. Tormis announced that preliminary and interview rounds will also be conducted in public spaces like malls, with candidates participating in more community service activities. Additionally, innovations in stage production are planned to enhance the pageant experience.
The top 20 candidates will proceed to their preliminary rounds on March 8, 2026, culminating in the coronation night on March 29, 2026. This expanded approach underscores the pageant's commitment to fostering community involvement and highlighting the candidates' advocacies on a broader platform.
